An Artist of The Floating World_ Introductory Presentation.pptx

This presentation explores the complexities found within Kazuo Ishiguro's renowned novel, "An Artist of the Floating World." We'll navigate the post-World War II setting of Japan, delving into the various themes, characters, and cultural elements intricately interwoven throughout the story. Throughout the slides, we'll offer a thorough summary of the plot, introducing you to the main character, Masuji Ono, and guiding you through his journey of introspection. Additionally, we'll analyze the importance of art within Japanese society, highlighting its dual role as both a reflection of individual identity and a means of societal critique.

1. ‘An Artist of The Floating World’ By Kazuo Ishiguro Present by :- Rahul Desai Jay Solanki Jayshree Khachar Aakash Chavda

2. Table of Contents Introduction of Author Introduction of Novel Major Works by Ishiguro Historical Context Unreliable Narrator Characters Novel Summary Relevance to India Themes in The Novel Symbols Paintings of the Floating World The Lesson of History Conclusion References

3. Introduction of Author The full name is Sir Kazuo Ishiguro. He is a British novelist, screenwriter, musician and short story writer. Kazuo Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki, Japan. Then he moved to England at the age of five and grew up in Surrey, near London. Ishiguro's mixed cultural background deeply influences his writing. He known for Lyrical Tales and general characteristics of his writing that regret fused with subtle optimism. Ishiguro is celebrated for his unique and subtle writing style. His novels often explore themes of memory, identity, and the impact of personal choices. He was influenced by Dostoevsky, Chekhov and Dickens, and Japanese writers like Tanizaki and Kawabata. In 2017, Kazuo Ishiguro was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for his works uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world. Kazuo Ishiguro work with homeless charity and rights.

4. Introduction of Novel "An Artist of the Floating World" is a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro, a renowned British author of Japanese descent. This novel published in the year 1986. This novel is set in a increasingly Westernized Japan or Americanised Japan after Second World War. This novel's context it delves into the complexities and challenges faced by the Japanese society in the aftermath of the war. In this novel the protagonist is Masuji Ono, an aging artist (political artist) who was once celebrated for his work as a painter of traditional Japanese art. Themes of this novel like memory and reflection, cultural shifts, art and responsibility. The novel serves as a critique of the societal values in post-war Japan. And it raises questions about accountability, personal responsibility, and the role of the individual in shaping the collective identity.

5. (1989) (1995) (2000) (2021) (1982) Ishiguro’s Major Works

6. Historical Context The "Floating World" (ukiyo-e) refers to the urban lifestyle and entertainment culture that flourished in Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603-1868) among the merchant class and samurai patrons. Despite being at the bottom of the social hierarchy, wealthy merchants gained prominence through their patronage of the arts, including painting, printmaking, literature, music, theater, and the pleasure quarters. The ukiyo-e woodblock prints depict scenes from the "Floating World," often featuring courtesans, geisha, kabuki actors, and other denizens of the entertainment districts. Artists like Utamaro, Hokusai, and Eishi captured the vibrant culture of this time period in their ukiyo-e prints, which combined images with poems and references to classical Japanese literature. The novel An Artist of the Floating World is set in the years after World War II and deals with an aging artist who had been a prominent painter of the "Floating World" during the lead-up to the war, now grappling with his role in propagating nationalistic ideals. The novel explores themes of memory, regret, and the transition of Japanese society from the insular Edo period to the modern era, reflecting on the significance and ultimate impermanence of the "Floating World" culture.

7. Hirohito (Emperor of Japan) Hirohito, born in Tokyo in 1901, was educated in marine biology and married Princess Nagako Kuni in 1924. He became emperor in 1926, known as Shōwa, and faced debates about his role during Japan's militaristic period. While some suggest he opposed militaristic policies, others claim he was involved in expansionist plans. Hirohito settled a dispute in favor of peace in 1945, announcing surrender in a historic radio broadcast. He repudiated divine status for emperors in 1946, as Japan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with his powers curtailed.

