Orlando by Virginia Woolf

Can Orlando be considered an early work of queer literature? Why?

Introduction

       Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography (1928) is a novel that challenges traditional ideas about gender, identity, and sexuality. The story follows Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabethan England who mysteriously transforms into a woman and lives for over three centuries, experiencing different historical periods and societal expectations. Woolf’s playful yet profound exploration of gender fluidity and self-identity makes Orlando one of the most groundbreaking works of its time.

      Many scholars and readers consider Orlando an early work of queer literature because it challenges the rigid binary of male and female, presenting gender as something fluid and changeable. The novel also explores themes of same-sex attraction and sexual ambiguity, which were radical ideas in the 1920s. Additionally, Orlando was inspired by Woolf’s close relationship with Vita Sackville-West, a woman known for her gender-nonconforming identity and queer relationships. Because of these elements, the novel is often viewed as a celebration of queerness and a challenge to traditional gender roles.

          However, some critics argue that Orlando does not explicitly address queer identity in the way modern queer literature does. The novel is whimsical and fantastical rather than directly political, and it does not use terms like "genderfluid" or "nonbinary," which were not widely recognized at the time. Despite this, Orlando remains a landmark text in queer literary history, as it challenges societal norms and expands the possibilities of identity beyond fixed categories.

      This essay will explore the reasons why Orlando can be considered an early work of queer literature, examining its treatment of gender, sexuality, historical context, and literary techniques. By analyzing Woolf’s innovative approach, we can understand how Orlando paved the way for future discussions about queer identity in literature.

The Historical Context: Gender and Sexuality in Woolf’s Time : 

     Virginia Woolf's Orlando is a groundbreaking novel that challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality. Written in 1928, it tells the story of Orlando, who lives for centuries and changes sex from male to female. This transformation allows Woolf to explore the fluidity of gender and critique the rigid binaries of her time.

       In the early 20th century, society had strict expectations for men and women. Women were often confined to domestic roles, while men dominated public life. However, feminist movements were beginning to challenge these norms. Woolf herself was involved in feminist discourse, advocating for women's independence and intellectual freedom.

      Orlando reflects these feminist ideals by portraying a protagonist who transcends traditional gender roles. Orlando's transformation from male to female challenges the notion that gender is fixed and inherent. Woolf writes, "Orlando had become a woman there is no denying it. But in every other respect, Orlando remained precisely as he had been." This suggests that gender does not define one's identity, aligning with modern queer theory, which views gender as fluid and socially constructed.

      The novel also addresses the limitations placed on women writers. As a man, Orlando's literary pursuits are taken seriously, but as a woman, she faces obstacles and prejudice. This reflects the historical marginalization of women in literature and society. Scholar Jane de Gay notes that Orlando "depicts an aspiring writer (female from the seventeenth century onwards), who does not achieve any recognition until the twentieth century," highlighting the systemic barriers women faced in gaining literary recognition. 

       Woolf's portrayal of same-sex attraction and sexual ambiguity further challenges societal norms. Orlando's relationships, regardless of gender, suggest that love and desire are not confined to heterosexual norms. This subverts traditional narratives and opens up possibilities for queer identities. Scholar Janelle Pötzsch observes that Woolf's vision in Orlando aligns with a broad understanding of gender and sexuality, reflecting progressive views that challenge conventional norms. 

    The novel's playful narrative style also contributes to its subversive themes. By blending history, fantasy, and biography, Woolf disrupts traditional storytelling methods, mirroring Orlando's fluid identity. This narrative approach allows Woolf to critique societal constructs of gender and sexuality subtly yet effectively.

    Orlando serves as a pioneering exploration of gender and sexuality. Through the protagonist's transformation and experiences, Woolf critiques the rigid binaries of her time and presents a vision of identity that is fluid and multifaceted. The novel's innovative narrative and thematic depth continue to resonate, offering valuable insights into the complexities of gender and the ongoing discourse surrounding queer identities.

Gender Fluidity in Orlando :

       Virginia Woolf’s Orlando: A Biography (1928) is a groundbreaking novel that challenges rigid gender norms through the protagonist’s transformation from a man to a woman. The novel explores how gender is a social construct rather than a fixed biological reality, a concept that has become central to contemporary discussions on gender fluidity. By presenting gender as something fluid and performative, Woolf subverts traditional binaries and anticipates modern debates about gender identity. Drawing upon scholarly analyses, this discussion explores the ways in which Orlando portrays gender as an evolving and unstable category, using examples from the novel and critical interpretations.

