"An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro

This blog is based on "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro and This task was assigned by Dilip Barad sir. 

Video : 1  About the Author

In this session, we delve into the life and works of Kazuo Ishiguro, particularly focusing on his novel "An Artist of the Floating World." Ishiguro, a Japanese-born British novelist and Nobel laureate, explores themes of memory, regret, and nostalgia, often blending them with a subtle sense of optimism. The discussion touches upon the concept of the unreliable narrator, a characteristic feature of Ishiguro's storytelling, which complicates the reader's understanding of truth and perspective. The narrative strategy employed in "An Artist of the Floating World" is examined, highlighting how Ishiguro's own background as an outsider influences his portrayal of Japan during a time of significant cultural change following World War II. The talk also draws comparisons to other literary works that explore the conflicts of identity and cultural dislocation, emphasizing the duality of being both an insider and an outsider in one's own homeland.

Kazuo Ishiguro's Background : Born in Nagasaki, Japan, Ishiguro moved to Britain at a young age, shaping his unique perspective as a diasporic writer. "An Artist of the Floating World" Overview : The novel chronicles the life of Masuji Ono, a political artist reflecting on his past in post-war Japan, highlighting themes of memory and regret. Theme of Regret : Ishiguro's works often explore the interplay between nostalgia and regret, portraying characters who grapple with their past decisions.

Cultural Perspective : By writing from an outsider's viewpoint, Ishiguro offers a distinctive lens on Japanese culture, revealing insights that insiders may overlook.

Narrative Strategy : The use of an unreliable narrator in Ishiguro's writing complicates the narrative, prompting readers to question the truth of the protagonist's recollections.

Comparative Literature : The discussion draws parallels with other diasporic writers, showcasing how cultural uprooting influences narrative perspectives.

Subtle Optimism : Unlike the bleak endings in works like Orwell's "1984," Ishiguro's stories often convey a sense of hope amidst the characters' struggles with their past.

Example : Jhumpa lahiri novel The lowland

Video : 2 Titled Explained

In this video we can find that the meaning of Floating world

(Changing World). The narrative traverses through Masuji's childhood memories, touching upon the evolution of artistic expression amidst socio-political upheaval, particularly leading up to and during the World Wars. It comments on the impact of imperialist agendas on smaller nations and the psychological toll these conflicts take on individuals, including artists.

Interplay of Nationalism and Globalism : The discussion around nationalism versus globalism raises important questions about identity and belonging in an increasingly interconnected world. The narrative encourages viewers to reflect on their own national identities, urging them to balance pride in their heritage with a global consciousness that recognizes shared human experiences and challenges. Artists are portrayed as both participants and commentators in the ongoing socio-political discourse, often facing challenges in expressing their views.

The exploration of the psychological toll of war on individuals, including artists, underscores the broader implications of conflict on mental health. The mention of suicide among artists serves as a stark reminder of the personal costs of societal upheaval. This insight calls for a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by those living through and documenting periods of conflict. here, Two characters One singer and other one is Manager committed suicide.

Example : Jude the Obscure 

Video : 3 Characters and Narrative strategy

In this session, the discussion centers around Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "An Artist of the Floating World," focusing on its characters, plot summary, and narrative strategy. The protagonist and narrator, Masuji Ono, is portrayed as an unreliable narrator, whose story unfolds through first-person narration. The narrative intricately explores themes of memory, national identity, and the consequences of artistic choices in the post-war context of Japan. Ono grapples with the burdens of his past as a nationalist artist and the impact of his choices on his family, especially concerning his daughters' prospects and his son’s fate in the war. Through various characters, including Ono's daughters and students, the novel delves into the complexities of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the shifting cultural landscape in post-war Japan.

Unreliable Narrator : Masuji Ono's role as an unreliable narrator creates ambiguity in the narrative.

Art and Identity : The story examines the relationship between art and national identity, reflecting on how Ono's earlier nationalistic paintings led to personal and societal repercussions.

Familial Strains : The strained relationships between Ono and his daughters emphasize the impact of his past choices on their lives.

Cultural Shift : The transition from traditional Japanese culture to Americanization is illustrated through Ono's family dynamics and his grandson's interests.

Consequences of War : The narrative explores the legacy of World War II and the personal losses suffered by Ono, particularly the death of his son and its effect on his family.

Art as Instrument : The complexities of using art for political means are highlighted, questioning the ethical responsibilities of artists.

