In "A Strangeness in My Mind," Orhan Pamuk explores the theme of honor and its relationship to violence. The narrative suggests that grand claims about honor often serve as a rationale for individuals to engage in lethal actions against others. This implies that the societal constructs of honor can obscure the underlying motives for conflict, creating a facade that allows individuals to justify their brutal actions.
Pamuk's perspective urges readers to reconsider how cultures can romanticize notions of honor, which may lead to detrimental consequences. It highlights the idea that what is often celebrated as noble or honorable can mask a profound moral contradiction, questioning the true cost of adhering to such beliefs.