After Dark

Murakami emphasizes the changes Tokyo undergoes in the hours between the last train of the night and the first train of the evening. How are these changes reflected in the characters that inhabit nighttime Tokyo? How do these changes alter the characters that are more accustomed to daytime Tokyo?

The theme of surveillance is prevalent throughout After Dark; for example, through the Alphaville security camera, which links Shirakawa to the violent assault on Guo. What other elements of surveillance are present in After Dark? How do they contribute to the novel’s atmosphere and character development?

As Eri sleeps, she is watched by the mysterious Man with No Face. What is the purpose of the Man with No Face? Is he a metaphysical representation of Shirakawa, or does he symbolize something else?

Murakami is fond of using Western media to add ambiance to his stories or depth to the themes he explores. What are some examples of film, music, and/or art in After Dark? How do they help explore themes and give depth to the characters?

Violence, or the threat of violence, is an underlying theme of After Dark. What types of violence do characters experience? How does this motivate their actions?

Mari and Eri Asai grew up in very different circumstances. How do their parents’ and society’s expectations shape them as characters? Are they able to overcome these expectations? If so, how?

The novel’s subplot follows Eri Asai as she sleeps through the night. What is the significance of Eri’s slumber? What does the parallel world on the other side of the television screen signify?

Like Eri, Korogi wishes to escape from her life’s problems through sleep—but unlike Eri, Korogi is unable to do so. How does Korogi’s story parallel Eri’s? What insight does it give into what Eri might be trying to escape from?