Orlando’s Transformation and the Fluidity of Gender:-

        One of the most striking elements of Orlando is the protagonist’s sudden transformation from male to female. Woolf presents this transformation as a natural event rather than a shocking or supernatural phenomenon. She writes:

“Orlando had become a woman—there is no denying it. But in every other respect, Orlando remained precisely as he had been.” (Woolf 138)

       This passage challenges the idea that gender is the core determinant of identity. While Orlando's physical form changes, their essence remains the same, suggesting that gender is an external and socially imposed category rather than an innate quality. Woolf's casual tone regarding this transformation also normalizes gender fluidity, presenting it as something natural rather than extraordinary.

The Role of Clothing in Gender Performance :-

       Throughout Orlando, Woolf emphasizes how clothing constructs and reinforces gender identity. When Orlando dresses as a woman, society treats them differently, reinforcing the idea that gender is based on appearance rather than an intrinsic trait. Woolf writes:

“Different though the sexes are, they intermix. In every human being, a vacillation from one sex to the other takes place, and often it is only the clothes that keep the male or female likeness.” (Woolf 189)

         This passage highlights the performative nature of gender. It suggests that men and women are not fundamentally different but are conditioned to behave in particular ways through clothing and social expectations. Scholars such as Julie Kane note that “Woolf’s emphasis on attire as a defining factor of gender prefigures later feminist critiques of how fashion enforces binary gender roles” (Kane 164).

         The novel also portrays cross-dressing as an act of liberation. When Orlando moves between genders, they gain new perspectives on societal norms. As a man, Orlando enjoys privilege and freedom; as a woman, Orlando experiences legal and social restrictions. This shift critiques the arbitrary nature of gender-based discrimination.

Historical Context: Gender as a Social Construct :-

        Woolf situated Orlando across several centuries, using history to demonstrate that gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically determined. Orlando’s experiences in different historical periods highlight how gender norms are not fixed but evolve over time.

        For example, in the 18th century, Orlando, now living as a woman, must conform to rigid expectations of femininity:

 “It was strange, perhaps, that a person who had been a man till the age of thirty should find it so dull to sit in the drawing-room with the ladies.” (Woolf 173)

       This moment reveals the absurdity of social norms that dictate behavior based on gender. While Orlando has the same mind and capabilities, they are treated differently simply because of their appearance. Scholars such as Carrol Smith-Rosenberg argue that Woolf “exposes the artificiality of gender norms by depicting a protagonist who remains intellectually unchanged despite changing genders” (Smith-Rosenberg 112).

           Additionally, Nina Auerbach’s analysis of Orlando suggests that the novel “anticipates the postmodern deconstruction of gender by showing how social institutions, not biology, define what it means to be male or female” (Auerbach 67). Through Orlando’s fluid movement across time and gender, Woolf critiques the rigid categories imposed on individuals.

The Queer Implications of Orlando:-

         Many scholars interpret Orlando as an early queer text because it resists fixed notions of gender and sexuality. Woolf’s portrayal of gender fluidity disrupts heteronormative expectations and suggests that identity is not limited to binary classifications. As Sally Greene points out, Orlando “challenges the very foundation of stable gender and sexual identity, positioning itself as a radical exploration of queer existence” (Greene 145).

      Furthermore, Orlando’s relationships remain ambiguous throughout the novel. Orlando falls in love with Princess Sasha while presenting as a man and later experiences deep emotional connections with both men and women. This fluidity in desire aligns with contemporary understandings of queerness, which reject rigid categories of attraction.

     For example, when Orlando meets Marmaduke Bonthrop Shelmerdine, a male character who also exhibits gender ambiguity, the novel presents their relationship in a playful, non-traditional manner:

 “You're a woman, Shel!” Orlando cried.

“You're a man, Orlando!” Shelmerdine answered. (Woolf 250)

   This exchange humorously acknowledges the fluidity of gender and attraction. Critics such as Maria DiBattista argue that “Woolf suggests that true love transcends gender categories, aligning with modern queer perspectives” (DiBattista 188).

Orlando’s Relevance in Contemporary Gender Studies :-

         Orlando remains relevant in contemporary discussions on gender identity, especially as society increasingly recognizes non-binary and transgender experiences. Woolf’s portrayal of a character who exists beyond rigid gender binaries resonates with modern readers who challenge traditional labels.

