Do you think this book is for or against mediocrity? Does the sheep represent the ultimate potential of a human being or does it show that greatness only causes suffering? Is the sheep a good force, an evil one, or neither?
I don't think the book really takes a side on mediocrity. It just relays it the way it is. Same goes for the sheep. It’s just there to drive the character to do things even if those things don't have a clear concise point.
This is a tough one, but I have to agree with Olivia. I don't know quite how to answer why there isn't a point, but I don't see anything that takes a side on mediocrity. Maybe the book makes point about other things, and Murakami didn't feel the need to make a point about mediocrity?
I think the point is that mediocrity can be a point in itself. I think sometimes that being just normal and humble can speak a thousand words verses someone that draws attention. Media is constantly saying that a great character is one with many interesting components, and Murakami is telling us otherwise.
I'm a little confused on the sides because I think he uses mediocrity to relate to readers better. Also it might just be Murakami's style to include mediocrity in his main characters.
I don't think this book is for or against mediocrity. I think it is just telling the story of a man and his journey. I believe that the sheep represents potential and I don't think the sheep itself is supposed to be evil or good...just there. I feel like this is one of those books that tends to get way overanalyzed. Maybe this is just supposed to be the story of a man's journey through life...
I like Irini's point of Murakami's use of mediocrity to relate to the reader. Honestly, who can't relate to mediocrity in one way or another? I really don't think there's any statement about mediocrity.
Honestly, I think we are all mediocre in our own ways. We try to deem ourselves special all the time but in reality we're all a bit the same... Not to say specializing ourselves is wrong or anything, but we're shocked that the main character doesn't try to do that.
I think that Murakami is simply saying that mediocrity exists and that's okay. You don't have to be the best at something or the most successful, just yourself.
I don't think the book really takes a side on mediocrity. It just relays it the way it is.
ReplyDeleteSame goes for the sheep. It’s just there to drive the character to do things even if those things don't have a clear concise point.
But doesn't a book have to make a point? Otherwise....what's the point?
ReplyDelete...to be creative...? To tell people things don't need to have a point?
ReplyDeleteBut don't you feel like Murakami is trying to make a point? I mean, you don't think this is just a mindless adventure, do you?
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one, but I have to agree with Olivia. I don't know quite how to answer why there isn't a point, but I don't see anything that takes a side on mediocrity. Maybe the book makes point about other things, and Murakami didn't feel the need to make a point about mediocrity?
ReplyDeleteI think the point is that mediocrity can be a point in itself. I think sometimes that being just normal and humble can speak a thousand words verses someone that draws attention. Media is constantly saying that a great character is one with many interesting components, and Murakami is telling us otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little confused on the sides because I think he uses mediocrity to relate to readers better. Also it might just be Murakami's style to include mediocrity in his main characters.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this book is for or against mediocrity. I think it is just telling the story of a man and his journey. I believe that the sheep represents potential and I don't think the sheep itself is supposed to be evil or good...just there. I feel like this is one of those books that tends to get way overanalyzed. Maybe this is just supposed to be the story of a man's journey through life...
ReplyDeleteI like Irini's point of Murakami's use of mediocrity to relate to the reader. Honestly, who can't relate to mediocrity in one way or another? I really don't think there's any statement about mediocrity.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think we are all mediocre in our own ways. We try to deem ourselves special all the time but in reality we're all a bit the same... Not to say specializing ourselves is wrong or anything, but we're shocked that the main character doesn't try to do that.
ReplyDeleteSo are you suggesting that the main character is more modest than lazy?
ReplyDeleteI think that Murakami is simply saying that mediocrity exists and that's okay. You don't have to be the best at something or the most successful, just yourself.
ReplyDeleteI do think that the main character is more modest, but he is still a little lazy. He has a good life, he just doesn't strive to improve it.
ReplyDelete