1. While it is heavily known that Murakami has a lot of respect and admiration for Western authors, specifically American authors, why do you think he switch and would put so much emphasis on French and German literature in Norwegian Wood? Does this shift from American focus to a European focus make you doubt the validity of this proposed claim and think that it's coincidental?
2. The proposed theme in Norwegian Wood is that France is symbolic of death while Germany is symbolic of life, why do you think France and Germany were assigned these roles? Do you think it's based on a historical context, literary context, or something else pertaining to their cultures?
3. If Naoko prefers aspects French culture, why would she have a large interest in The Beatles, an English band? It is true that the song "Michelle" contains French in the lyrics, but "Norwegian Wood," does not, so why would there be more of a focus on "Norwegian Wood" if it doesn't contain French aspects?
4. There are often references to Nazi Germany in Norwegian Wood, Watanabe's roommate is nicknamed "Storm Trooper" and Midori sometimes calls people or actions "fascist", do you think these character traits tie in with the French and German theme?, as stories about "Storm Trooper" always brought people joy and laughs instead of sadness and depression, and Midori is associated with German aspects as she took German and rejected learning French after graduating high school.
5. Have you reconsidered any plans on whether you'd travel to France or Germany in the near future based on this reading?
-David Barnes
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