Explain these quotes: Write context and significance on separate paper.
“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: _______________________.
ANSWER :
(A) Speaker: Ono
Recipient: Unspecified
Context: Ono, the protagonist of "An Artist of the Floating World," is reflecting on his past actions and his role as a propagandist for the Japanese militarist cause during World War II. In this quote, he acknowledges the mistakes he made and the harm he caused to his nation and people. Ono grapples with his culpability and accepts responsibility for the suffering that resulted from his actions.
Significance: This quote highlights Ono's moral awakening and his recognition of the consequences of his past choices. It marks a pivotal moment in his character development as he confronts the truth about his involvement in promoting nationalist ideologies. By admitting his mistakes, Ono begins to reckon with his past and seeks redemption, setting the stage for his journey of self-reflection throughout the novel.
"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: _______________________ .
(B) Speaker: Mr. Kuroda
Recipient: Ono
Context: Mr. Kuroda, an art dealer and friend of Ono, is criticizing Ono's artistic tendencies and worldview. He expresses disdain for artists who retreat from reality and suggests that Ono, as an artist of the "floating world," is detached from the pressing issues of the contemporary world. Mr. Kuroda challenges Ono's understanding of the world by questioning his knowledge of figures like Karl Marx.
Significance: This quote reveals the tension between traditional artistic values and the changing socio-political landscape of post-war Japan. Mr. Kuroda's critique reflects a broader societal concern about the role of artists in addressing societal issues. By questioning Ono's intellectual depth and engagement with reality, Mr. Kuroda prompts Ono to reconsider his artistic approach and confront the realities of the world around him.
"Was Mr Naguchi like Oji?" --- Oji, why did Mr Naguchi kill himself?". Speaker: _______ to ______.
(C) Speaker: Noriko
Recipient: Ono
Context: Noriko, Ono's daughter, is asking him about Mr. Naguchi, a family friend who committed suicide. She draws a comparison between Mr. Naguchi and Ono's deceased son, Oji, in an attempt to understand the reasons behind their respective suicides. Noriko seeks insight into the circumstances that may have led to Mr. Naguchi's death, hoping to find parallels with her brother's tragic end.
Significance: This quote underscores the theme of familial and societal trauma in the aftermath of war. Noriko's inquiry reflects the intergenerational impact of past events and the lingering effects of personal and collective guilt. By questioning the similarities between Mr. Naguchi and Oji, Noriko highlights the complexities of grief and loss, as well as the ongoing search for understanding and closure.
“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 _____________________________
(D) Speaker: Ono
Recipient: His former mentor, Sensei
Context: Ono is speaking to his former mentor, Sensei, about his artistic aspirations and moral convictions. He expresses a desire to move away from the superficiality of the "floating world" and align his art with the realities of post-war Japan. Ono acknowledges the challenges of gaining recognition as a young artist in a society grappling with the aftermath of war.
Significance: This quote
Explain this painting: [Keywords to search about it in novel – ‘Complacency’, ‘Eyes to the Horizon’.]
This painting reflects a scene of complacency juxtaposed with an aspiration towards the future, portrayed through the imagery of "Eyes to the Horizon." It may depict a tranquil setting where characters are depicted as content or settled, yet their gaze or focus extends beyond their current state towards the unknown or the possibilities that lie ahead. This combination suggests a complex interplay between satisfaction with the present and a longing or anticipation for what the future may hold, capturing the essence of human ambition and introspection.
What is the significance of the word "you" in the novel?
The significance of the word "you" in the novel lies in its use as a tool for character interaction and development. It often serves as a means of direct address, reflecting the relationships and dynamics between characters. The use of "you" can convey intimacy, authority, or distance depending on the context, enhancing the reader's understanding of the interpersonal dynamics within the story.
What do you understand by ‘Unreliable Narrator’?
An "Unreliable Narrator" is a literary device where the narrator's credibility is compromised, casting doubt on the truthfulness or accuracy of their narration. This can be intentional, as the narrator may be withholding information, distorting facts, or interpreting events through a biased lens. An unreliable narrator can add complexity to the narrative, prompting readers to question the reliability of the story and engage critically with the text.
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]
The concept of art and the artist is explored in various ways throughout the novel, particularly through the perspectives of Masuji's father, Master Takeda, Chisu Mastuda, and Seiji Muriyama. Masuji's father, a business owner, views art as a respectable but secondary pursuit compared to practical matters such as business and finance. Chisu Mastuda, a nationalist friend, sees art as a means of promoting political ideology and nationalistic sentiment. Seiji Muriyama, a teacher, values art as a tool for social commentary and personal expression. Each character's perspective reflects different attitudes towards the role and purpose of art in society, highlighting its multifaceted nature and its ability to evoke diverse responses and interpretations.
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" by Kazuo Ishiguro is "Guilt and Redemption."
WORKSHEET-1 | AN ARTIST OF THE FLOATING WORLD
Match the following:
Match the following items related to Kazuo Ishiguro with their descriptions.
Who is V. S. Naipaul and what is he known for?
Explain the significance of the title of the novel ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ in a few
words:
The significance of the word "you" in the novel lies in its use as a tool for character interaction and development. It often serves as a means of direct address, reflecting the relationships and dynamics between characters. The use of "you" can convey intimacy, authority, or distance depending on the context, enhancing the reader's understanding of the interpersonal dynamics within the story.
What do you understand by ‘Unreliable Narrator’?
An "Unreliable Narrator" is a literary device where the narrator's credibility is compromised, casting doubt on the truthfulness or accuracy of their narration. This can be intentional, as the narrator may be withholding information, distorting facts, or interpreting events through a biased lens. An unreliable narrator can add complexity to the narrative, prompting readers to question the reliability of the story and engage critically with the text.
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]
The concept of art and the artist is explored in various ways throughout the novel, particularly through the perspectives of Masuji's father, Master Takeda, Chisu Mastuda, and Seiji Muriyama. Masuji's father, a business owner, views art as a respectable but secondary pursuit compared to practical matters such as business and finance. Chisu Mastuda, a nationalist friend, sees art as a means of promoting political ideology and nationalistic sentiment. Seiji Muriyama, a teacher, values art as a tool for social commentary and personal expression. Each character's perspective reflects different attitudes towards the role and purpose of art in society, highlighting its multifaceted nature and its ability to evoke diverse responses and interpretations.
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" by Kazuo Ishiguro is "Guilt and Redemption."
WORKSHEET-1 | AN ARTIST OF THE FLOATING WORLD
Match the following:
Match the following items related to Kazuo Ishiguro with their descriptions.
Who is V. S. Naipaul and what is he known for?
- V. S. Naipaul was a Trinidadian-British writer known for his exploration of themes such as colonialism, identity, and post-colonialism. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001.
What is "Good Muslim" about, and who is the author?
- "Good Muslim" is a book by Tahmima Anam from Bangladesh. It delves into the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and its impact on a family.
What is "The Lowland" about, and who is the author?- "The Lowland" is a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri. It narrates the tale of two brothers from Calcutta, one of whom becomes involved in a Naxalite movement while the other moves to America.
Who authored "Island of a Thousand Mirrors," and which country does the author belong to?
- The author of "Island of a Thousand Mirrors" is Nayomi Munaweera, and she hails from Sri Lanka.
Explain the significance of the title of the novel ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ in a few
words:
Answer: The title symbolizes the protagonist's journey navigating the shifting values and uncertainties of post-war Japan, where the "floating world" represents the transient nature of life and the fluidity of identity and morality.
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