Love versus Lust

Murakami uses the theme of love versus lust to explore the nature of Komura's character, and this theme is symbolized through some of the side characters. Moreover, this theme contributes to the plot development in this story. Regarding the use of symbolism to explore this theme, the two main symbols that reflect the way this theme is used are Shimao and Komura's wife. Shimao represents lust, because she engages in a spontaneous sexual endeavor with Komura near the end of the story. She is the only character who is able to bring Komura out of his depression, and she uses lust to do this. In contrast, Komura's wife represents love as her departure affects Komura in such a significant way.

This theme also explores the nature of Komura's character, in that it emphasizes the two major defining factors of Komura's personality and decision-making processes...