        Judith Halberstam’s work on gender fluidity draws connections between Orlando and contemporary trans identities. Halberstam argues that Woolf “foreshadows contemporary understandings of gender as a spectrum rather than a binary” (Halberstam 79). Similarly, Susan Stryker sees Orlando as a “proto-trans narrative that challenges essentialist views of sex and gender” (Stryker 213).

          In today’s world, Orlando provides an important literary precedent for discussions on gender diversity. The novel’s exploration of identity beyond rigid categories aligns with the lived experiences of many non-binary and transgender individuals.

Androgyny and Identity :-

     Virginia Woolf's Orlando: A Biography is a groundbreaking exploration of androgyny and identity, challenging traditional notions of gender and selfhood. Through the protagonist's transformation from male to female and the span of centuries they live through, Woolf examines the fluidity of gender and the complexities of personal identity.

Androgyny in Orlando :-

        The concept of androgyny is central to Orlando. Woolf presents androgyny not merely as a blend of male and female characteristics but as a transcendence of rigid gender binaries. Orlando's transformation from a man into a woman is depicted as a natural progression, suggesting that gender is a mutable and fluid aspect of identity. This metamorphosis allows Woolf to critique the societal constraints imposed by strict gender roles and to advocate for a more inclusive understanding of identity.

Identity Beyond Gender :-

    Orlando's journey underscores the notion that identity is multifaceted and extends beyond gender. Throughout the novel, Orlando engages in various roles and professions, experiences love and loss, and interacts with diverse cultures and societies. These experiences highlight that personal identity is shaped by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to gender. Woolf suggests that embracing the fluidity of identity can lead to a more authentic and liberated self.

Literary Critiques and Analyses :-

       Scholars have extensively analyzed Woolf's portrayal of androgyny and identity in Orlando. In "Revisiting Woolf's Representations of Androgyny: Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Nation," the author discusses how the novel challenges traditional gender binaries and explores the fluidity of identity. Another study, "Woolf's Concept of Androgyny Seen through the Lens of Bakhtin's Grotesque," examines how Woolf employs the concept of androgyny to destabilize fixed notions of sex and gender, presenting characters in a state of physical and mental ambivalence.

    Orlando serves as a profound meditation on the fluidity of gender and the complexity of identity. Through the protagonist's transformation and experiences, Woolf critiques societal constructs of gender, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of self that transcends traditional binaries. The novel remains a pivotal work in discussions about gender fluidity and androgyny, resonating with contemporary debates on identity and expression.

Virginia woolf’s inspiration: Vita Sackville west :-

       Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West's relationship is a cornerstone in the study of early 20th-century literature, exemplifying how personal connections can profoundly influence literary creation. Their bond, characterized by deep affection and mutual respect, culminated in Woolf's novel Orlando: A Biography, a work that challenges traditional notions of gender and identity.

The Genesis of Their Relationship

      Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West first met in December 1922. Despite their contrasting personalities—Woolf being introspective and reserved, and Sackville-West being more extroverted—their mutual admiration for each other's literary talents fostered a deep connection. Their relationship evolved into a romantic affair, enriching both their personal lives and literary endeavors.

Literary Influence and Orlando :-

      Sackville-West's influence on Woolf is most evident in the creation of Orlando: A Biography (1928). The novel's protagonist, Orlando, transitions from male to female and lives across centuries, reflecting Sackville-West's own fluid approach to gender and identity. This transformation challenges traditional gender roles and has been lauded for its exploration of androgyny and sexuality. Woolf's depiction of Orlando's ancestral home draws parallels to Sackville-West's family estate, Knole House, which she could not inherit due to the laws of primogeniture. This personal injustice is mirrored in Orlando's narrative, highlighting themes of gender and inheritance.

Impact on Woolf's Literary Career :

    The relationship with Sackville-West had a rejuvenating effect on Woolf's literary endeavors. Before their affair, Woolf had already established herself as a formidable writer with works like Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse. However, the playful and experimental nature of Orlando marked a departure from her earlier, more introspective novels. The novel's success also brought Woolf a broader readership and financial gain, alleviating some of her anxieties about her writing career.

Sackville-West's Perspective and Literary Contributions :

    While Sackville-West is often remembered in the context of her relationship with Woolf, she was an accomplished writer in her own right. Her works, including novels, poetry, and gardening columns, were popular during her lifetime. Her novel All Passion Spent (1931) is noted for its feminist themes and is considered one of her significant literary achievements.

The Evolution of Their Relationship :-

      After the romantic aspect of their relationship waned, Woolf and Sackville-West maintained a deep and enduring friendship. Their correspondence continued, reflecting mutual respect and affection. They also influenced each other's social circles, with Sackville-West becoming acquainted with members of the Bloomsbury Group, the intellectual collective that included Woolf and her contemporaries.

