Midori’s Separation from Her Boyfriend

Norwegian Wood

This flow follows Midori’s dissatisfaction with a possessive relationship and her eventual decision to pursue Watanabe instead.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Constricting Romance A Constricting Romance from "Norwegian Wood". Different Expectations A boyfriend’s restrictions Midori says her boyfriend dislikes her questions, jokes, smoking, and clothing choices.

A Constricting Romance from "Norwegian Wood". Different Expectations A boyfriend’s restrictions Midori says her boyfriend dislikes her questions, jokes, smoking, and clothing choices.

Different Expectations A boyfriend’s restrictions Midori says her boyfriend dislikes her questions, jokes, smoking, and clothing choices. She experiences his expectations as attempts to control her. A contrast with Watanabe Watanabe does not demand that she become more conventional. Midori begins to value his willingness to let her speak freely.

The Nara Trip The Nara Trip from "Norwegian Wood". A Holiday Goes Wrong An attempt to reconnect Midori travels to Nara with her boyfriend, hoping for a break after months of caregiving.

The Nara Trip from "Norwegian Wood". A Holiday Goes Wrong An attempt to reconnect Midori travels to Nara with her boyfriend, hoping for a break after months of caregiving.

A Holiday Goes Wrong An attempt to reconnect Midori travels to Nara with her boyfriend, hoping for a break after months of caregiving. Her period begins unexpectedly, and the trip becomes tense. Disappointment confirmed They argue, and she returns without the closeness she hoped for. The trip strengthens her sense that their relationship does not accommodate her as she is.

Aomori Alone Aomori Alone from "Norwegian Wood". Traveling by Herself A different journey Midori travels north alone after the argument, visiting Aomori and other places.

Aomori Alone from "Norwegian Wood". Traveling by Herself A different journey Midori travels north alone after the argument, visiting Aomori and other places.

Traveling by Herself A different journey Midori travels north alone after the argument, visiting Aomori and other places. She spends the trip thinking that she would like Watanabe beside her. A preference becomes visible Her imagined companion is no longer simply a friend. She is beginning to recognize that her emotional attachment to Watanabe exceeds her feelings for her boyfriend.

The Decision to Break Up The Decision to Break Up from "Norwegian Wood". Midori Makes Her Choice A direct question Midori asks her boyfriend what she should do about her feelings for Watanabe.

The Decision to Break Up from "Norwegian Wood". Midori Makes Her Choice A direct question Midori asks her boyfriend what she should do about her feelings for Watanabe.

Midori Makes Her Choice A direct question Midori asks her boyfriend what she should do about her feelings for Watanabe. He tells her to stop seeing Watanabe or end their relationship. An immediate answer She breaks up with him. The decision is not presented as casual; it follows her recognition that being with Watanabe feels more right to her.

A Confession in the Rain A Confession in the Rain from "Norwegian Wood". A New Relationship Offered Love spoken plainly Midori tells Watanabe that she has chosen him and asks him to choose her in return.

A Confession in the Rain from "Norwegian Wood". A New Relationship Offered Love spoken plainly Midori tells Watanabe that she has chosen him and asks him to choose her in return.

A New Relationship Offered Love spoken plainly Midori tells Watanabe that she has chosen him and asks him to choose her in return. She offers no guarantee of an easy life, only her genuine presence. Watanabe hesitates He says he loves her but needs time to resolve his feelings about Naoko. Midori accepts the wait while making clear that she will not remain indefinitely an unseen possibility.

During Midori and Watanabe’s early meetings

After her father’s funeral

Immediately after the Nara trip

Before the rainy-season reunion in June 1970

June 1970