Intertextuality and Morality between Chandler and Murakami

 

    As we think about intertextuality and how Raymond Chandler has influenced Murakami's work, I find it most evident in each protagonist's moral code and how it contradicts that of modern society. In Murakami's work, Boku is talking to the chauffeur when he says, "Don't you see any contradiction between being a Christian and being the chauffeur for a major right-wing figure?" (149). Marlowe also gives a harsh critique of society when he says to Bernie, "We don't have mobs and crime syndicates and goon squads because we have crooked politicians and their stooges in the City Hall and legislatures." He then follows this with, "Cops are like a doctor that gives you aspirin for a brain tumor" (352). Both Boku and Marlowe highlight the hypocrisy often found in Westernized countries in which morality is preached one way in church and in government, but then many people and politicians reject those morals in favor of corrupt systems that benefit themselves. I think this is why both protagonists oppose the systems in place despite the consequences that may follow. For example, Marlow wanted Mrs. Wade's confession publicized to clear Terry's name and offer the truth, despite the repercussions that may, and did, follow. Similarly, Boku at first declined the job tasked to him to work for this major right-wing figure even though his job and livelihood were at stake. Both characters held their moral codes so close that they seemed indifferent to the threats that came their way. 

Corrina