• Why is it important to remember someone’s name?

2. Why do you think the monkey steals names?

• What does this tell us about his feelings and needs?

3. Have you ever felt like you were forgotten or invisible?

• How did that feel, and what did you do?

4. What do you think the monkey symbolizes?

5. How does the story show the theme of loneliness?

• What clues in the story show someone feels alone?

6. Is it possible to understand or forgive the monkey? Why or why not?

7. What message do you think the author wants us to learn from this story?

For me, knowing that the monkey had no name where the monkey stated “no name” when he was communicating with the human, it made me think that the monkey was trying to have something special or a value in order to be seen, because when the monkey stated that he only steals the name with the person he loves, with the term “love” it made me think that if the monkey thinks that the  women that he loves were special then it is possible that he started stealing a fragment of their names in order to have a part of their identity of that special someone in order to feel a sense of value or identity knowing that he was neither in the two worlds were a life of a monkey or a human, maybe with that fragment, he can be visible in either 1 of the worlds and have a sense of belonging or be accepted by others with that fragment from those who he thinks are special.

Have you ever been felt like you were forgotten or invisible?

In almost everyday of my life, I am a person who is somehow always forgotten because, just like the monkey in the story, it felt like I did not belong to any group or any part of other’s lives and was not good especially when it comes to communicating with others however, the more I felt that way the more I just accepted my life in that way such as a life where I will just choose on being alone and trying to improve my life rather than wasting my time or energy on trying my best to be seen by the people I want to be with but in all of this, I felt somewhat grateful to experience this kind of life because it made me care about what others feel and will try to help them in order to not go to the path where I have gone through.

I describe my name by being polite, respectful, artistic, and so on. My name comes from another country based on my parents. And it's important to remember our/someone's name, as in friendship it shows that you noticed when they introduced themselves and it helps them feel important to you, even if you haven't been together and seen each other for a long time.

What does the monkey symbolizes?

The monkey in Haruki Murakami's fiction typically represents a being in liminality, caught between the human and animal realms, symbolizing the uncanny and the breakdown of normalcy. It represents repressed desires and instincts, and serves as a trigger for characters to engage with their inner selves. The appearance of the monkey is often seen as a journey into the subconscious or a journey into a dreamlike, surreal world.

An identity crisis is a state of confusion in which a person's sense of identity becomes uncertain. During my childhood, I have always wondered what my role was in society. I wanted to be significant, someone notable, not to be ignored in the vast world. But as I got older, my world continuously stretched, and previously remarkable attributes of mine became less noteworthy. Thereupon, I pondered, of what value am I without something that separates me from others? On an uneventful day, I came across a philosophical question that asks, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Ironically, a question that has no definite answer was the one to solve my identity crisis. I realized that despite my insignificant efforts to achieve a remarkable status, a mark of my existence is guaranteed by the love of my kin, who granted me a name to be remembered. But I digress. My name holds an imperative value to me. It is part of my identity, who I am, and a label for other people's perceptions. However, the cruciality of a name lies beyond labels; it is deeply intertwined with people's sense of self, how they identify, and their sense of belongingness.

Why do you think the monkey steals names?

Isolation is a cruel torture, as creatures are born as social beings. Haruki Murakami's story, "Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey," focuses on a traveler and an odd monkey that acts like a human being. As evident in the story, the monkey is an anomaly that causes him to be ostracized by both humans and monkeys. Despite his struggles, he found a way to cope with loneliness through stealing names. Though unethical, his motivations for committing the act compel the readers to sympathize with him. Based on my interpretation of the story, the monkey steals the names of the women he loves to feel the warmth of having a sense of belongingness that he was deprived of. Thus, being alone for a large portion of his life rationalized his act of stealing names.

My name means a lot to me since every human has given names and each name makes a person different from each other, my name means so much to me because if wasn't because of it I wouldn't we able to be recognized by other people. Remembering someone's name is very important to make them feel like you really care about them.

