Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay 
What role does memory play in Haruki Murakami’s “A Walk to Kobe?” And what are his feelings towards his hometown?
Sample Answer
In Haruki Murakami’s “A Walk to Kobe,” memory plays a significant role in shaping the narrator’s perception of his hometown and evoking complex emotions tied to his past. Through specific passages, it is evident that memory acts as a lens through which the narrator navigates his relationship with Kobe, ultimately revealing both his deep attachment and a sense of alienation.
One of the ways memory influences the narrator’s perspective is by highlighting the changes that have occurred in Kobe over time. Murakami writes, “I can’t get used to seeing the city so different from the Kobe in my memory” (Murakami). This statement reveals the dissonance between the narrator’s nostalgic recollections of his hometown and the reality he encounters during his walk. Memory serves as a reference point, emphasizing the passage of time and the inevitable transformations experienced by cities and their inhabitants.
Moreover, memory triggers a range of emotions within the narrator. He experiences a sense of longing for the past, as seen in the passage where he reminisces about a specific street: “This street is unchanged, exactly as it was when I was a child… I feel a strange mixture of regret and joy” (Murakami). Here, memory reconnects the narrator with his childhood and elicits bittersweet emotions. While he cherishes the familiarity and continuity, there is also a tinge of sadness knowing that time has passed and things have inevitably changed.
Additionally, memory allows the narrator to reconstruct scenes from his past within the present moment. As he walks through Kobe, he vividly recalls the details of various incidents, such as a car accident or a conversation with an old friend. These memories offer glimpses into his personal history and provide him with a deeper sense of connection to his hometown.
Despite these sentimental attachments, there is an underlying feeling of detachment and isolation that Murakami conveys. The narrator states, “I feel as if I’m walking through someone else’s town” (Murakami). This sentiment suggests a sense of estrangement from the place he once called home. It implies that his memories, while serving as a source of comfort and familiarity, also accentuate the distance between his current self and the version of himself associated with Kobe.
In conclusion, memory plays a significant role in Haruki Murakami’s “A Walk to Kobe.” It serves as a lens through which the narrator perceives his hometown, triggering a range of emotions and highlighting the changes that have occurred over time. While memory provides a sense of connection and nostalgia, it also evokes a feeling of detachment and alienation. Through these complex emotions, Murakami portrays the narrator’s intricate relationship with Kobe, showcasing the profound impact memory can have on one’s perception of place and personal history.
