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I read Naoko's letter again and again, and each time I read it I would be filled with the same unbearable sadness I used to feel whenever Naoko stared into my eyes. I had no way to deal with it, no place I could take it to or hide it away. Like the wind passing over my body, it had neither shape nor weight, nor could I wrap myself in it.
Haruki Murakami
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the deep emotional impact of love and loss, evoking sadness that is both profound and inescapable.

In this quote, Haruki Murakami captures the essence of enduring love and the sorrow that accompanies it. The repetitive reading of Naoko's letter signifies an attempt to confront this emotional turmoil, while the metaphor of the wind illustrates how such feelings can be intangible yet overwhelming, leaving one feeling powerless to escape or contain them. This passage speaks to the complexities of human emotions, specifically the way love can intertwine with sadness in a manner that is both haunting and deeply felt.

Themes

LoveSadnessLossEmotionsHeartbreak

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a eulogy to express the deep sense of loss felt for a loved one.

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Quote by Haruki Murakami | QuoteProject