Have you ever felt like you were forgotten or invisible?

I felt being invisible once when i was a kid, I never get to play with my friends since they have their favorite friends and I am just a back up one, I only get recgonized everytime they need something and be invicible once they get what they need. It felt really sad when i experienced this but what I did is I learned to spend my time alone, doing my favorite hobbies without anyone until I get used to it so that I can do things without the help of anyone.

A name is more than just a label, it's part of who we are. My name is not just a word it's something that shows my identity. It’s one of the first things I learned about myself. It was given to me by my parents, and it connects me to my family, my culture, and my personal story. Remembering someones name is important because it shows that you care about them. It makes people feel special and included. If you forget someone’s name, they might feel unimportant or ignored. Just like in the story, when someone forgets their name, it's like losing a part of who they are. That's why name matters, they remind us that we are seen, know and remembered.

• How does the story show the theme of loneliness?

The story Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey show the theme of loneliness through the monkey's action and feeling. The Monkey lives alone and feels different from others. He doesn't live with other monkeys or people. He wants love and friendship but doesn’t know how to get close to people in the right way. That’s why he steal names because names are personal, and it helps him feel connected, even if it’s not real. Also, the story talks about people who feel forgotten, like the women who forget their names. It shows how people, just like the monkey, can feel lonely inside, even if they don’t show it.

I believe that remembering someone’s name shows respect and recognition with others. If someone remembers my name, It makes me feel seen and valued. Our names may be just a word/s, but for me, it carries meaning and connection. It is one of the simplest ways we can show kindness and build deeper relationships with everyone.

3. Yes, I’ve definitely felt forgotten or invisible at times. For instances, whenever I worked hard on something and no one seemed to notice or when I was in a group but felt like my voice didn’t matter at all.

It made me feel small, like I didn’t belong. Yes, it hurts, but I always tried to remind myself of my own worth, and talk to someone I trusted the most. Sometimes, even just being heard by one person made a big difference.

2. Why do you think the monkey steals names? What does this tell us about his feelings and needs?

   • The monkey probably steals names to have something from the person he likes or loves, like if he can't have her for himself then he just steals a part of her which is not illegal or anything bad but just a little concerning since the women who had their names taken acts as it their crazy. Another point is that, The monkey also has desire and the feeling of wanting more or wanting a part of the person he likes or loves, like how people are to the person they love, the usually get something like an attitude, act, or routine, right? they unconsciously adapt or get that person's something.

     
     

   
   

Names aren't just bricks of sound or labels through which we know someone, but they are vessels containing our histories, roots, and even hopes. They tell something about identity and play a vital role in how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us. In Haruki Murakami's The Story of the Shinagawa Monkey, the loss of a name means much more than the loss of memory-it has the import of disconnection from oneself. In this story, forgetting names goes with losing a part of the self, which invariably leaves characters with feelings of detachment and alienation. When you remember a name, it goes beyond just recognition with acknowledging that this person has his own place and significance in life. It's a small act, though one whose meaning is indeed profound-he is seen, not just as a face in a crowd, but as someone with his life story. At this moment, when people can feel invisible, recognition helps even more. Remembering someone's name indicates to him or her that he or she is significant to you, that there is value beyond short-lived moments of interaction.

• how does the story show the theme of loneliness? what clues in the story show someone feels alone

In The Story of the Shinagawa Monkey, the author really takes us on an exploration that suggests that loneliness is an inner experience and not merely one that comes from being alone. The protagonist's painful feeling of separation from the world and the people surrounding him is accentuated by the dullness and repetition in his life. When he interacts with the monkey, he is forced to confront the unpleasant truth about who he is. Disconnection is symbolized by losing his name, where he feels a sense of being alienated not only from others but also within himself. The monkey's interference brings with it a clouding of clarity and serves to push him further into isolation. The form of loneliness that is being told here is not merely isolation in space and time, but the much more profound isolation of being unable to connect with someone else or even oneself. The narrative shows how loneliness is often caused by a sense of meaninglessness in life and an inability to establish genuine relationships.

