This blog is part of the task on Thinking Activity - "An Artist of the Floating World". The "An Artist of the Floating World" topic was given by professor Dr. Dilip Barad and for the reference of the task detail reading click here. Certainly, here's a unique and intriguing answer so, this blog is given under this topic...
As a class work task, our professor provided us 4 worksheets and this blog is according 2 of them to both worksheets. I am providing all the answers here.
Worksheet 1:
Match the following:
Match the following items related to Kazuo Ishiguro with their descriptions.
Answers:
1. Sir Kazuo Ishiguro
- b. British novelist of Japanese origin, born in Nagasaki, Japan.
2. Novelist known for
- a. his lyrical tales of regret fused with subtle optimism.
3. Regret fused with subtle optimism
- c. A narrative style that deals with memories and nostalgia of the past, often leading to regret for one's past deeds.
4. Nobel Committee remarked
- d. Uncovering the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world.
Ans:
V.S. Naipaul was a Trinidadian-British writer known for his novels and essays exploring themes of colonialism, postcolonialism, identity, and cultural displacement. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001 for his "incorruptible scrutiny" and "for having united perceptive narrative and incorruptible scrutiny in works that compel us to see the presence of suppressed histories."
2. What is the book "Good Muslim" about? Also mention the author & country.
Ans:
The book "The Good Muslim" is a novel written by Tahmima Anam, originally from Bangladesh. It explores themes of faith, family, and political turmoil in post-independence Bangladesh. The story follows the lives of siblings Maya and Sohail as they navigate the complexities of their personal beliefs and the changing sociopolitical landscape of their country.
3. What is "The Lowland" about?
Ans:
"The Lowland" is a novel written by Jhumpa Lahiri, an American author of Indian descent. It tells the story of two brothers, Subhash and Udayan, who grow up in Calcutta, India, during the 1960s. Their lives take divergent paths as they become involved in the Naxalite movement, leading to tragic consequences that impact their family for generations. The novel explores themes of family, identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of political activism.
4. Who is the author of ‘Island of Thousand Mirrors? The author of "Island of a Thousand Mirrors" is Nayomi Munaweera. and to which country does s/he belongs to? Nayomi Munaweera is a Sri Lankan-American author.
5.Explain the significance of the title of the novel ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ in a few words:
Ans:
Ans:
The title "An Artist of the Floating World" symbolizes an individual navigating the transient and shifting nature of post-war Japan, where traditional values and identities are destabilized, reflecting the protagonist's journey of self-reflection and cultural transformation.
Worksheet 2:
Explain these quotes: Write context and significance on a separate paper.
(A)“As far as I am concerned, I freely admit I made many mistakes. I accept that much of what I did was ultimately harmful to our nation, and that mine was part of an influence that resulted in untold suffering for our own people. I admit this.” Speaker: Masuji Ono to: Saito Family.
(B)"There's a certain kind of artist these days," he went on, "whose greatest talent lies in hiding away from the real world. Unfortunately, such artists appear to be in dominance at present, and you, Ono, have come under the sway of one of them. Don't look so angry, it's true. Your knowledge of the world is like a child's. I doubt, for instance, if you could even tell me who Karl Marx was." Speaker: Matsuda to: Masuji Ono.
(C) "Was Mr Naguchi like Oji?" --- Oji, why did Mr Naguchi kill himself?". Speaker: Ichiro to Masuji Ono.
(D) “My conscience, Sensei, tells me I cannot remain forever an artist of the floating world." --- Then he said: "As you point out yourself, Ono, these are troubled times. All the more so for a young artist, practically unknown.” Speaker: Masuji Ono to Sensei.
2. Explain this painting: [Keywords to search about it in novel – ‘Complacency’, ‘Eyes to the Horizon’.]
This painting shows a scene with a spooky skeleton wearing torn red clothes in the middle. It looks like it's staring at you with its bony fingers reaching out. Around the skeleton are lots of plants and flowers.
The words "Complacency" and "Eyes to the Horizon" suggest that this painting might be a warning about getting too comfortable and forgetting your goals. The colorful plants could represent how easy it is to get distracted. But the skeleton's pose and stare remind us to stay focused and not lose track of what's important.
In simple words we can consider it like, this painting makes us think about important stuff like how life is short, why it's bad to get too comfortable, and why we should always stay focused on our goals. It's a powerful painting that leaves you thinking.
3. What is the significance of the word "you" in the novel?
Ans:
In "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, the use of the word "you" serves a significant purpose in conveying the protagonist's introspection and self-reflection. Masuji Ono, the main character, frequently addresses himself in the second person, using "you," as a means of engaging in internal dialogue and examining his own actions, motivations, and moral culpability. This narrative technique allows readers to delve deeper into Ono's psyche and explore the complexities of his character as he grapples with his past decisions and their consequences. So basically, the use of "you" underscores the universal themes of accountability, regret, and personal responsibility explored throughout the novel.
4. What do you understand by ‘Unreliable Narrator’?
Ans:
An "unreliable narrator" refers to a character who tells the story but whose credibility or trustworthiness is questionable due to their perspective, memory, or motivations. In "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, Masuji Ono serves as an unreliable narrator. His narration is filtered through his subjective perceptions, biases, and selective memory, which obscure the truth and manipulate the reader's interpretation of events. Ono's reluctance to confront his past actions and his tendency to rationalize or justify his role in Japan's militaristic regime contribute to his unreliability. As readers, we must critically analyze Ono's account and consider the possibility of his self-serving distortions when interpreting the novel's events and themes.
5. The Art and the Artist: How is this concept explored in the novel? [Key: How Masuji’s father, Master Takeda - a business owner, Chisu Mastuda – a nationalist friend and Seiji Muriyama - teacher consider the role of art? Mention it in a few words. Do not write lengthy answer]
Ans:
In "An Artist of the Floating World,"
Masuji's father, Master Takeda, views art primarily as a commercial endeavor, emphasizing its value in terms of profitability and social status.
Chisu Matsuda, a nationalist friend, sees art as a tool for promoting political ideology and nationalistic sentiments.
Seiji Muriyama, Masuji's teacher, values art for its ability to convey cultural and moral values, emphasizing the importance of artists in shaping societal perceptions and ideals. These perspectives highlight the diverse ways in which art and the role of the artist are perceived within the novel's socio-political context.
6. Which theme according to you is the central theme of the novel? [Just mention the theme. No need to write in detail about it]
Ans:
The central theme of the novel "An Artist of the Floating World" is the exploration of personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions, particularly in the context of post-war Japan and its cultural and political shifts.
Words: 1293
Thank You.
I
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