Greetings!! Everyone This blog is a part of thinking activity based on worksheets of An Artist of the Floating World; given by Dr. Dilipsir Barad.
WORKSHEET:1
# Match the following:-
- Sir Kazuo Ishiguro:- British novelist of Japanese origin, born in Nagasaki, Japan.
- Novelist known for:- his lyrical tales of regret fused with subtle optimism.
- Regret fused with subtle optimism:- A narrative style that deals with memories and nostalgia of the past, often leading to regret for one's past deeds.
- The Nobel Committee remarked:- Uncovering the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world.
1. Who is V S Naipaul, and what is he known for?
>> 
V.S. Naipaul (born August 17, 1932, Trinidad—died August 11, 2018, London, England) Trinidadian writer of Indian descent known for his pessimistic novels set in developing countries. For these revelations of what the Swedish Academy called “suppressed histories,” Naipaul won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2001.
For more biographical information of V.S. Naipul CLICK HERE
The Good Muslim is a novel by Tahmima Anam. This novel is a sequel to her debut novel A Golden Age and spans the year from 1984 to 1985, with occasional flashbacks to the aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. It is a story about faith and family shadowed by a war. The family that has taken active part in the war of independence has now to face the challenges of peace, within and outside.
Title: The Good Muslim
Author: Tahmima Anam
Genre: Historical Fiction
Originally published: 2011
Publisher: Canongate Books
Pages: 304
Author: Tahmima Anam
Genre: Historical Fiction
Originally published: 2011
Publisher: Canongate Books
Pages: 304
3. What is "The Lowland" about?
>> 
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri is an ambitious book. It is a story of brotherly bonds intermingling with a vicious political environment. The two brothers – Subhash and Udayan are just 15 months apart. Subhash is the elder one but he hardly remembers a time that Udayan wasn't in his life. The Lowland is the second novel by American author Jhumpa Lahiri, published by Alfred A. Knopf and Random House in 2013.
4. Who is the author of ‘Island of Thousand Mirrors? and to which country does s/he belongs to?
>> Nayomi Munaweera is a Sri Lankan-American author. Island of a Thousand Mirrors is her debut novel. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area. Nayomi Munaweera is a Sri Lankan American writer and author of Island of a Thousand Mirrors, which won Commonwealth Book Prize for the Asian Region in 2013, and What Lies Between Us (2016), which won the Sri Lankan National Book Award for best English novel and the Godage Award.
5. Explain the significance of the title of the novel ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ in a few words.
>> 
The title "An Artist of the Floating World" encapsulates the thematic essence of the novel, highlighting the protagonist's journey as an artist navigating the transient and shifting values of post-war Japan, while also exploring the concept of impermanence and the fluidity of identity and morality.
WORKSHEET:2
1. Explain these quotes: Write context and significance.
(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, that mine was part of an influence that resulted in untold suffering for our own people. I admit this.”
>> 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."
>> Mastuda to Masuji Ono
(C) "Was Mr Naguchi like Oji?" --- Oji, why did Mr Naguchi kill himself?".
>> 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.”
>> Masuji Ono to Sensei.
2. Explain this painting: [Keywords to search about it in novel – ‘Complacency’, ‘Eyes to the Horizon’.]
>> 
This artwork portrays a spooky skeleton dressed in tattered red clothing, positioned prominently in the center. Its piercing gaze and outstretched skeletal fingers create an eerie atmosphere. Surrounding the skeleton are numerous plants and flowers.
The words "Complacency" and "Eyes to the Horizon" hint at a deeper meaning, possibly a cautionary message about becoming too complacent and losing sight of one's aspirations. The vibrant plants symbolize the allure of distractions, contrasting with the skeleton's reminder to remain vigilant and focused.
In simpler terms, the painting prompts contemplation on life's brevity, the dangers of becoming too comfortable, and the importance of staying dedicated to our objectives. It's a thought-provoking piece that encourages introspection.