8. The connection between Hirohito and the novel lies in the historical and cultural context of Japan during the period in which the novel is set. Emperor Hirohito's reign spanned this tumultuous period in Japanese history. He was the symbolic figurehead of Japan during its imperial expansion and its eventual defeat in World War II. After the war, under the Allied occupation, Hirohito renounced his divine status and became a constitutional monarch. While Hirohito himself is not a character in the novel, his reign and the events of World War II deeply influence the backdrop against which the story unfolds. The societal shifts, cultural changes, and the collective reflection on the past that occurred during Hirohito's reign are integral to the thematic depth of "An Artist of the Floating World." The Connection between “Hirohito and An Artist of The Floating World”

9. Unreliable Narrator A narrator whose trustworthiness is in doubt. Found in fiction and movies, spanning from children to mature characters. Coined in 1961 by Wayne C. Booth in "The Rhetoric of Fiction." Unreliable narrators are typically first-person, but there are arguments for second- and third-person examples. Sometimes the narrator's lack of reliability is immediately obvious. The narrator might open with a clearly false claim or admit to mental illness. A story might have clues hinting at the narrator's unreliability. The twist might reveal the narrator's deception near the end. Sometimes vital information is concealed or misrepresented by the narrator. Readers are prompted to reconsider their perspective on the story. The narrator's unreliability might only be hinted at, leaving interpretation open. (1921-2005)

10. Unreliable Narrator: Masuji Ono Masuji Ono's tone is often defensive as he tries to justify and rationalize his past actions in supporting the disgraced fascist regime during World War II. Ono defending his "declaration" about the mistakes he made as part of an influence that caused suffering, portraying his attempt to frame it in a self-justifying manner. His polite and self-effacing formality in speech contrasts with the society that has now relegated him to the margins, suggesting Ono's unreliable perspective in fully acknowledging his fall from grace. His recounting of being rejected by his teacher earlier in his career for abandoning traditional art is described as a "balanced reminiscence", implying Ono's unreliable perspective in conveying an evenhanded view of an event that likely carried more emotional weight for him. Ono's elegiac tone laments the passing of traditional society, his verbal style also inadvertently evokes "the traditional society whose passing he laments", suggesting his unreliable perspective may stem from being entrenched in that very tradition.

11. “Of course, that is all matter of many years ago now and I cannot vouch that those were my exact words that morning” - Masuji Ono, “An Artist of The Floating World”

12. Characters Masuji Ono Setsuko Ichiro Noriko Matsuda Shintaro Kuroda

13. Summary An Artist of the Floating World" is a thought-provoking novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro, which was published in 1986. The story takes place in post-World War II Japan, a time of great transition and change. The protagonist, Masuji Ono, is an aging artist who reflects on his life and the choices he has made. Ono, a retired painter, was once celebrated for his patriotic artwork that supported imperial Japan during the war. However, as the political landscape shifted and the war ended, Ono finds himself grappling with the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into the complexities of guilt, regret, and personal responsibility. Through Ono's introspections and memories, we gain insights into his past life as a propagandist for the government. As he navigates his memories, Ono must confront the truth about his own role in promoting a nationalistic agenda. This examination forces him to question the nature of his artistic endeavors and the impact they had on society.

14. Continue… The novel also explores broader themes such as the clash of traditional Japanese values with the waves of modernization sweeping the country. Ono represents a generation caught between the past and the present, grappling with how best to navigate societal change and find personal redemption. Memory plays a crucial role in the narrative, as Ono's recollections shape the way he views himself and the world around him. The reader is invited to ponder the reliability of memory and the selective nature of our personal narratives. Overall, "An Artist of the Floating World" is a nuanced and deeply introspective novel. It offers a profound exploration of personal identity, moral accountability, and the complex legacy of a nation during a time of great transformation.

15. “…It’s hard to appreciate the beauty of a world when one doubts its very validity….But I’ve long since lost all such doubts, Ono,’ he continued. ‘When I am an old man, when I look back over my life and see I have devoted it to the task of capturing the unique beauty of that world, I believe I will be well satisfied. And no man will make me believe I’ve wasted my time.” - Kazuo Ishiguro, An Artist of the Floating World .

16. Relevance to india M.F. Husain , a celebrated Indian painter, grappled with identity questions like Masuji Ono and faced controversies for his depictions of cultural and religious figures, yet remains a significant figure in Indian art.

17. Continued… From June 1814 to early October 1815, Sita Ram travelled extensively with Francis Rawdon, also known as the Marquess of Hastings, who had been appointed as the governor general in India in 1813 and held the position for a decade. While not directly related, parallels can be drawn between Ono's story and the controversy surrounding Sita Ram's collaboration with the British colonial administration, exploring the ethical dilemmas faced by artists in oppressive regimes.

