Essay Questions

Why is Toru sexually unsatisfied with his wife?

Toru's mind is manipulated by the female spirits who use him sexually. Whenever Toru has sex with his wife, he is not satisfied because he compares her with the numerous female spirits he has sex with. For instance, when his wife asks Toru to look for the lost cat behind the house, Koru meets a young sexy girl with whom he instantly falls in love. After a short while, this beautiful girl vanishes because she is a spirit. The author also hints the spirits are manipulating Toru to have sex with older women. Subsequently, Toru's sexual dissatisfaction is due to the effects of female spirits in his life.

What does the erotic telephone call received by Toru represent?

As Toru relaxes beside the pool, he receives a sexy phony call from a strange woman who is masturbating. The phone call continues until the unknown woman organisms, and this disturbs Toru. Therefore, the sexy phone call epitomizes the torment Toru is going through. Throughout his life, Toru's life is invaded by the female spirits who demand sexual satisfaction. Thus, the reader concludes that Toru represents men who women sexually abuse.

What is the irony of Toru’s wife?

Toru's wife acts as a faithful woman because she does not show any sign of infidelity. Ironically, she has a boyfriend who satisfies her sexually. Toru suspects that his wife is cheating when she returns home with a new perfume bought to her by the boyfriend. Since the female spirits invade Toru, he does not satisfy his wife sexually. However, she is not justified to cheat on him if she insists that she is his wife.