Memory, Responsibility, and Changing Values in An Artist of the Floating World

Blog Assignment – Worksheet 3 & 4

This blog is written as part of an academic activity given by Dr. Dilip Barad for our Semester 2 course. The task involves completing Worksheet 3 and Worksheet 4 based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World.

The purpose of this assignment is to develop a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes, narrative technique, and character development. Through close reading and reflection, the activities encourage us to think critically about how memory, art, and national history interact in the novel.

Introduction

An Artist of the Floating World is set in Japan shortly after the Second World War. The story is narrated by Masuji Ono, a retired painter who once supported nationalist ideals through his art. As he reflects on his past, Ono attempts to explain and sometimes justify the choices he made during the years leading up to the war.

Rather than presenting history directly, the novel unfolds through Ono’s memories, which are often uncertain and incomplete. Ishiguro uses this narrative style to explore themes such as guilt, responsibility, identity, and the relationship between personal memory and historical truth.

The novel raises an important question:

How do individuals remember their past when the society around them has changed its values?

Worksheet 3

Reading Important Passages – Activity Based Analysis

Activity 1: Narrative Perspective

In the novel, Masuji Ono often speaks as if he is addressing a listener. Expressions such as “you may remember,” “you can imagine,” or “you will understand” appear throughout the narrative.

Although there is no clearly defined listener within the story, these phrases create the impression that Ono is sharing his memories in a conversation. This technique makes the narration feel personal and reflective, allowing readers to feel closely connected to his thoughts.

However, this style also raises questions about the reliability of his narration. At times, Ono appears to adjust his story or explain events in a way that protects his reputation. When discussing controversial aspects of his past—especially his involvement with nationalist propaganda—he tends to justify his decisions rather than openly accept responsibility.

This narrative method demonstrates that memory is selective. Ishiguro uses Ono’s voice to show how individuals often reconstruct their past in ways that maintain dignity and self-respect.

Activity 2: Character Study – Yukio Naguchi

Yukio Naguchi is one of Ono’s former students who strongly believed in nationalist ideals during the war. After Japan’s defeat, Naguchi commits suicide.

Although the event is mentioned briefly, it carries deep symbolic meaning. For individuals who devoted their lives to nationalist ideology, the defeat of Japan represented not only political failure but also a personal crisis of identity.

Several reasons may explain Naguchi’s tragic decision:

• A sense of shame connected to the country’s defeat

• Traditional ideas of honour and duty

• Loss of purpose in the new social environment

• Feelings of responsibility for supporting wartime ideology

Ono remembers Naguchi with a certain level of admiration, describing him as sincere and loyal. This reaction shows that Ono still respects some of the values that shaped that generation.

Naguchi’s death therefore represents the emotional collapse of those who strongly identified with the nationalist cause.

Activity 3: Masuji Ono’s Artistic Development

Masuji Ono’s career as an artist changes significantly over time.

At the beginning of his career, he painted scenes related to the floating world, focusing on entertainment districts, nightlife, and aesthetic beauty. These paintings reflected a traditional artistic approach that valued elegance and pleasure.

A turning point occurs with his painting “Complacency.” In this work, Ono portrays poor boys standing near a neglected building. The painting criticizes social indifference and highlights the existence of poverty.

Later, the painting evolves into another version called “Eyes on the Horizon.” In this version, the boys appear determined and hopeful, symbolizing the strength and future of the nation.

This change reveals Ono’s shift from social criticism to nationalist inspiration. His art gradually becomes connected with patriotic ideology, reflecting his belief that artists should contribute to national development.

Activity 4: Art and Social Responsibility

Ono eventually becomes convinced that art should serve a larger social purpose. Instead of creating works that focus only on beauty, he believes that artists should influence society and guide public thinking.

This belief is strengthened by his association with political thinkers who argue that art should support the nation’s progress. As a result, Ono begins producing artworks that promote patriotic ideals.

However, the defeat of Japan changes how such art is viewed. What was once considered patriotic becomes controversial in the post-war environment.

Through this situation, the novel explores an important question:
To what extent should artists be responsible for the social impact of their work?

Ishiguro suggests that artistic ambition can easily become entangled with political ideology.

Activity 5: Encounters with Muriyama and Setsuko

Two characters help reveal different phases of Ono’s life.

Seji Muriyama

Muriyama is Ono’s teacher and represents traditional artistic values. He believes that art should focus on craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty rather than political issues.

Ono eventually rejects this philosophy because he feels that art should respond to social realities.

Setsuko

Setsuko, Ono’s daughter, represents the younger generation living in post-war Japan. She is polite but occasionally hints that her father’s past political associations may affect their family’s social reputation.

Through Setsuko, the novel shows how new generations interpret history differently from older ones.

