EXPLORING THEMES AND NARRATIVE STRATEGY IN "AN ARTIST OF THE FLOATING WORLD"

WORKSHEET-4: EXPLORING THEMES AND NARRATIVE STRATEGY IN "AN ARTIST OF THE FLOATING WORLD" 

Objective:

Worksheet: 

1. Understanding: 

a) What is the central theme discussed in the excerpt?

Memory, Self-Perception, and Self-Deception: The protagonist, Masuji Ono, looks back on his life and sets down his recollections. His narrative becomes distorted by self-deception as he attempts to hide from his conflicted feelings and knowledge of his own culpability.

The Relevance of the Artist: Ono’s deepest desire is to be an acclaimed, significant artist. His understanding of the world and art’s role in it is unsophisticated.

Family Reputation, Family Secrets, and Familial Loss: Family reputation and prestige, and shameful family secrets, may be more important than Ono’s individual reputation to the events that play out in the novel.

Intergenerational Conflict: The novel portrays a society that instills the importance of respect and obedience towards elders in the young, but is, nevertheless, defined by intergenerational conflict and distrust.

b) Who is the protagonist of the novel, and what is his desire regarding his art?

The protagonist of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel “An Artist of the Floating World” is Masuji Ono. He is a retired artist who looks back on his life and career with a mix of pride and regret.

Regarding his art, Ono’s deepest desire is to be an acclaimed, significant artist. He believes in the power of art to influence society and make a difference. However, his understanding of the world and art’s role in it is unsophisticated. He struggles with the consequences of his work, particularly its impact during the war, and this forms a significant part of his narrative. His journey towards understanding his past and coming to terms with it forms the crux of the novel.

2. Applying: 

a) How does Masuji Ono's shift in perspective reflect broader societal changes in post-war Japan?

Masuji Ono, the protagonist of “An Artist of the Floating World”, undergoes a significant shift in perspective throughout the novel, which mirrors the broader societal changes in post-war Japan.

In the aftermath of World War II, Ono reflects on his life and career as an artist. He notices how his once-great reputation has faltered since the war and how attitudes towards him and his paintings have changed. This change in Ono’s status reflects the societal shift in Japan following the war, where nationalist ideas were discredited, and the country was forced to confront its actions during the war.

Ono’s journey of self-reflection and acceptance of his past actions mirrors Japan’s journey of coming to terms with its role in the war. His struggle with the consequences of his work, particularly its impact during the war, symbolizes the nation’s struggle with its past.

Moreover, Ono’s story explores the generational differences between him and his children, reflecting the societal changes in post-war Japan. The younger generation, represented by his children, is critical of the older generation’s actions during the war and desires to move away from old traditions. This intergenerational conflict represents the tension between traditional values and the desire for progress and change in post-war Japan.

b) Can you provide examples of how nationalism influences the protagonist's actions in the novel?

Nationalism significantly influences the actions of Masuji Ono, the protagonist in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “An Artist of the Floating World”. Here are some examples:

1. Nationalist Propaganda Artist: Ono becomes a propaganda artist, knowingly or unknowingly. His artworks were powerful enough to provoke the young minds, soldiers, and common people to appreciate the need for war. He was very proud of his influence as an artist, which he later realizes was for a mistaken ideology of nationalism.

2. Prominence as a Nationalist Painter: Ono rises to prominence as a nationalist painter in his city. A cohort of younger artists consider him their teacher, and he wins prestigious awards. However, after Japan’s defeat in the war, the culture of militant nationalism is reviled, and prominent nationalist artists, including Ono, face a decline in their reputation.

3. Change in Art Style: Influenced by the nationalist Matsuda, Ono decides to change his style of painting to promote Japanese imperialism. During the war and the years leading up to it, Ono’s propagandist paintings earn him prestige in the city. But after the war’s end, nationalist ideas are discredited, and Ono is forced into retirement.

These examples illustrate how nationalism deeply influences Ono’s actions and decisions in the novel, shaping his career and personal life.

3. Analyzing:

a) How does Kazuo Ishiguro use narrative strategy to convey the theme of deception in the novel? 

Kazuo Ishiguro employs a unique narrative strategy in “An Artist of the Floating World” to convey the theme of deception. The novel is narrated by Masuji Ono, an aging artist who is looking back on his life. Ono’s narrative is characterized by self-deception as he vacillates between a desire to honestly assess his past and a desire to avoid any feelings of regret. This results in a distorted narrative as he attempts to hide from his conflicted feelings and knowledge of his own culpability.

Ono’s account gives away his unreliability as a narrator in several ways. He uses an unspecified second-person “you,” as though he is addressing someone who is listening, suggesting that he does not want to acknowledge the doubt he feels about his own past. By addressing himself to another person, he acts as though he is explaining events that he understands well and avoids admitting that he feels a great deal of ambivalence about his past. Ono also avoids describing certain pivotal events in his life which he cannot force himself to face. By refusing to describe these incidents, he gives away that these are the moments in his life about which he feels most guilty. Finally, Ono often casts doubt on the accuracy of his account, reporting that others do not see events the way he does. This final strategy opens up the possibility that Ono is not only hiding from feelings of guilt, but is either mistaken or lying about his life.

b) Discuss the significance of Masuji Ono's journey from a respected artist to a figure of  disdain in society.

The journey of Masuji Ono from a respected artist to a figure of disdain in society is significant as it mirrors the broader societal changes in post-war Japan. Ono rises to prominence as a nationalist painter during the war years. His propagandist paintings earn him prestige in the city. However, after Japan’s defeat in the war, the culture of militant nationalism is reviled, and prominent nationalist artists, including Ono, face a decline in their reputation.

