Why does the protagonist remain unnamed? What does this say about his character?

Compare the protagonist's feelings toward Sonoko to his feelings toward the male characters he is attracted to.

How might the story be different if the protagonist had decided to marry Sonoko?

The story ends without a clear resolution. Why does the author choose to end the novel this way?

Why does the protagonist so often yearn for death?

Is the protagonist in control of his own life? Why or why not?

Are the protagonist's urges "natural?" Why or why not?

In what way does the war-time setting contribute the tone of the story?

What is the relationship between the narrator and the protagonist (his past self)?