Something I’ve enjoyed while reading these detective novels and Murakami’s short stories is how they place the reader in a similar position as the protagonist. Perhaps Marlowe in The Long Goodbye isn’t as relatable as Murakami's characters, but in each narrative the reader is required to examine each observation, event, and/or clue at almost the same instance as the narrator. This allows us to construct their world at the same pace and manner as the narrator. For example, in “Where I’m Likely to Find It,” from the very start, both Boku and the reader are given the brief by the client (wife). The dialogue between Boku and the wife is interrupted by Boku's note taking, offering both Boku and the reader space to digest each piece of information concurrently. Marlowe’s character is a bit different as I felt there was still much information unknown about him to the reader. When Marlowe is with Mrs. Wade and Mr. Spencer, I didn’t expect for Marlowe to question her with untruthful facts like the wire fence by the reservoir (312). Murakami’s characters feel more transparent and approachable to the reader, often exhibiting ordinary or relateable characteristics that the reader may more likely see in themselves. They also tend to have methodological approaches, like having routines of checking the stairwell in “Where I’m Likely to Find It” and running laps and cooking/cleaning in A Wild Sheep Chase. These behaviors establish a sense of security and trust in the reader, making them feel like they are right alongside them participating in these routines. Given how short both “Stockings” and “South Bay Strut” were, I did not really form a relationship with the protagonists as they behaved in more unpredictable ways.
Shi Shi
No comments:
Post a Comment