An Artist of the Floating World Guide - Easy Elimu (4)
An Artist of the Floating World" is a novel set in post-World War II Japan, and it tells the story of an aging artist named Masuji Ono.
The novel is divided into two parts.
The first part is mostly focused on the artist's past and how he became successful.
The second part is focused on the present and how the artist reflects on his past actions.
Through the artist's reflections, the novel also explores the idea of how people's memories of the past can change over time, and how people often look back on their lives with regret.
It is important to note that the novel is not a linear narrative and it jumps through different time period, it is best to read the novel to understand the nuances and themes the author is trying to convey.
Chapters in An Artist of the Floating World
October 1948
April 1949
November 1949
June 1950
Find more comprehensive chapter summaries with analysis in the links below
The novel "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro explores many themes including:
Memory and how people's memories of the past can change over time
Guilt and responsibility
Consequences of one's actions
Cultural changes in Japan during post-World War II
The fleeting and changing nature of life and art
Regret
Neglecting family
Estrangement from family
Societal changes in Japan
Traditional family values
Propaganda and nationalism agenda
The use of art for propaganda
The artist's role in society
Ageing and reflection on one's life
disconnection with the current reality
Implications of war
The impact of politics on art and artists
Stylistic devices present in "An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro:
Stream-of-consciousness narration
Flashbacks
Symbolism
Irony
Foreshadowing
Metaphors
Imagery
Personification
Verbal irony
Ambiguity
Epistolary style
Conclusion
This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the novel An Artist of the Floating World which will surely help students get a good grade when it comes to exam questions related to the novel.
Additionally, this guide provides essay questions and answers about all aspects of the novel as shown above and can be downloaded in PDF format from our website.