Activity 6: The Idea of “New Japan”

After the war, Japan undergoes major political and social transformation. Militarism is replaced by democratic reforms, and Western influence becomes more visible in everyday life.

This new environment creates uncertainty for individuals like Ono. The beliefs that once defined their identities are no longer widely respected.

The novel portrays this change quietly. Instead of dramatic accusations, society expresses its criticism through subtle social distancing. Ono gradually realizes that his reputation is not as secure as it once was.

The idea of “New Japan” therefore represents both national renewal and the challenge of confronting the past.

Activity 7: The Role of Matsuda

Matsuda plays an important role in shaping Ono’s political thinking. Unlike Muriyama, Matsuda believes that art should actively support national interests.

He encourages Ono to see art as a tool that can inspire patriotic spirit and strengthen society. Under this influence, Ono becomes involved with nationalist organizations and begins producing art that promotes national pride.

However, when the political climate changes after the war, the ideas that Matsuda promoted lose their credibility. This transformation leaves Ono uncertain about the value of his earlier work.

Through this relationship, the novel illustrates how mentorship and ideology can influence artistic identity.

Activity 8: Personal Reflection

While studying this novel, I realized that memory often functions as a form of self-protection. People tend to remember events in ways that preserve their sense of dignity.

Masuji Ono’s narration demonstrates this clearly. He rarely admits guilt directly, yet his hesitant language suggests that he is aware of the consequences of his actions.

The novel also highlights how identity can change when historical circumstances shift. Individuals who once felt proud of their achievements may later question their decisions when society’s values evolve.

What makes the novel powerful is its subtle exploration of moral ambiguity. Ishiguro does not present Ono as entirely guilty or entirely innocent. Instead, he portrays him as a complex individual shaped by the political atmosphere of his time.

Worksheet 3 – Conclusion

Through these activities, the novel reveals the complicated relationship between memory, history, and identity. Characters such as Naguchi, Matsuda, Muriyama, and Setsuko represent different perspectives on nationalism, artistic responsibility, and generational change.

Masuji Ono’s reflections show how personal memory interacts with national history. His story illustrates that understanding the past is rarely simple; it involves reinterpretation, doubt, and self-examination.

Worksheet 4

Thematic Study of

An Artist of the Floating World

 Understanding

a) What is the central theme discussed in the excerpt?

The main idea in this excerpt is the connection between art, political ideology, and memory. The novel shows how Masuji Ono, an artist, slowly changes his views about the purpose of art. At first, he moves away from paintings that only show beauty and pleasure because he wants art to address social problems. Later, however, this idea leads him toward supporting nationalist ideology.

Another important theme is the uncertainty of memory. The story is told through Ono’s recollections, but he often speaks in a hesitant way. Sometimes he changes his explanation or avoids discussing certain events clearly. Because of this, readers realize that memory can be selective and influenced by personal feelings.

Therefore, the novel explores not only the role of art in society but also how people interpret their past differently over time.

b) Who is the protagonist of the novel, and what is his desire regarding his art?

The main character of the novel is Masuji Ono, a well-known painter who is now living in post-war Japan and thinking about his earlier life.

Ono once wanted to become an artist whose work would have a real impact on society. He believed that art should do more than simply entertain people. Instead, it should raise awareness about social conditions and guide public opinion.

However, this desire eventually leads him toward nationalist propaganda. His paintings begin to support patriotic ideas and encourage loyalty to the nation. Although Ono believes he is doing something meaningful for society, his artistic goals become closely connected with political ideology.

This situation creates a moral dilemma, showing how difficult it can be for artists to balance creativity with social responsibility.

Applying

a) How does Masuji Ono’s shift in perspective reflect broader societal changes in post-war Japan?

Ono’s changing attitude reflects the larger transformation that happened in Japan after the Second World War. Before the war, nationalism was widely accepted and even encouraged. Many artists and intellectuals believed they had a duty to help strengthen the nation.

Because of this atmosphere, Ono’s patriotic art was respected and admired. His work seemed meaningful because it supported the country’s goals.

After the war, however, Japan began to adopt new values such as democracy, modernization, and Western influence. As society moved in a different direction, the ideas that once seemed honorable started to look problematic.

Ono’s uncertainty about his past actions represents the struggle many people faced while trying to understand their role in the earlier political system. His personal reflections mirror the larger process of historical re-evaluation in post-war Japan.

b) Can you provide examples of how nationalism influences the protagonist’s actions in the novel?

Nationalist ideology strongly influences several of Ono’s decisions.

One example is the change in his artistic style. Earlier in his career, he painted scenes from entertainment districts. Later, he started creating paintings that encouraged patriotic feelings and celebrated the strength of the nation.

Another example is his relationship with Matsuda, who persuades Ono that artists should support national goals. Under this influence, Ono begins to see his work as part of a larger political mission.

