In Haruki Murakami's "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World," the narrator reflects on the screws and their newfound freedom. He wonders if they feel joy being released from the constraints of the eggbeater, appreciating their independence as they rest on pristine trays. This contemplation reveals a sense of empathy towards inanimate objects, hinting at the desire for liberation and the simple pleasures that come with it.

The narrator's thoughts on the screws symbolize a broader theme of freedom and contentment. Observing their happiness prompts a deeper inquiry into what it means to be free and the joy that can come from independence. The screws' tranquility serves as a reminder of the happiness found in being unburdened, inviting the reader to consider their own experiences of liberty and fulfillment.