What does your name mean to you?

My name is a core part of my identity. It connects me to my family, my culture, and my personal history. It’s more than just a label it is also a symbol of who I am and the values I try to embody. When someone uses my name, especially correctly and with intention, it feels like they see me as a person rather than just another face. It reminds me that I actually do matter and that I’m recognized.

What do you think the monkey symbolizes?

The Shinagawa monkey symbolizes the quietly desperate, often irrational, parts of ourselves that crave connection and recognition, even at the cost of others’ identities or autonomy. It’s a deeply human creature dressed in an absurd, surreal

form.

For me, my name means a lot. It represents my identity, my heritage, and the values that are important to me. It is a reflection of who I am and where I come from. And the name Roden came from my mother and father. When I was a kid, I was always asking my mother and father why they gave me this name until I realized now that they combined their names together to create something unique and special just for me. It is also important to remember someone's name because they become part of your life and identity. What if you and she/he meet again in the future and you can't remember their name? It would be embarrassing and show a lack of care or interest.

Have you ever felt like you were forgotten or invincible? How did you feel, and what did you do?

Yes, I already felt that I'm already forgotten, but it's the girl from grade 5. I already knew her for many years because of her sister and my cousin; they are best friends, and they are always going to my cousin's house just to spend time. We became close for 2 years. Until the pandemic hit, she and I didn't talk again; she had forgotten me and my name. If the pandemic hadn't hit, I think she and I would still be friends, spend time together, and she would know me, but now she has already forgotten me. And there's also a time I met her, and she was behind me buying something; I wanted to talk to her, but I didn't do it because I thought she would not respond. If I could wish, I would probably want to just spend time with her again and get back those memories, but if it didn't work, she would always have a special space in my heart and mind. I felt sad because she forgot me. The things I do are just to accept everything, even if it's hard to accept. But it's part of life; you and she/he will grow separately. And you need to accept it even it's hard to accept.

My father is a muslim and he named me "Khalil Ibrahim" meaning a "friend" or "companion" in Islam. I hated my name the same as how I hate my father. The meaning of my name and my personality acts like one. I describe myself as a good friend, polite and respectful. Also, it's important to remember the name who you encountered with, even if it's a stranger or a friend because they introduced themselves because they trust you.

What do you think the monkey symbolizes?

For me, the monkey symbolizes the lonely parts of a human being. We have this part in us that is strange and we chose to kept from an individual or to our family but now craves for attention but don't know how to ask for it.

I often view my name as a title or a label given to me, it displays my identity, heritage, culture, and my own history. Though I still ponder why this specific name was given to me I do not show any negative emotion when it comes to my name because I know that it is mine and it is special and unique like myself.

Why is it important to remember someone's name?

Remembering something is a sign of respect to someone easily forgetting something shows unimportance to something or someone but remembering our names shows how important we are to another person.

Have you ever felt like you were forgotten or invisible.

I'm sure that all of us have felt this one way or another and so have I. I have felt the feeling of being invisible when I was younger not being able to connect with any of my peers nor my own family, but that feeling never gave me a sense of loneliness I quite liked it the peacefulness of it. Knowing that everyone thought I couldn't do anything above average gave me a sense of reassurance, because if you never hope for anything you'll never be disappointed if a person gives you anything.

To me, my name is a label that identifies me as a person. It is a unique identifier given by my parents that distinguishes me from others. And I think it is important to remember someone’s name as it is a matter of respect and personal connection. When we remember someone’s name, it simply indicates that we appreciate their individuality, and it serves as a way for us to acknowledge their identity while also building relationships.

• Have you ever felt like you were forgotten and invisible? How did that feel and what did you do?