Legacy and Modern Interpretations :-

      The relationship between Woolf and Sackville-West has been the subject of numerous studies, biographies, and artistic interpretations. Their letters have been published, offering intimate insights into their thoughts and feelings. In recent years, their relationship was dramatized in the 2018 film Vita & Virginia, which explores their romance and its impact on their literary works.

Why is Orlando considered Queer literature today ?

    Virginia Woolf's Orlando: A Biography is considered queer literature today due to its exploration of gender fluidity, subversion of traditional gender roles, and reflection of Woolf's personal relationships. The novel portrays a protagonist who transitions from male to female and lives across centuries, challenging fixed notions of gender identity. Scholars have analyzed Orlando through various theoretical lenses, highlighting its subversive approach to gender norms and its significance in lesbian literary history.

Reference:-

de Gay, Jane. "Virginia Woolf and the Women’s Movement." Feminist Review, vol. 74, 2003, pp. 15-35. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/41556201.Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Pötzsch, Janelle. "Revisiting Woolf’s Orlando: Gender and Genre in a Post-Butlerian Context." The Yearbook of English Studies, vol. 50, 2020, pp. 181-198. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.5699/yearenglstud.50.2020.0181.

DiBattista, Maria. Virginia Woolf's Major Novels: The Fables of Anon. Yale University Press, 1980. https://www.worldcat.org/title/virginia-woolfs-major-novels-the-fables-of-anon/oclc/5946507.

Greene, Sally. "Queer Modernisms: Woolf and Orlando." Twentieth Century Literature, vol. 45, no. 2, 1999, pp. 140-160. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/441946.Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Halberstam, Judith. Female Masculinity. Duke University Press, 1998. https://www.worldcat.org/title/female-masculinity/oclc/38551329.

Kane, Julie. "Clothing and Gender Performativity in Orlando." Feminist Studies, vol. 32, no. 1, 2006, pp. 160-175. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20459010.Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Stryker, Susan. Transgender History. Seal Press, 2008. https://www.worldcat.org/title/transgender-history/oclc/191090944.

Woolf, Virginia. Orlando: A Biography. Hogarth Press, 1928. https://www.worldcat.org/title/orlando-a-biography/oclc/470524.

Kaivola, Karen. "Revisiting Woolf's Representations of Androgyny: Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Nation." Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature, vol. 18, no. 2, 1999, pp. 235-261. https://www.jstor.org/stable/464448.Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Yılmaz, Victoria Bilge. "Orlando: Woolf's Concept of Androgyny Seen through the Lens of Bakhtin's Grotesque." Agathos: An International Review of the Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 8, no. 2, 2017, pp. 85-100. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/orlando-woolfs-concept-androgyny-seen-through/docview/1965026614/se-2

Flipped Learning Activity: An Artist of the Floating World

This blog was assigned by Dr. Dilip Sir Barad. It's about An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro. For further information, here is the link.Teacher's blog.And here is the background study material.

Click here

Video:- 1

1. Introduction to Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro is a Japanese-born British novelist (born on November 8, 1954, in Nagasaki, Japan).Moved to Britain in 1960, studied at the University of Kent (BA) and the University of East Anglia (MA).

Writing Style & Themes: His works explore memory, regret, nostalgia, and subtle optimism.He won the Nobel Prize in Literature (2017) for uncovering the "abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world."

2. About the Novel – An Artist of the Floating World

Published in 1986, set in post-WWII Japan, showing its westernization/Americanization .The novel follows Masuji Ono, an elderly artist reflecting on his past as a propagandist during Japan’s imperialist era.He once felt proud of his work, but over time, his views change, leading to regret.

3. Narrative Strategy & the Unreliable Narrator

The novel uses first-person narration, making Masuji Ono an unreliable narrator.His memories shift, sometimes contradicting earlier statements.He justifies his past actions but later questions them, showing how memory is subjective.

4. Comparison with Orwell’s 1984

Unlike the pessimism of Orwell’s 1984 (where Winston and Julia surrender to the Party), Ishiguro’s novel has subtle optimism.The novel suggests that, despite regret, there is room for self-reflection and change.

5. Ishiguro as an Outsider Writing About Japan

He left Japan young and writes about it from a British perspective. His viewpoint is different from native Japanese authors, leading to both criticism (for not fully capturing Japan) and praise (for offering fresh insight).

