A Kidney Shaped Stone Theme

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Throughout all of Murakami’s short stories, loneliness appears as a central theme. Whether it’s Junpei from “A Kidney Shaped Stone”, Mizuki from “The Shinagawa Monkey”, or Tony from “Tony Takitani” all of these characters are haunted by the loneliness they feel. Each character searches for closure and insight into their odd emptiness, but the journey to uncovering these answers aren’t easy. I find it interesting that Murakami repeats this theme, but I believe its importance to the development of each story is crucial. The feeling of loneliness can reveal the best and worst of a person. We as humans strive to fit into a group where we can be accepted and surrounded by people we get along with. Quality family time also strengthens our souls and helps us to build better relationships with the people around us. In “Tony Takitani”, Tony lacks both of these important stepping stones and, as a result, has the seed of loneliness planted deep within his heart. His father’s neglect to be home and his inability to make friends due to his name force him to act as a recluse in his childhood. However, Tony isn’t discouraged …show more content…

Usually, if a person is lonely it is because they are/were denied the presence of love at some point in their life. Loneliness could also be the result of the loss of love; death being the main culprit. Tony comes face to face with loneliness after his wife and his father die. His world is turned upside down and he is forced to get rid of every belonging either of them owned so that he may get away from the pain. After he does, however, he discovers it is the loneliest he’s ever felt. “Slumping against the wall, he folded his arms and closed his eyes. Loneliness seeped into him once again, like a lukewarm broth… Once the records had disappeared from his house, Tony Takitani was really alone.” Love is both the happiest and saddest feeling. The lack of love to someone who is already alone is a calling for

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