Ono’s treatment of his former student Kuroda also shows the effect of nationalism. When Kuroda chooses a different artistic direction, Ono criticizes him and contributes to the pressure against him.

These actions show that nationalism affects not only Ono’s art but also his personal relationships and ethical decisions.

Analyzing

a) How does Kazuo Ishiguro use narrative strategy to convey the theme of deception in the novel?

Kazuo Ishiguro tells the story from Masuji Ono’s point of view, which means the entire narrative depends on his memory.

Ono often speaks carefully and uses phrases like “perhaps,” “it seems,” or “I may not remember clearly.” These expressions make readers wonder whether his memories are completely reliable.

Sometimes he also changes how he describes past events. For instance, he first talks about his influence as an artist with confidence, but later he appears less certain about how important he actually was.

Through this technique, Ishiguro shows that deception in the novel is not always intentional. Instead, it happens because people naturally remember the past in ways that make them feel more comfortable.

b) Discuss the significance of Masuji Ono’s journey from a respected artist to a figure of disdain in society.

At one time, Ono was highly respected because his work supported the patriotic ideas of the nation. His paintings and influence made him an important cultural figure.

After Japan’s defeat in the war, however, the political atmosphere changed. The same nationalist ideas that once brought him respect began to carry negative associations.

Although Ono is not openly criticized, he notices small signs that people now view him differently. The marriage negotiations involving his daughter also suggest that his reputation may cause social difficulties.

This change in status shows how quickly society’s judgment can shift when political circumstances change. Ono’s experience represents the challenge individuals face when the values of their time are later questioned.

 Evaluating

a) Do you believe Masuji Ono’s actions are justified in his pursuit of advocating for the poor? Why or why not?

In the beginning, Ono’s desire to highlight social inequality seems admirable. He wanted to move beyond decorative art and address serious social issues. This intention suggests that he genuinely cared about the conditions of ordinary people.

However, the situation becomes complicated when his work starts supporting nationalist propaganda. Instead of continuing to challenge injustice, his art begins to encourage unquestioned loyalty to the state.

For this reason, it is difficult to completely justify his actions. Although his intentions may have been sincere, his willingness to support political ideology shows that he did not fully consider the consequences of his influence.

Ono’s story therefore illustrates how good intentions can sometimes lead to problematic outcomes.

b) How does unreliable narration contribute to the overall impact of the novel?

The unreliable narration makes the novel more complex and thought-provoking. Since the story is told through Ono’s memories, readers cannot immediately accept everything he says as factual.

For example, he sometimes exaggerates his importance as an artist, while at other moments he appears to minimize his influence. These inconsistencies make readers question whether he is remembering the past accurately.

Another example is his description of the conflict with his student Kuroda. Ono explains the situation without openly admitting his responsibility, leaving readers to interpret what really happened.

Because of this narrative style, readers must actively analyze the story and draw their own conclusions. This approach makes the novel not just a historical narrative but also an exploration of how memory shapes personal identity.

 Creating

a) Journal Entry (From Setsuko’s Perspective)

Father spoke again tonight about his career and the artists who once respected him. He spoke calmly, but there was something careful in his tone, as if the past needed to be handled gently.

I know he believed strongly in the ideas of his time. Many people did. They thought their loyalty to the nation was honorable and necessary.

Still, I sometimes feel that certain topics remain unspoken. When the war is mentioned, the conversation quickly changes direction. Perhaps it is easier that way.

Our generation looks forward to a different future. We think about rebuilding the country, creating new opportunities, and moving ahead.

Yet I cannot help wondering whether moving forward also requires understanding the past more honestly. Respect for my father remains, but reflection seems equally important.

b) Design Concept for a New Book Cover

For the book cover, I imagine combining Warli art with a mandala-style structure.

The Warli figures would form a circular pattern representing society moving together. Among these figures, a few shapes resembling soldiers could appear, suggesting how nationalism became part of everyday life.

At the center would be a mandala with a visible crack across it. Since mandalas usually represent harmony, the crack would symbolize the disruption caused by war and ideological collapse.

A small solitary figure in the middle would represent Masuji Ono. His position within the broken mandala would show how his personal identity is shaped by both his artistic ambitions and the political atmosphere of his time.

The design would use earthy colors to reflect memory, history, and reflection.

 Worksheet 4 – Conclusion

Completing this worksheet helped me examine the novel from different perspectives. By moving from simple understanding to deeper analysis and creative interpretation, I was able to see how the narrative explores themes of memory, art, ideology, and personal responsibility.

The novel ultimately shows that history is not only about events but also about how individuals remember and interpret those events. Through Masuji Ono’s reflections, the story reveals the complicated relationship between personal identity and changing social values.