Yes, I have experienced being forgotten and invisible. When we were in the same class, my friends from junior high would constantly message me if they needed help with their schoolwork. However, because we are now attending different schools, we have lost touch with each other, and they even forgot my birthday. They didn't bother greeting me. I just felt sad because their birthdays were on my calendar, and I never forgot them. I just told myself that maybe they're just busy. But, it hurts since they only remember me when they need my assistance or require something from me. What I did was keep it to myself, and I learned to appreciate myself more by realizing that not everyone will treat you the same way you treat them. I also told myself that it's fine because I still have my family and other friends who value me as a person.

I often felt like I was forgotten or invisible, as if no one noticed or truly cared about my presence. It made me feel isolated and disconnected, so I started focusing more on myself, trying to find peace within and reach out to people who truly valued me.

5. How does the story show the theme of loneliness?

• What clues in the story show someone feels alone?

In "Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey" by Haruki Murakami, the theme of loneliness is evident through the protagonist's

feelings of isolation and disconnection from others. Clues such as the

monkey's detached perspective on human relationships and the protagonist's lack of meaningful connection highlight the profound sense of loneliness they both experience.

2. It is said in the story that the monkey steal names to satisfy his sexual desires. However, it makes me wonder why stealing names give him satisfaction, and I came to the conclusion that he does not have a name so there's nothing to prove his existence and that's what he longs for considering he is alone. Therefore, by stealing some of the existence of others, his desires are fulfilled. From this, I can say that the monkey just want to prove his existence.

5. The theme of loneliness in the story is shown through the monkey's struggle to fit in, especially after he is forced out of Shinagawa and feels like he doesn't belong. Raised by humans, he finds it difficult to communicate with other monkeys. His feelings of isolation are also deepened by his connection with woman, who he believes could offer him some understanding, but ultimately leaves him feeling even more alone. Despite his longing for connection and a sense of belonging, he remains disconnected from everyone around him.

•I think the monkey steals someone's name to make his feeling better. The line "I get completely engrossed in it, and somehow a part of the woman becomes a part of me.", shows that when he steal the name of the woman he love, the part of that woman becomes the part of him. Taking someone else's name, is his way to feel that he loves that person, as well as making the monkey feel whole as a person. Moreover, in this way he can overcome the loneliness he feels overtime, because he included the fragmented names of the women he loves and special to him.

How does the story show the theme of loneliness?

•The story about the confession of shinigawa monkey reveals that the story show the theme about loneliness, when the monkey says that "Nobody protected me. I had to scrounge for food and survive on my own." It gives me hint that the monkey is living on it's own without the help of other people. Moreover, the lines "But the worst part was the isolation—I couldn’t talk to monkeys or humans." and "I belonged nowhere, caught between two worlds. It was a lonely, harrowing existence.", reveals what was the shinigawa monkey is going throughout his life. The feeling of having two worlds, being monkey and human, but he feels like he doesn't belong nowhere, he thinks that his existence is full of hardships, struggles and pain.

Have you ever felt like you were forgotten or invisible?

In my everyday life, I think I would say yes, I really felt forgotten and invisible specially when I'm with my friends. I felt that I'm not belong with them and I've always felt like I'm just a ghost wandering through them, invisible to everyone around me. It's like my thoughts and feelings don't matter, and no one really sees me for who I am and it's made me feel like I'm not worthy of attention. I'm always a person who go silent and smile even though it hurts me wandering and asking my self if "am I really invisible? Or just no one cares about me?" Sometimes, it's like I'm just a background character in my own life, and everyone else is the main character. I've tried to reach out and connect with others, but it's hard when it feels like no one is really listening. It's a lonely feeling, like I'm just a whisper in a crowded room, easily drowned out by everyone else's voices. But as the days come I've learned to surround my self to the people who value, validate me and makes me feel special and important as I deserve.

Yes, mostly everyday. Like the shinigawa monkey, I feel like I don't belong anywhere. Having a feeling like this is like your on an island by yourself, having to survive on a cruel world. Like you have no one to rely on.

