Simmel and Murakami: death as a central thread running through the novel Tokio Blues

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the novel Tokio Blues (Norwegian Wood) by Haruki Murakami taking in consideration Georg Simmels and Macedonio Fernández theoretical contributions: death as a topic in particular -as a configurating principle of life- and art, music specifically. The suggested approach is to consider death tied to life, not as a contrast, to leave aside interpretations that consider birth and death as two points in a timeline. Furthermore, art (taking into consideration the multiple songs that are mentioned through the novel) is addressed as a life enabler, a conscious escape to avoid death. As a significant timeless matter, art allows life to elevate authentically and above itself, and to the “I”, to be beyond life experiences. It also relieves existence, so we do not settle in life.