18. Indian Novels with same Themes

19. Four Aspects of Art An Artist of the Floating World Art For Nation Art for Art’s Sake: Floating World means- Pictures of Ukiyo-e Art For Business : Takeda’s Studio Art for the Poors

20. Themes in The Novel Role of an Art and Artist : An Artist of the Floating World shows how artists can clash over their beliefs about art's purpose. Ono's teacher, Moriyama, thinks art should focus on capturing beauty, while Matsuda believes it should be political and engage with the world. Ono's father thinks art is unnecessary, and Master Takeda's studio values mass production over creativity. Ono doesn't fully embrace any one idea but sees the harm when one vision dominates and stifles different perspectives. Intergenerational Conflict : In "An Artist of the Floating World," Ishiguro depicts four generations of Ono's family navigating conflicts amidst Japan's evolving landscape in the mid-twentieth century. Ono faces pressure from his traditional father to abandon his artistic dreams. He also contends with cultural clashes with his children, who embrace American influence. Ono wrestles with feeling like a burden to the younger generation while seeking relevance in changing times. Eventually, he discovers common ground with his descendants, bridging the generation gap through family history.

21. Continue… Imperialism and Sovereignty : Throughout Ono's life, Japan undergoes political upheaval. As a young man, Ono supports Japan's military power and dreams of it becoming a global empire. He sees poverty and injustice in his city and believes militarization can improve lives, though he doesn't fully explain how. Japan's defeat in the war brings American imperialism, which Ono finds humiliating and widens the gap between generations. Ishiguro emphasizes personal motives over political outcomes, suggesting that a search for purpose can lead to conflict and violence in an endless cycle. Aging : In the novel's conclusion, it's revealed that much of what Ono has portrayed about himself isn't entirely truthful. While he once held nationalistic beliefs, in his old age, he exaggerates his past influence. This may stem from a fear of aging and death, as he tries to maintain a sense of significance. Ishiguro suggests that Ono's irrational behavior is also influenced by grief over his son's death and the loss of Japan's power after the war. Ono eventually recognizes the value of his daughters and grandchildren as heirs to his legacy. However, the war disrupts his ability to age gracefully, leading him to cling to an idealized past rather than accepting a changed future.

22. Continue… Grief : In the novel, Ono experiences three types of grief. First, he struggles with the unexpected loss of his wife and son during the war, leading him to distort reality to cope. Second, he mourns the death of his friend Matsuda but finds solace in knowing Matsuda lived a full life. Lastly, Ono grapples with the ongoing pain of betrayal and conflict, especially when he falls out with Moriyama and his student Kuroda. The loss of their relationships is difficult because Ono still hopes for reconciliation, causing him to revisit his decisions and grieve anew. Pedagogy : In "An Artist of the Floating World," there's a complex relationship between teachers and their talented students. Teachers want their students to succeed but also prefer them to remain reliant on them. Ono experiences this firsthand, both as a student and a teacher. When he becomes Moriyama's top pupil, he starts questioning his teacher's methods, leading to his dismissal. Later, Ono betrays his own student when he behaves in a way that Ono disapproves of. Ishiguro suggests that power and fame as a teacher can corrupt. He implies the importance of authority figures being flexible and open-minded, without directly moralizing.

23. Continue… Marriage : The main storyline of the novel revolves around Noriko's arranged marriage, causing tension for Ono. While Noriko's previous engagement was a love match, this one is arranged traditionally, involving more than just the couple. Ono, feeling isolated since the war, must face society's judgment. The marriage negotiation exposes his insecurities, and he must present himself in public for his daughter's sake. However, even non-arranged marriages are complicated, as Noriko's previous engagement was broken off by her fiancé's parents. This shows that marriages in the novel are influenced by social status, family ties, and politics. The Relevance of the Artist: Masuji Ono's pursuit of artistic significance in "An Artist of the Floating World” is significant. Despite his technical skill, Ono lacks a unique vision and instead follows different art movements for recognition. He shifts from commercial art to nationalist propaganda during the war, claiming to follow his beliefs but conforming to others' ideas. Ultimately, his contributions are seen as unoriginal and insignificant, fading into obscurity as cultural trends change. The title reflects Ono's status as an artist whose work is tied to passing trends, rather than genuine originality, leading to his eventual irrelevance.

