The Impact of Social Alienation toward the Main Characters’ Action in Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore

Abstract

This study examines the social alienation experienced by the characters Kafka Tamura and Nakata in Haruki Murakami's novel Kafka on the Shore, using Melvin Seeman's theory of social alienation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the forms of alienation experienced by both characters, which include alienation from themselves, other people, and society, as well as its influence on their actions in the story. This study uses a qualitative descriptive analysis with a close reading approach. The results show that social alienation affects the psychological development of both characters, who are isolated both physically and emotionally. Kafka struggles with his search for identity and his broken family relationships, while Nakata is alienated due to his communication limitations. This study concludes that although their alienation stems from external factors, both characters ultimately overcome it by accepting their fate and finding strength within themselves. This study contributes a new perspective on understanding alienation through Seeman's dimensions in the context of modern literature, as well as providing insight into how individuals overcome alienation through self-acceptance and responsibility.