In Kafka on the Shore, talking cats are symbols for the existence of a parallel world. After his childhood coma, Nakata finds he has become a shell of a person, suffering cognitive impairment and losing most of his desires. However, he gains the...
Oshima is a librarian in his early 20s who works at Komura Memorial Library and grows close with Kafka. Oshima is generous to Kafka, and helps him out along the way, from helping him stay at the library to eventually allowing him to live in his...
The boy named Crow is Kafka's alter ego and seems to exist in a metaphysical state. He guides Kafka throughout the story, both taunting and motivating him. Crow leaves Kafka toward the end of the story when Kafka faces his fears deep in the...
Kafka on the Shore study guide contains a biography of Haruki Murakami, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