24. Continue… Memory, Self-perception and Self-deception: Unreliability of the narrator, Ono, in the novel "An Artist of the Floating World." Ono's recollections are distorted by his desire to avoid feelings of guilt and regret over his past actions as a propagandist artist during World War II. The use of an unspecified "you" when addressing his listener, omission of pivotal events, and contradictions from other characters suggest that Ono's narrative is shaped by self-deception and an attempt to portray himself in a favorable light. The unreliability of his account leaves open the interpretation of whether he was a significant figure or an irrelevant one, highlighting the ambiguity between honest self-perception and dishonest self-deception. City, Nation, History: Masuji Ono's narrow focus on the physical landmarks and districts of his city in "An Artist of the Floating World." Despite his past as a nationalist propaganda painter, his fixation on the cityscape contrasts with the broader impact of his wartime art, revealing him as an opportunist lacking true conviction. However, his sharp observations suggest his true talent may lie in capturing the physical world accurately, rather than creating propagandistic works.

25. Symbols Bridge of Hesitation: The bridge in "An Artist of the Floating World" serves as a symbolic link between Ono's physical journey home and his emotional struggle between past memories and future uncertainties. Ono's hesitance as a narrator reflects this internal conflict, gradually revealing his story. The bridge's significance deepens as Ono shares its name story, highlighting its role as both a personal attachment to the old pleasure district and a lost symbol of a vanished subculture. Samurai: Samurai symbolize Japanese sovereignty and patriotism in "An Artist of the Floating World." Ono sees them as representations of a Japan free from foreign occupation. He includes samurai in a list of exciting alternatives to cowboys for his grandson, highlighting their importance in his vision of an ideal Japan. In his painting "Complacency," Ono depicts impoverished boys in samurai-like poses, suggesting that Japan's lack of military strength diminishes their potential for respect and admiration. Samurai hold symbolic significance within Ono's consciousness, representing his idealized vision of Japan.

26. Continue… Reception Room: In "An Artist of the Floating World," reception rooms symbolize the enigmatic nature of people, including Ono himself. Ono's childhood experiences in these rooms, filled with conflict and euphemistic communication, shape his perception of others. Conversations in reception rooms with important figures like his daughter Setsuko reveal underlying concerns indirectly. Ishiguro uses this symbol to explore the novel's theme of implication, adding tension to the narrative. Sake: In "An Artist of the Floating World," sake symbolizes a Japanese masculinity to Ono, who wants to share it with his grandson Ichiro. However, their differing views on its significance highlight the subjective nature of symbolism. While Ono sees it as linked to masculinity, Ichiro seems less concerned with its symbolic meaning, suggesting a detachment from its cultural significance.

27. Continue… Cowboy: Ono is upset when he learns his grandson likes to pretend to be the Lone Ranger because cowboys symbolize American power and cultural dominance. This offends Ono, as it disregards Japanese culture and reminds him of Japan's thwarted expansionist goals. Lanterns: In the novel, lanterns symbolize Mori-san's focus on the transient beauty of life and the importance of paying attention to small details. They represent an aesthetic outlook that values everyday moments over ideological or commercial concerns. Gardens: In the novel, gardens symbolize a harmonious collaboration between humans and nature, free from ideology. Ono's true passion lies in depicting the natural world, rather than the subjects he pursued for ambition. Despite his earlier focus on other influences, Ono ultimately finds solace in painting gardens, suggesting a return to his true passion and a desire for control over nature.

28. Paintings of the Floating World Japanese prints, such as Hokusai's Great Wave, have been renowned in Europe and America for over a century, as famous as painting of Mona Lisa. Interestingly, the original paintings behind these prints are often overlooked, highlighting a peculiar irony in art history. In the West, there's been a big focus on collecting and enjoying the prints themselves, but not as much attention has been given to understanding the original paintings that inspired them. The artist who made the prints, were painters and illustrators, not only printers.

