Analysis of the Meaning and Function of the Modoru and Kaeru Verb in the Novel Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 70 views

Analysis of the Meaning and Function of the Modoru and Kaeru Verb in the Novel Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Introduction

In the novel "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami, two important verbs that appear are modoru (戻る) and kaeru (帰る). Although they have similar meanings, such as "return", they have different nuances and functions in the context of their usage. To understand the meaning of these two verbs, it is essential to conduct an analysis based on semantics, which studies the meaning of language.

Semantics: The Study of Meaning

Semantics, also known as imiron in Japanese, is a branch of linguistics (gengogaku) that focuses on the meaning of language. In the context of communication, language is used to convey meaning, and often we encounter words that are similar both in terms of sound and meaning, which in Japanese is referred to as Ruigo or synonym. In this thesis, the author delves deeper into the analysis of the verb modoru and kaeru and how both function in the novel "Norwegian Wood".

Analysis of the Modoru Verb

The verb modoru is used in the context to describe returning something to its original condition or location. For example, in the sentence: "こくばんに答えを書いた生徒が自分のせきへもどった" (students who write answers on the board back to their seats). In this example, Modoru emphasizes the more physical movement, where the student returns to the place he previously passed.

The use of Modoru is not limited to humans, but can also refer to animals and objects. This shows that this verb has a wider range than kaeru. The verb modoru can be used in various contexts, such as:

Returning to a place of origin
Returning to a previous state or condition
Returning to a familiar or comfortable environment

Analysis of the Kaeru Verb

On the other hand, the verb kaeru is more specifically used for humans and animals that move back to the place of origin or place they have. Examples of sentences that can be used as references are: “きょうは子どもの誕生日ですから、早く帰ります” (Karena hari ini adalah hari ulang tahun anak, saya akan pulang cepat). In this context, Kaeru shows the purpose of returning to a more intimate or personal place, namely home.

It should be noted that kaeru always requires the perpetrators, which means there are always subjects who do the action back. This shows that Kaeru is more focused on the relationship between the perpetrator and the destination.

Comparison and Conclusion

Based on the analysis, although these two verbs have the same meaning, they cannot replace each other carelessly. Both can be exchanged in a certain context, but with the consideration of the nuances of different meanings. Kaeru Cannot be used for inanimate objects, whereas Modoru can refer to animals and objects.

In the novel "Norwegian Wood", the author found that Modoru is more often used than Kaeru, indicating that the movement of returning physical and involving many entities becomes the focus of the story. Both of them provide different dimensions in describing the character experience in returning to their original place, both physically and emotionally.

The Significance of Modoru and Kaeru in Norwegian Wood

By understanding the meaning and function of Verba Modoru and Kaeru, the reader can better appreciate the complexity of the language used by Haruki Murakami in his work, as well as diving in the theme of travel and the return that is the core of the novel. The use of these verbs highlights the importance of movement and return in the novel, and how it relates to the characters' experiences and emotions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami has shown that these two verbs have different nuances and functions in the context of their usage. While they have similar meanings, they cannot replace each other carelessly. The use of these verbs highlights the importance of movement and return in the novel, and how it relates to the characters' experiences and emotions. By understanding the meaning and function of these verbs, the reader can gain a deeper appreciation of the novel and its themes.

Recommendations for Further Research

Based on the analysis, it is recommended that further research be conducted on the use of Modoru and Kaeru in other Japanese novels and texts. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the nuances and functions of these verbs in different contexts. Additionally, research on the use of these verbs in other languages and cultures would provide a more comparative understanding of the concept of return and movement in different linguistic and cultural contexts.

References

Murakami, H. (1987). Norwegian Wood. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Imiron. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imiron
Ruigo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruigo
Gengogaku. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gengogaku
Q&A: Analysis of the Modoru and Kaeru Verb in the Novel Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Q: What is the difference between the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood?

A: The Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood have similar meanings, such as "return", but they have different nuances and functions in the context of their usage. Modoru is used to describe returning something to its original condition or location, while Kaeru is more specifically used for humans and animals that move back to the place of origin or place they have.

Q: Can Modoru and Kaeru be used interchangeably?

A: No, Modoru and Kaeru cannot be used interchangeably. While they have similar meanings, they have different nuances and functions in the context of their usage. Modoru can be used in various contexts, such as returning to a place of origin, returning to a previous state or condition, or returning to a familiar or comfortable environment. Kaeru, on the other hand, is more focused on the relationship between the perpetrator and the destination.

Q: What is the significance of the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood?

A: The use of the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood highlights the importance of movement and return in the novel, and how it relates to the characters' experiences and emotions. By understanding the meaning and function of these verbs, the reader can gain a deeper appreciation of the novel and its themes.

Q: Can Modoru be used for inanimate objects?

A: Yes, Modoru can be used for inanimate objects. This shows that Modoru has a wider range than Kaeru, which is more specifically used for humans and animals.

Q: Can Kaeru be used for inanimate objects?

A: No, Kaeru cannot be used for inanimate objects. Kaeru is more focused on the relationship between the perpetrator and the destination, and is typically used for humans and animals.

Q: What is the relationship between the Modoru and Kaeru verb and the theme of travel and return in the novel Norwegian Wood?

A: The use of the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood highlights the importance of movement and return in the novel, and how it relates to the characters' experiences and emotions. The theme of travel and return is a central theme in the novel, and the use of these verbs adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Q: How does the use of the Modoru and Kaeru verb contribute to the overall meaning of the novel Norwegian Wood?

A: The use of the Modoru and Kaeru verb contributes to the overall meaning of the novel Norwegian Wood by highlighting the importance of movement and return in the novel, and how it relates to the characters' experiences and emotions. By understanding the meaning and function of these verbs, the reader can gain a deeper appreciation of the novel and its themes.

Q: What are some other Japanese novels and texts that use the Modoru and Kaeru verb?

A: There are many other Japanese novels and texts that use the Modoru and Kaeru verb. Some examples include:

"The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" by Haruki Murakami
"The Strange Library" by Haruki Murakami
"The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" by Haruki Murakami
"The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" by Yukio Mishima

Q: How can readers gain a deeper understanding of the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood?

A: Readers can gain a deeper understanding of the Modoru and Kaeru verb in the novel Norwegian Wood by:

Analyzing the context in which the verbs are used
Examining the nuances and functions of the verbs
Comparing the use of the verbs in different contexts
Considering the cultural and historical context in which the novel was written

Q: What are some other resources that readers can use to learn more about the Modoru and Kaeru verb?

A: There are many other resources that readers can use to learn more about the Modoru and Kaeru verb, including:

Japanese language textbooks and dictionaries
Online language resources and forums
Language learning apps and software
Academic articles and research papers on the topic of Japanese language and linguistics.