The complex labyrinths of the mind, in the work Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Muraka.

Abstract

This article analyzes Haruki Murakami’s novel Kafka on the Shore as a symbolic journey through the labyrinths of the human mind and the subconscious. Through a critical reading, the author examines the initiatory journey of Kafka Tamura, an adolescent who runs away from home in order to confront a dark prophecy and search for his own identity. The study highlights the constant oscillation between reality and imagination, dream and wakefulness, as well as the presence of oneiric, surreal, and fantastic elements that create an atmosphere of estrangement. It also examines the characters who accompany the protagonist—such as Nakata, Ôshima, and Miss Saeki—and their symbolic roles within the narrative, linked to themes such as solitude, lack of communication, memory, sexuality, and violence. The article emphasizes the influence of diverse cultural traditions, ranging from the Oedipus myth and Western classical literature to Japanese narrative and surrealism, as well as the relevance of historical references such as World War II. Ultimately, the study argues that the novel offers a profound reflection on the construction of identity in contemporary society, portraying the individual as a solitary being who must confront inner fears in order to achieve maturity.