Ono’s journey reflects the societal shift in Japan following the war, where nationalist ideas were discredited, and the country was forced to confront its actions during the war. His struggle with the consequences of his work, particularly its impact during the war, symbolizes the nation’s struggle with its past. His personal journey of reflection, acceptance, and change mirrors the nation’s journey towards confronting its past and moving towards a new future.

                                                            4. Evaluating:

a) Do you believe Masuji Ono's actions are justified in his pursuit of advocating for the poor? Why or why not?

 Masuji Ono’s actions in advocating for the poor through his art can be seen from different perspectives. On one hand, his intentions to use his art as a tool for social change and to give voice to the less privileged can be seen as noble. On the other hand, his alignment with nationalist propaganda during the war years, which led to societal harm, complicates this view. It’s important to note that the novel presents these actions through Ono’s own unreliable narration, which may be influenced by his guilt and desire to present himself in a positive light.

b) How does the unreliable narration contribute to the overall impact of the novel? Provide  examples to support your answer.

 The unreliable narration in “An Artist of the Floating World” significantly contributes to the overall impact of the novel. Kazuo Ishiguro uses this narrative technique to explore themes of memory, self-perception, and self-deception. The protagonist, Masuji Ono, is an unreliable narrator whose account of his life is distorted by his own guilt and denial. This unreliability becomes evident in several ways:

• Selective Memory: Ono often omits or glosses over events that paint him in a negative light, suggesting a desire to avoid confronting his past mistakes.
• Contradictory Accounts: Ono’s account of certain events often contradicts the accounts of other characters, casting doubt on the accuracy of his own recollections.
• Deflection: Ono frequently deflects blame for his actions onto others, further indicating his reluctance to accept responsibility for his past.

These instances of unreliable narration serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of Ono’s character and his struggle to reconcile with his past. They also reflect the broader societal changes in post-war Japan, as the country grapples with its own history and seeks to move forward.

                                                           5. Creating: 

a) Imagine you are a character in the novel. Write a journal entry expressing your thoughts  and feelings about Masuji Ono's actions and their impact on society.

Here’s a hypothetical journal entry from the perspective of a character in the novel:

Dear Journal,

Today, I find myself reflecting on Masuji Ono, an artist whose work once mesmerized our city. His paintings, symbols of pride and nationalism at the time, now resonate with a past we aim to move beyond. Ono's art was a beacon during the war, igniting patriotic fervor. However, in the sobering aftermath, these pieces emerge as vestiges of misguided conviction. His intentions might have been noble, his aspiration to employ art for societal advancement, commendable. Yet, the impact of his actions has left a profound imprint on our community. The conflict has ended, but its echoes linger in Ono's art, in the fervent nationalism it once stirred, and now, in the disdain it provokes. This serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of public sentiment and the unforeseen consequences of steadfast endeavors. Amidst the remnants of strife, Ono's story cautions us. It compels us to question, to reflect, and to acknowledge that our present actions will forge our legacy. Sincerely,

worksheet:3

1. Narrative Perspective and Unreliable Narrator:

   • The novel is narrated by Masuji Ono, an aging painter who reflects on his life in post-World War II Japan. Throughout the story, Ono addresses the reader as “you,” drawing us into his personal recollections and experiences.
   • This narrative technique has a profound effect on reader engagement. By directly involving us, Ono invites empathy and curiosity. We become active participants in his memories, questioning and interpreting alongside him.
   • However, Ono’s narration is marked by uncertainty and unreliability. He grapples with acknowledging past “errors,” but never explicitly states them. His recollections are veiled, leaving room for doubt and interpretation. As readers, we must decipher the truth behind his self-portrait.

2. Yukio Naguchi’s Decision and Societal Context:

   • Yukio Naguchi’s suicide is a pivotal moment. Factors influencing his actions may include post-war disillusionment, societal pressure, and personal struggles.
   • Ono’s reflections on Naguchi deepen our understanding of Japan’s post-war society. Naguchi’s fate reflects the broader disillusionment and loss of purpose faced by many during that time. His tragedy highlights the complexities of rebuilding a nation after war.

3. Artistic Evolution and Symbolism:

   • Masuji Ono’s paintings, from “Complacency” to “Eyes on the Horizon,” symbolize his ideological journey. “Complacency” represents pre-war conformity, while “Eyes on the Horizon” signifies hope and change.
   • Parallel to his art, Ono’s evolving worldview mirrors Japan’s transformation. His artistic choices reflect shifting values and personal growth.

4. Art and Social Responsibility:

   • Ono’s interaction with Matsuda and the Okada Singham organization underscores the role of artists in addressing social issues.
   • Matsuda, a mentor figure, influences Ono’s worldview. Their discussions reveal the tension between artistic freedom and societal responsibility. Ono grapples with his past actions and their political implications.

5. Encounters with Seji Muriyama and Setsuko:

   • Ono’s interactions with Seji Muriyama (a former student) and Setsuko (his daughter) shape his character.
   • Seji represents youthful idealism, while Setsuko embodies generational differences. These encounters reveal Ono’s relationships, regrets, and identity struggles.

6. Reflecting on “New Japan”:

   • Ono’s reflections on Japan’s trajectory contribute to our understanding of post-war society. He grapples with guilt over his pre-war actions, mirroring Japan’s collective reckoning.
   • The challenges of progress, societal shifts, and individual responsibility are central themes.

7. Matsuda’s Role:

   • Matsuda serves as a mentor, shaping Ono’s worldview. Their discussions challenge Ono’s assumptions and force him to confront societal realities.
   • Matsuda’s influence highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and social impact.

In summary, “An Artist of the Floating World” weaves together art, memory, and societal change. Ono’s unreliable narration invites us to explore the complexities of post-war Japan and the artist’s role in shaping its future.

Thank you!!