How did that feel, and what did you do?

It felt like your all alone and no one would be there for you. That you only have yourself to rely on. And the feeling that you need to change yourself just so you could fit in a group or a circle. But at the same time, it felt like peace, a peace that no one can disturb and that can help you grow independently and certainly, this made me stronger and it shaped who I am today. Ignoring the fact that it made me feel like I'm being forgotten, it helped me train myself to become more independent and not vulnerable.

6. What the monkey did was understandable, stealing name was his way of him being remember but forgiving him is another thing. What the monkey did is still wrong as it is still stealing from others

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My name is my own identity. It is something uniquely mine containing all of my qualities, my personality, and everything I like, everything I dislike. A name is not just a word or a codename for each individual, it describes who the person is, despite some cases wherein individuals sometimes have the same name as another individual. Each individual should know what their own name is, as it portraits all of the identities one have. On the other hand it is also important to know someone's name, as this shows that you know who they are and who the person really is.

Have you ever felt you were forgetten or invisible?

As a shy person, yes I have felt forgotten or invisible in many ways I can. I always feel like I don't really have a place in this world knowing that no one can fully understand who I am o who I was. Other than that, they can't even pronounce my name properly. Ever since I was in elementary, I've always felt so different to others. I've been bullied in elementary because of my vulnerability to words, been excluded in friend groups, been ignored by classmates, and even now, I felt abandoned by my old friends. It looked like I was always the one being left behind. Other than that, I also felt like I have forgotten myself. Because of all of the things I had experienced, I forced myself to change in ways that I hoped that I can be accepted, such as forcing myself to try various hobbies and personalities, to the point where I lost track of my original self. Even with all of the hobbies I tried, I mastered absolutely nothing, resulting the fact that I can do anything, yet I can never be great at something. This is just how I coped with the mentality that has been embedded in my head, that I don't have a natural place in this world. Though, even with this mindset, I am somehow training myself to think that I dont have to fit in.

2. The monkey's stealing of names serves as a metaphor for his profound isolation and lost identity. Name-stealing, to him, presents a odd avenue to fulfill an emotional emptiness for connection and recognition. In picking a name, he feels stripped of power and longs to exert control in what seems a marginalized world. Above all, this is a cry for help, laying bare an inner emotional void with hardly any need being satisfied.

For me, the monkey stands for the part of us that feels left out or lonely. Even though he’s not human, he feels the same things we do, like wanting to be loved and to belong somewhere. He also shows how people sometimes do wrong things just because they’re sad or alone. I think he represents how we all have a side that wants love, even if we don’t always go about it the right way.

What message do you think the author wants us to learn from this story?

I think the author wants us to see that everyone has feelings, even those who are different from us. The story shows how strong the feeling of loneliness can be, and how it can make people act in ways they don’t really want to. It also tells us that love is powerful, but it can hurt when it’s not shared. In the end, it reminded me how important it is to understand others or basically have emphaty.

My name is derived from parts of my parents' and grandparents' names. That's why it means a lot to me, which is why I will cherish their memory throughout my life. I find my name to be unusual compared to others, making it difficult for people to remember. While remembering someone's name may seem trivial, considering its significance on a deeper level reveals how valuable a person is to be remembered. Even though my name is kind of a weird name I'm still grateful that they gave me an identity to face this world.

Have you ever felt like you were forgotten or invisible?

Growing up apart from my parents is difficult for me, especially now that I am an adolescent who's not used to communicating with others, just my grandfather with whom I was not close either back then, that's why I find it hard to socialize, which results from being invisible from the sight of others. Although they assured me that I was not being forgotten or invisible, I still overthink that I'm trying hard to fit in even if I don't belong but I also appreciate them. I was also the one who was to blame if sometimes I felt invisible because I was the one who was distant from others. I just get used to it, but I think it's kind of a favor for me because I don't like attention from others, especially compliments.