Reflections on Regret : The theme of regret permeates the narrative, as Ono reflects on his past decisions and their long-lasting effects on his family and society.

Art - 1. For the sake of aesthetic delight

2. For business

3. For Nation / Government / Monarch

4. Poor people

Video : 4 Thematic study of the Novel

The video discusses the key themes and narrative strategies in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, An Artist of the Floating World. The protagonist, Masuji Ono, reflects on his past as a renowned painter in post-war Japan, revealing themes of nationalism, art's purpose, and unreliable narration. Ono grapples with societal expectations regarding his daughter's marriage prospects, which serves as a catalyst for exploring his own regrets and the complexities of his identity. The narrative employs a complex structure that challenges the reliability of Ono's perspective, mirroring broader societal issues such as intergenerational conflict, the role of the artist, and the impact of war. The discussion emphasizes the importance of narrative style and the deceptive nature of language in shaping understanding, ultimately urging skepticism toward authoritative narratives.

Unreliable Narration : The narrative challenges the reader's trust in Ono's perspective, inviting skepticism toward his version of truth and memory.

Marriage Negotiations : The societal pressure surrounding Ono's daughter's marriage negotiations highlights traditional values and familial expectations in Japan.

Role of Art : The novel examines art from various angles—business, nationalism, aesthetic pleasure, and social justice—revealing its multifaceted role in society.

Intergenerational Conflict : The shifting values between Ono's generation and that of his children illustrate the clash between traditionalism and modernity.

Themes of Aging and Memory : Aging and its effects on memory are crucial to understanding Ono's unreliable narration and emotional struggles.

Grief and Betrayal : The narrative delves into different forms of grief, exploring how Ono copes with loss and betrayal from loved ones and students.

Theme of Pedagogy : Science of Teaching 

Video : 5 Reading important passages from the Novel

"Unreliable narrator" term coined by Wayne C. Booth in 1961.

In this final session on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel An Artist of the Floating World, the speaker delves into important passages and themes central to the narrative. The discussion revolves around the unreliable nature of the narrator, Masuji Ono, and how he recounts his life in post-war Japan, specifically from October 1948 to June 1950. The narrative, structured in four parts, reflects the aftermath of World War II and Japan’s transition from imperialism to a more westernized society. The text features extensive analysis of Masuji’s use of the second-person perspective to engage readers, creating a complex relationship between the narrator and the audience.

Throughout the session, the speaker highlights key moments that reveal Masuji's conflicts, including his regrets over his past actions as a nationalistic artist and the consequences they had on his relationships and society. Themes of memory, betrayal, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world are explored, underscoring Ishiguro’s commentary on the impact of history on individual lives. The speaker emphasizes how Masuji seeks sympathy and understanding from readers while also revealing his unreliable nature, leading to an intricate exploration of truth and perception within the narrative.

The novel is divided into four parts, reflecting the historical context of post-war Japan. Masuji Ono is an unreliable narrator whose perspective complicates readers' understanding of his character and actions. The use of "you" throughout the text creates a personal connection between Masuji and the reader, inviting empathy yet hinting at his need for validation. Themes of betrayal are prevalent, particularly Masuji's reporting of his students for unpatriotic activities. The shifting nature of art in Masuji’s life symbolizes the broader cultural and political changes in Japan. Masuji's reflections on nationalism and his earlier art reveal deep regrets about his role in promoting imperialistic ideologies. The narrative's unreliable quality mirrors the complexities of memory and the subjective nature of truth.

Example : Yann Martel's Life of Pi 

References :

DoE-MKBU. “An Artist of the Floating World | About the Author - Kazuo Ishiguro | Session 1 | Sem 2 Online Class.” YouTube, 2 March. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zd6XLLyGvg.

Barad, Dilip. "Characters  and  Narrative Strategy."  YouTube, uploaded by Dr. Dilip Barad, https://youtu.be/z1EhasEkeZ4.

Barad, Dilip. "Reading Important Passages from the Novel." YouTube, uploaded by Dr. DilipBarad, https://youtu.be/-WoqKO3hHlc.

Barad, Dilip. "Thematic Study of the Novel." YouTube, uploaded by Dr. Dilip Barad, https://youtu.be/Y45Swhri1Fc.

Barad, Dilip. "Title Explained." YouTube, uploaded by Dr. Dilip Barad, https://youtu.be/htKqgRreDtg.