Throughout
the beginning of this novel, the cat is a prominent detail; however, as the
storyline continues, we start thinking that the cat might be more than just an
animal. Once we are revealed Kumiko’s childhood, the cat becomes a symbol. One
where Kumiko finally has what she wants, so one can assert that this cat is
(possibly) a symbol of independence for her. Having the cat is essential for
her because it is something that she wants, and since as a child she was
neglected and was not allowed to have what she wants, having this cat allows
her to feel important. This also allows us readers to understand why Kumiko was
so keen on finding this cat, since the beginning of The Wind-Up Bird
Chronicle.
Well Kumiko also rebelled against her parents by marrying Toru - and then they got the cat when they moved in together as newly weds. Because she was already distancing herself from Toru when the cat disappeared I think it is more likely a symbol of the closeness and security she found in her marriage (very different from her family). The cat's disappearance is an ominous symbol of what is lost.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the relationship with the cat and Toru is a special one, since the cat comes back to him in book 2, and their special "bond" might represent what Toru lacked with Kumiko, since they were so distant and lost their connection... His relationship with the cat also comforts him in his own loneliness, since his cat is dependent on him and it makes him feels somewhat important and needed...
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