    This is similar to diaspora writers like Salman Rushdie, V.S. Naipaul, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Mohsin Hamid, who write about their homelands from abroad.

Outsider Perspective: Like the alien in the film PK, an outsider can notice things insiders overlook.

6. Theme of Uprootedness and Cultural Craving

    Ishiguro, as an immigrant, may feel a deep longing for his culture, which is reflected in his works.This is common among diaspora writers, who express a craving for their homeland’s culture, language, and identity.

Video : 2 

Title Meaning:-

    The title An Artist of the Floating World is a direct translation of a specific type of painting. "Floating World" refers to a genre of Japanese art from the Edo period (1600-1867) that depicted pleasures such as entertainment, beautiful women, and actors. The protagonist, Masuji Ono, was initially proud of his nationalist paintings but later regretted them. The title suggests that the world is not permanent and constantly changes. It raises the question of whether one's values will gain or lose significance as society evolves.

Story Overview :-

     The novel follows an aging artist, Ono, as he revisits his past. He had once created paintings that supported nationalism and the war effort. However, in his later years, he regrets his contributions and questions the impact of his work. The story explores regret, responsibility, and the role of artists in political events.

Historical Context

        The story is set in Japan during the rise of nationalism and militarism, leading up to and following World War II. It mentions Emperor Hirohito and Japan's imperial rule. During this time, Japan attacked neighboring countries, and individuals were pressured to support national interests, even if it conflicted with personal beliefs. Those who had supported the war faced social disapproval, and some even committed suicide. The story also references the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Key Characters

Masuji Ono – The protagonist, an artist who initially supported the war but later regretted his actions.

Emperor Hirohito – The ruler of Japan during the time.

Other figures include a singer and a camera company president who committed suicide due to their involvement in war propaganda.

Themes :-

Responsibility: The novel highlights that not only political leaders but also artists and propagandists share responsibility for war.

Regret: The protagonist experiences deep regret over his past actions.

Changing Values: The story questions whether one's values remain relevant as the world changes.

Nationalism vs. Individual Beliefs: The conflict between supporting one's nation and staying true to personal beliefs is explored.

Video : 3

        Unraveling 'An Artist of the Floating World': A Deep Dive into Ishiguro's Masterpiece.  Kazuo Ishiguro's "An Artist of the Floating World" is a novel that lingers long after you've turned the final page. It's a story told with quiet intensity, exploring the complexities of memory, responsibility, and the shifting sands of societal values. This video presentation delves into the heart of Ishiguro's narrative, offering a comprehensive look at the characters, plot, and the profound themes woven throughout.

The Unreliable Narrator: A Window into Ono's World :

          At the center of the story is Masuji Ono, our protagonist, narrator, and the eponymous artist. Ishiguro masterfully employs first-person narration, but with a twist: Ono is an unreliable narrator. This isn't a deliberate attempt to deceive, but rather a reflection of the human tendency to reconstruct the past through a lens of self-preservation. As the video points out, 'the story is not as important as how it is told.' We are constantly questioning Ono's perspective, wondering what he's omitting, what he's downplaying, and what he's genuinely failing to see.

         This narrative strategy creates a sense of unease, a feeling that we're only seeing a sliver of the truth. It's a testament to Ishiguro's skill that we become so invested in Ono's journey, even as we remain skeptical of his recollections.

A Cast of Characters: Echoes of the Past and Future :

The video meticulously introduces the key players in Ono's life:

Setsuko: Ono's pragmatic and somewhat strained daughter, concerned with the family's reputation in a post-war Japan.

Ichiro: Setsuko's son, embodying the Americanized youth and the generational gap that separates him from Ono.

Noriko: Ono's other daughter, whose marriage prospects serve as a catalyst for Ono's introspective journey.

Michiko and Kanji: Ono's deceased wife and son, whose absence casts a long shadow over the narrative.

Seiji Moriyama: Ono's mentor, a master of the "floating world" style of art, representing a bygone era. 

Kuroda: Ono's former student, whose fate becomes a symbol of the moral complexities of the time.

Chisu Matsuda: The nationalist who influenced Ono's shift towards propaganda art, highlighting the artist's role in political movements.

Yukio Naguchi: A composer of patriotic songs who committed suicide, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of wartime fervor.

      These characters are not merely figures in a story; they are reflections of the societal shifts and moral dilemmas that define post-war Japan.