3. What is the significance of the word "you" in the novel?
>>
"An Artist of the Floating World" is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 1986. The significance of the word "you" in the novel can be understood within the broader context of the narrative and its thematic concerns.
In the novel, the protagonist, Masuji Ono, reflects on his life as a painter in post-war Japan. As he reminisces, he grapples with guilt and responsibility for his past actions, particularly his involvement with the nationalist fervor that contributed to Japan's militarism and subsequent defeat in World War II. Throughout the narrative, Ono addresses his own actions and motivations, often using the second person pronoun "you" in his introspective reflections.
The use of "you" serves several purposes in the novel:
1. Self-reflection: Ono's use of "you" reflects his internal dialogue as he interrogates his own past behavior and its consequences. By addressing himself in this manner, he creates a sense of distance, allowing him to confront his actions more objectively.
2. Accountability: The use of "you" suggests a sense of accountability and self-awareness on Ono's part. By acknowledging his own role in the events of the past, he takes responsibility for his actions and their impact on others.
3. Ambiguity: Ishiguro employs the second person narration to create ambiguity surrounding Ono's character and motivations. The use of "you" invites readers to question the reliability of Ono's perspective and interpretation of events.
4. Universality: The use of "you" can also be interpreted as a way for Ishiguro to address broader themes of guilt, redemption, and moral responsibility. By employing a second person narrative, Ishiguro implicates readers in Ono's introspective journey, inviting them to reflect on their own actions and their consequences.
Overall, the significance of the word "you" in "An Artist of the Floating World" lies in its function as a narrative device that facilitates self-reflection, accountability, ambiguity, and universality within the context of Ono's personal and historical reckoning.
4. What do you understand by ‘Unreliable Narrator’?
>> In the context of literature, an "unreliable narrator" refers to a narrator whose credibility is compromised, either intentionally or unintentionally, thus casting doubt on the truthfulness or accuracy of the events they describe. This narrative technique is often used to create ambiguity, challenge the reader's perception of reality, or explore themes such as memory, perception, and subjectivity.
In Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "An Artist of the Floating World," the protagonist, Masuji Ono, serves as an example of an unreliable narrator. Set in post-World War II Japan, the story is narrated by Ono himself, a retired artist who reflects on his life and the choices he made during the war era. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Ono's recollections are filtered through his subjective perspective and self-serving biases.
Ono's unreliability as a narrator stems from his selective memory, rationalizations, and attempts to justify his actions, particularly his involvement with Japanese nationalism and propaganda during the war. He portrays himself as a patriotic artist who supported the militaristic regime out of duty to his country. However, as the reader delves deeper into the narrative, it becomes apparent that Ono's portrayal of his past is skewed to protect his self-image and evade responsibility for his actions.
Through the lens of an unreliable narrator, Ishiguro explores themes of guilt, accountability, and the fallibility of memory. By presenting Ono's narrative with subtle contradictions and inconsistencies, Ishiguro invites readers to question the reliability of Ono's account and encourages them to critically analyze the complexities of personal and collective history.
Overall, the concept of the unreliable narrator in "An Artist of the Floating World" adds layers of ambiguity and depth to the narrative, prompting readers to engage with the text on multiple levels and grapple with the elusive nature of truth and memory.
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]
>> In "An Artist of the Floating World," the concept of art and the artist is explored through various perspectives:
- Masuji's father: Traditionalist, values art for its cultural significance and adherence to tradition.
- Master: Emphasizes art's role in reflecting societal values and norms.
- Takeda: Views art as a commodity, emphasizing its economic potential.
- Chisu Mastuda: Sees art as a tool for promoting nationalist ideals and propaganda.
- Seiji Muriyama: Considers art's potential to influence and shape societal perspectives, advocating for responsible artistic expression.
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]
>> The central theme of the novel "An Artist of the Floating World" is the exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of personal actions.
Thank you for reading...
Happy learning...exploring...
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