What are the motifs in A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami?

A defiance of authority is a recurring idea that runs through the entire novel. The main character on several occasions shows a determination to defy those he deems to be above him in terms of social standing. His attitude during the conversations with the secretary, where the main character tells the secretary he thinks the secretary is insane, and the main character does not fear the threatened consequences are clear examples of such defiance. Additionally, asking the secretary to care for the cat shows the main character's disrespect for this authoritative figure. In his hometown, his disinterested comments to the guard who accuse him of littering show this defiance of authority.