Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

“Mu” is a Japanese word that the narrator translates as “no thing.” The term is used when a questions cannot be answered with a simple yes/no response. The term is significant in highlighting a refusal to concretize issues in terms of dualistic logic. As such, it offers insight into the practice of Quality as the narrator describes it. The narrator also mentions that “mu” responses can often be more useful that yes/no responses because they allow individuals to take a step back from the situation and reevaluate, broaden preconceived systems, and accommodate different interpretations of reality.

Chris repeatedly complains about stomachaches throughout the trip. The narrator reveals that these stomachaches have been happening for some time, and that they have no physiological basis. The stomachaches have actually been diagnosed as an early indicator of mental illness. Though Chris is unaware of their significance, the narrator fears that these symptoms mean that Chris will also succumb to mental illness in the future. These symptoms also highlight the ominous presence of Phaedrus for the narrator. He wonders if Phaedrus is reemerging and calling out to Chris.

The narrator has recurring nightmares that feature this overwhelming symbol. In the nightmares, the glass door separates the narrator from Chris and the rest of his family. His family urges the narrator to open the door, but he refuses. Though a nightmare, the episodes are likely linked to an episode that took place during Phaedrus’ hospitalization. The failure, or unwillingness, to open the glass door and reunite with his family represents the barrier set up by his split personalities between him and his family.