This blog is part of the Thinking activity task of the worksheet of The Artist of the Floating World.
Worksheet 1: Author & title
Match the following:
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 Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul) was a Trinidadian-born British writer known for his fiction and non-fiction works in English. His career can be broadly split into two phases:
Early Works (Comic): His early novels, like The Mystic Masseur and Miguel Street, are set in Trinidad and possess a satirical and humorous tone, depicting life in the Caribbean.
Later Works (Bleaker):His later works ventured beyond his roots, tackling more serious themes of alienation and exploring the complexities of developing countries. These works often have a bleaker outlook, and some consider them to be quite critical of these societies.
His unflinching observations and elegant prose garnered him critical acclaim. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001 "for having united in his work an incorruptible narrative and perceptive chronicling of the world's shadows."
2.What is the book "Good Muslim" about? Also mention the author & country.
The book "Good Muslim" is a novel by Tahmima Anam, a Bangladeshi author. It's a sequel to her debut novel, "A Golden Age", and follows the story of a family in Bangladesh grappling with the aftermath of the 1971 war for independence. The novel explores themes of faith, family, and finding peace after war. It uses flashbacks to depict the war's impact on the characters while they navigate a new reality in the independent nation.
3.What is "The Lowland" about?
"The Lowland" by Jhumpa Lahiri is a story that centers around two brothers, Subhash and Udayan, raised in Calcutta, India.
Brotherly contrast: Despite being close in age, the brothers have contrasting personalities. Subhash is the responsible one, pursuing higher education in the US. Udayan is charismatic but reckless, drawn to the Naxalite movement, a rebellion fighting against poverty and inequality.
Political turmoil and family impact: Udayan's involvement in the movement has dangerous consequences, impacting the lives of Subhash, their parents, and Udayan's wife Gauri. The story explores the ripple effects of political upheaval on a personal level.
Love and loss: The novel also delves into themes of love and loss, particularly Udayan's love for Gauri and the lingering effects of his choices on their future.
Family saga across continents: The narrative spans across generations and continents, following the family from their roots in India to Subhash's life in America. It's a saga that explores the complexities of family ties and the lingering impact of the past.
4.Who is the author of ‘Island of Thousand Mirrors and to which country does s/he belongs to?
The author of "Island of a Thousand Mirrors" is Nayomi Munaweera. She is a Sri Lankan American writer.
5.Explain the significance of the title of the novel ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ in a few words.
The title of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, "An Artist of the Floating World," carries a double meaning. On the surface, it references Ukiyo-e, a Japanese artistic genre known for depicting fleeting pleasures and beauties of the "floating world," a realm of entertainment districts. This reflects the protagonist Masuji Ono's past as a painter in this style. However, the title takes on a deeper significance.As Ono grapples with a post-war world that has rejected his art form, "An Artist of the Floating World" comes to embody the fading relevance of both Ono and the world he once captured in his paintings. It signifies a world adrift, where past glories have become evanescent, much like the pleasures of the floating world.
Worksheet 2:An Artist of the Floating World | Characters | Narrative Strategy | Thematic Study
1. Explain these quotes: Write context and significance on 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, that mine was part of an influence that resulted in untold suffering for our own people. I admit this.” Speaker: ______________________ to: _______________________.
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: ______________________ to: _______________________.
Mastuda to Masuji Ono
(C) "Was Mr Naguchi like Oji?" --- Oji, why did Mr Naguchi kill himself?". Speaker: _______ to ______.
Masuji Ono to Noriko
(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: _______________________ to ________________.
Masuji Ono to Mori- san
2.Explain this painting: [Keywords to search about it in novel – ‘Complacency’, ‘Eyes to the Horizon’.]
This painting shows a skeleton covered in red cloth, which represents how life is fragile and doesn't last forever. The skeleton's intense look and stretched-out fingers seem to call out to us. Around it, there are lots of plants and flowers, showing how life and death are always together in nature.
The words "Complacency" and "Eyes to the Horizon" suggest a warning about getting too comfortable and forgetting our goals. The colorful nature scene might mean that getting too comfortable can be tempting and distracting. But the skeleton's posture and gaze remind us to stay focused on our dreams.
In simple terms, this painting makes us think about big ideas like how life is short, the dangers of getting too comfortable, and why it's important to keep aiming for our goals. Its powerful images and hidden messages make us think deeply about life.
3. What is the significance of the word "you" in the novel?
Addressing himself or imagining conversations with others using "you" in "An Artist of the Floating World" serves a dual purpose.
1. Introspection:The use of "you" in the novel reflects Masuji Ono's introspective nature, as he often addresses himself directly, reflecting on his past actions and their consequences.
2. Self-examination: Ono's use of "you" allows readers to witness his ongoing self-examination, as he grapples with his role as an artist and his involvement with nationalist ideologies during wartime Japan.
3. Regret and Responsibility: Through the second-person narration, Ono confronts his regrets and acknowledges his responsibility for his actions, particularly regarding his support for militaristic propaganda and its impact on his family and society.
4. Reconciliation:The use of "you" also reflects Ono's journey toward reconciliation with his past, as he seeks to understand and come to terms with the choices he made and their lasting effects on himself and others.
5. Reader Engagement: Ishiguro's narrative style engages readers by immersing them in Ono's internal thoughts and reflections, creating a more intimate understanding of his character and the complexities of his moral dilemmas.
Overall, the significance of the word "you" in the novel contributes to its exploration of themes such as personal responsibility, regret, and reconciliation in the context of post-war Japan.
4.What do you understand about ‘Unreliable Narrator’ ?
In literature, an unreliable narrator is a character who may not always tell the truth or provide an accurate account of events. Masuji Ono in "An Artist of the Floating World" fits this description because his storytelling is influenced by his personal biases, selective memory, and desire to portray himself positively. He tends to overlook or distort facts, especially regarding his involvement in promoting militarism during World War II. By presenting his version of events, Ono invites readers to question the reliability of his narrative and encourages them to explore deeper themes such as memory and self-perception.
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]
Masuji's father holds art in high regard but questions its capacity to ensure financial stability. Master Takeda esteems traditional Japanese art yet emphasizes pragmatism over artistic aspirations. Chisu Matsuda advocates for art to align with nationalist objectives and promote social cohesion, encouraging artists to align with the government's aims.
Seiji Muriyama, Masuji's old teacher, sees art as a means to challenge conventions and stimulate thought. He encourages Masuji to push artistic boundaries and experiment with new forms of 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 "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro is the exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of past actions.
Thank you...
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