Worksheet 2

Worksheet :- 2

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: Masuji Ono  to:cSaito Family . 

Explain :-

Context: Masuji Ono is a character in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "An Artist of the Floating World," set in post-World War II Japan. The quote likely occurs during a conversation with the Saito family.

Significance: Masuji Ono admits to making mistakes and causing harm to the nation, demonstrating responsibility and remorse for his actions during a tumultuous period in Japanese history. This admission reflects broader themes of accountability and confronting uncomfortable truths about one's role in society.

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:   Mastuda to: Masuji Ono  .

Explain :-

Context: The quote is from Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "An Artist of the Floating World," where Mastuda is criticizing Masuji Ono, the protagonist, for his artistic approach.

Significance: Mastuda accuses Ono of hiding from the real world and lacking knowledge about important figures like Karl Marx, suggesting that Ono's art may lack depth and relevance. This critique challenges Ono to engage more deeply with societal issues to create meaningful art.

C)  "Was Mr Naguchi like Oji?" --- Oji, why did Mr Naguchi kill himself?". 

Speaker: Masuji Ono to: Noriko.

Explain :-

Context: Masuji Ono is contemplating the character and actions of Mr. Naguchi, who, like Ono, was involved in the political and social shifts of post-war Japan. Ono is comparing Mr. Naguchi to someone named Oji, likely a significant figure in his past or someone known to his daughter, Noriko.

Significance: This quote underscores Ono's introspective nature and his attempt to understand the motivations and actions of others, possibly in relation to his own past actions. It also suggests Ono's awareness of the similarities and differences between individuals and how their choices shape their lives and reputations

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:   Ichiro to : Masuji Ono

Explain :-

Context: The quote is from Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "An Artist of the Floating World." Ichiro is speaking to Masuji Ono, the protagonist, about Ono's artistic career in post-World War II Japan.

Significance: Ichiro's statement signifies Ono's realization of the need to evolve as an artist and confront the troubled times they live in. It highlights the challenges faced by artists in navigating societal changes and establishing themselves in a shifting cultural landscape.

2. Explain this painting: [Keywords to search about it in novel – ‘Complacency’, ‘Eyes to the Horizon’.]

 The painting features a skeleton covered in red cloth, symbolizing life's fragility. It has a commanding presence, with outstretched fingers and a piercing gaze. Around it are vibrant plants and flowers, representing the cycle of life and death in nature.

The keywords "Complacency" and "Eyes to the Horizon" hint that this work may carry a warning against becoming complacent or losing sight of one's ambitions and aspirations in life. The vibrant natural imagery could represent the intoxicating forces of complacency enveloping an individual soul. However, the skeleton's posture and stare imply a call to keep one's metaphorical "eyes on the horizon," remaining vigilant against life's trappings.

This painting makes us think about big ideas like how life is short, why it's bad to get too comfortable, and why it's important to stay focused. The picture stays in your mind because it's powerful and makes you think.

Note: Write following answers with reference to notes taken while watching videos on teacher’s blog - https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/06/artist-floating-world.html )

3. What is the significance of the word "you" in the novel? 

Ans. 

1. Introspection and Self-Reflection: The protagonist's use of "you" serves as a mechanism for introspection, allowing him to reflect on his past actions and their implications. This introspective dialogue provides insights into his character and motivations.

2. Exploration of Guilt and Responsibility: Through the use of "you," the protagonist grapples with feelings of guilt and responsibility for his past choices and their consequences. This exploration adds depth to the character and themes of the novel.

3. Psychological Insight: The use of "you" provides readers with psychological insights into the protagonist's mindset, allowing them to understand his internal struggles and conflicts more deeply.

4. Narrative Distance and Intimacy: Depending on the context, the use of "you" can create a sense of narrative distance or intimacy between the protagonist and the reader. This affects how readers engage with the story and empathize with the character.

5. Complexities of Memory: The protagonist's internal dialogue, often expressed through "you," highlights the complexities of memory and how individuals reinterpret their past experiences over time. This adds layers to the narrative and contributes to its richness.

Overall, the significance of the word "you" in the novel lies in its role as a tool for introspection, exploration of guilt and responsibility, psychological insight, narrative distance or intimacy, and the portrayal of memory's complexities.

4. What do you understand by ‘Unreliable Narrator’? 

Ans. 

In "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro, the concept of an unreliable narrator is embodied in the protagonist, Masuji Ono. Ono's narration of events and his interpretation of his own actions are filtered through his subjective perspective, which is shaped by his personal biases, regrets, and attempts to rationalize his past behavior.

Masuji Ono presents himself as a respected artist and a patriot who supported Japan's militaristic regime during World War II. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Ono's portrayal of his own actions is unreliable. He downplays his role in propagating wartime propaganda and overlooks the consequences of his actions on others, particularly his family and former colleagues.

Through Ono's narration, readers are challenged to question the accuracy of his recollections and the motivations behind his selective memory. His unreliable narration invites readers to critically assess his character and the societal context in which he operates, ultimately raising broader questions about accountability, guilt, and the subjective nature of truth.

Overall, in "An Artist of the Floating World," the concept of the unreliable narrator is embodied in Masuji Ono, whose subjective perspective and selective memory shape the narrative and prompt readers to question the reliability of his portrayal of events.

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: Sees art as a frivolous pursuit compared to practical business.

- Master Takeda: Values art for its cultural significance but prioritizes financial success.

- Chisu Matsuda: Views art as a tool for promoting nationalist ideology.

- Seiji Muriyama: Emphasizes the importance of artistic integrity and social responsibility.

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 "An Artist of the Floating World" is the nature of memory and its impact on identity.