29. Continue… In Japan, people use the term “ukiyo-e” to describe both prints and paintings, recognizing that both are connected. Japan underwent a significant change in Tokugawa period, which lasted from 1600 to 1868. In the late sixteenth century, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) had recently finished gaining control and bringing an end to over a hundred years of fighting and turmoil in Japan. His efforts contributed to the significant change in Japanese society, which resulted in outlowing Christians from Japan, isolating Japan from outer world. This grown is significant in Edo district in Japan. Nowhere was the pursuit of pleasure more apparent than in the "floating world" of amusement districts that became unique features of Japanese cities at their core.

30. Courtesan and Attendants Attributed to Engetsudo. Standing Beauty, Reading a Letter. Teisai Hokuba

31. Party in a Boat Teisai Hokuba

32. The Lesson of History Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "An Artist of the Floating World" employs the character Masuji Ono and his unreliable narration to impart a moral lesson about facing and understanding past errors. Ono, an aging artist, was involved in Japan's imperialist and militaristic movement before and during WWII. The novel follows his struggle to accept his role in that movement after Japan lost the war. Ono’s inability to accept history is not unique, this reflects how people often choose to ignore, forget, or misunderstand significant social forces when considering history. Critics, Walkowitz and Wong argues that, the novel uses the gap in time between when the story takes place (during Ono's time in imperial Japan) and the present day when the novel was written to convey a moral message. The "historical distance" allows readers to observe how societal values and ideas of what's right can change over time. What Ono thought was right in his time is seen as wrong from the perspective of the post-war era.

33. Continue… The article suggests that Ishiguro's stories don't offer comfort or easy answers. Instead, they show how historical pain continues and how humans struggle to learn from past mistakes and tragedies. Despite having good intentions, humanity still cannot completely abandon or overcome the darkest parts of its historical legacy.

34. Conclusion To sum up, "An Artist of the Floating World" takes us from pre-war imperialistic Japan to post-war Westernized Japan, where Masuji Ono struggles with his past, and searches his identity in Westernized Japan. Through Ono's journey, author Kazuo Ishiguro explores past memory, shame, and truth. The novel reminds us how history shapes us and makes us think about what's right and wrong. It urges us to think about our own pasts and how we deal with memories and making things right.

35. References Howard, Ben. “A Civil Tongue: The Voice of Kazuo Ishiguro.” The Sewanee Review , vol. 109, no. 3, 2001, pp. 398–417. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/27549059 . Accessed 17 Mar. 2024. Ishiguro, Kazuo. An Artist of the Floating World . Faber & Faber, 2009. Jenkins, Donald. “Paintings of the Floating World.” The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art , vol. 75, no. 7, 1988, pp. 244–238. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/25160038 . Accessed 17 Mar. 2024. Mason, Gregory, and Kazuo Ishiguro. “An Interview with Kazuo Ishiguro.” Contemporary Literature , vol. 30, no. 3, 1989, pp. 335–47. JSTOR , https://doi.org/10.2307/1208408 . Accessed 17 Mar. 2024. Mander, Gabrielle. “Kazuo Ishiguro | Biography, Books, & Facts.” Britannica , 16 January 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kazuo-Ishiguro . Accessed 17 March 2024. Osaki, Amy Boyce. “Instructional Resources: The Floating World Revisited: 18th Century Japanese Art.” Art Education , vol. 49, no. 3, 1996, pp. 25–36. JSTOR , https://doi.org/10.2307/3193589 . Accessed 17 Mar. 2024.

36. Osaki, Amy Boyce. “Instructional Resources: The Floating World Revisited: 18th Century Japanese Art.” Art Education , vol. 49, no. 3, 1996, pp. 25–36. JSTOR , https://doi.org/10.2307/3193589 . Accessed 17 Mar. 2024 . Reeves, Philip. “M.F. Husain in the Center of India Art Controversy.” NPR , 29 May 2007, https://www.npr.org/2007/05/29/10438377/m-f-husain-in-the-center-of-india-art-controversy . Accessed 18 March 2024. Tilak, Sudha G. “Sita Ram: The unknown Indian artist who painted for British rulers.” BBC , 16 November 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-67412025. Accessed 18 March 2024. WRIGHT, TIMOTHY. “No Homelike Place: The Lesson of History in Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘An Artist of the Floating World.’” Contemporary Literature , vol. 55, no. 1, 2014, pp. 58–88. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/43297947 . Accessed 17 Mar. 2024.

37. Thank You