The Dark and Dry Well: Hidden Psychotic Disorders in Murakami Haruki’s Novel
K@ta December 18, 2023 Zhafira Kania Riveria, Antonius R. Pujo Purnomo
The personal secrets of humans are like a deep, dark well. In Haruki Murakami's novel *The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle*, the protagonist Toru Okada embarks on a subconscious journey where memories connect with ancient thoughts, strange illusions appear, and unheard voices manifest, symptoms resembling schizophrenia. The research argues that identifying this syndrome is challenging because affected individuals become detached from 'true reality.' A more structured approach is needed to facilitate their reintegration; mythology, as a collectively recognized narrative, can help those trapped in fantastical worlds communicate and connect with those in 'true reality.'