You mean, if you knew me better, you'd force stuff on me like everybody else?Toru: It's possible," I said. "That's how people live in the real world: forcing stuff on each other.Midori: You wouldn't do that. I can tell. I'm an expert when it comes to forcing stuff and having stuff forced on you. You're just not that type. That's why I can relax with you. Do you have any idea how many people there are in the world who like to force stuff on people and have stuff forced on them? Tons! And then they make a big fuss, like, 'I forced her,' 'You forced me'! That's what they like. But I don't like it. I just do it 'cause I have to.
In the conversation between Toru and Midori from Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood," they explore the dynamics of personal relationships and social interactions. Toru suggests that people tend to impose their desires and expectations on one another, which is a common aspect of life. Midori counters that she can sense he isn't the type to engage in such behavior, indicating that she feels at ease around him. This contrast highlights the different ways people relate to each other in their interactions.
Midori expresses her expertise in the emotional tug-of-war of forcing and being forced. She reflects on the prevalence of individuals who thrive on these dynamics, often reveling in the drama that accompanies it. However, she makes it clear that she does not enjoy this aspect of human behavior, doing so only when necessary. This conversation reveals deeper themes of authenticity and the longing for genuine connections, free from the pressure of societal norms and expectations.
