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Melancholy Quote by Haruki Murakami

“Whenever she was asked to play something, this piece was the one she most often chose. “Le mal du pays.” The groundless sadness called forth in a person’s heart by a pastoral landscape. Homesickness. Melancholy. As he lightly shut his eyes and gave himself up to the music, Tsukuru felt his chest…” quote by Haruki Murakami
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““Whenever she was asked to play something, this piece was the one she most often chose. “Le mal du pays.” The groundless sadness called forth in a person’s heart by a pastoral landscape. Homesickness. Melancholy. As he lightly shut his eyes and gave himself up to the music, Tsukuru felt his chest tighten with a disconsolate, stifling feeling, as if, before he’d realized it, he’d swallowed a hard lump of cloud.””

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

Source Novel: “Kafka on the Shore” by Haruki Murakami, 2002

A piece of music evokes deep, unrooted sadness and longing for home, causing a physical tightening in the chest.

In simple terms: Music triggers homesickness and melancholy.

Key Takeaway

Allow feelings to surface without judgment.

Themes

homesickness melancholy music emotion longing

Mood

reflective poignant

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • listening to music
  • travel
  • personal reflection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

nostalgia psychology artistic expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • What triggers your own sense of homesickness?
  • How does music help you process deep emotions?
A Different Perspective

The description may romanticize suffering, overlooking coping strategies.

2.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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