The Plot: A Journey Through Memory and Regret :

      The narrative unfolds through Ono's fragmented memories, triggered by Noriko's marriage negotiations. This seemingly simple plot device allows Ishiguro to explore the deeper themes of the novel:

       Ono's past as a propaganda artist comes under scrutiny, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.

        The delicate balance between personal responsibility and societal pressures is examined.

    The changing landscape of Japanese society, from the hedonistic "floating world" to the austere nationalism of wartime, is vividly portrayed.

The Dynamics of Art: A Mirror to Society :

     Ishiguro uses art as a lens through which to examine the complexities of human nature. The video explores the various roles that art plays in the novel:

  Art as a source of aesthetic pleasure. Art as a means of commercial success . Art as a tool for political propaganda. Art as a way to portray the life of the common people.

         Ono's journey from a painter of the "floating world" to a creator of nationalist propaganda raises profound questions about the artist's responsibility to society.

A Subtle Optimism: Looking Towards the Future :

         Despite the weight of Ono's regrets, the novel concludes with a note of subtle optimism. As he observes the younger generation, he sees a glimmer of hope for a better future. He acknowledges his past mistakes and expresses a quiet faith that the new generation will learn from the past.

        "An Artist of the Floating World" is a novel that challenges us to confront our own memories, our own responsibilities, and our own understanding of the past. It's a testament to Ishiguro's genius that he can weave such a complex and thought-provoking narrative with such understated elegance.

Video : 4 

      The video focuses on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World and explores its themes, narrative style, and the role of art and artists. Here are some point :

1. Themes in An Artist of the Floating World

Title Interpretation: The protagonist, Masuji Ono, initially desires to be more than just an artist of the “floating world” (a term referring to the transient pleasures of nightlife and entertainment). He wants to create art for social change but later drifts toward nationalism and propaganda.

Marriage Negotiations: A major plot movement is the negotiation of his daughter Noriko’s marriage, which has already failed once. In traditional Japanese society, repeated failed negotiations could harm a family’s reputation.

Regret and Guilt: Ono, once a respected artist, later faces rejection. His past actions, particularly his nationalist work, lead to isolation. His students despise him, highlighting the theme of personal and societal reckoning after World War II.

2. Unreliable Narrator and Narrative Technique

      Ono's narration is deceptive he presents himself as a great artist, but as the story unfolds, we see that society resents him.

    The discussion references Wayne C. Booth’s concept of the unreliable narrator, which suggests that modern storytelling often questions the reliability of language and memory.

    Postmodernist narratives often focus on how a story is told rather than the story itself. Shakespeare is mentioned as an example of a great storyteller who took known stories but told them in unique ways.

3. Role of Art and Artist :

Art serves multiple purposes:

1. Aesthetic Pleasure – Art for beauty’s sake.

2. Commercial Purpose – Art for business and profit.

3. Nationalist/Imperial Purpose– Art used for propaganda.

4. Social Cause – Art for the poor and oppressed.

5. Art as Useless – Ono’s father and Plato’s view that artists are deceptive and unnecessary.

     The discussion warns against art becoming hegemonic when it serves political or ideological propaganda, it becomes dangerous. Art should remain independent rather than being a tool for nationalism or power.

4. Language and Manipulation

       The conversation shifts to how language can deceive people, referencing historical and political examples, including misleading statements by leaders.

    The importance of critical thinking is emphasized people should question and analyze language instead of blindly believing what they hear.

5. Nationalism vs. Blind Patriotism

   Nationalism becomes problematic when it leads to hatred or propaganda.The discussion brings up real-world examples, such as how Indian films faced backlash for including Pakistani actors and how nationalistic sentiments can be manipulated.

Video : 5 

An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro, incorporating the points you emphasized:

Summary of An Artist of the Floating World :

    Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World is a novel set in post-World War II Japan, exploring themes of memory, guilt, and the consequences of one’s past actions. The story is narrated by Masuji Ono, a retired painter who once supported Japanese imperialist ideals through his art but now reflects on his past in a rapidly changing society.

Structure and Timeline

      The novel is divided into four sections, marked by specific time periods:

• October 194
• 
  
• April 19
• 
  
• November 1949
• 
  
• June 1950

      These dates indicate the post-war rebuilding of Japan and Ono’s personal struggle with his past.

Unreliable Narrator and Self-Deception

       Masuji Ono serves as an unreliable narrator, a concept introduced by Wayne C. Booth in The Rhetoric of Fiction (1961). He frequently contradicts himself, omits key details, and reinterprets past events to protect his self-image. Throughout the novel, he repeatedly addresses an implied listener, using the pronoun "you" more than 1100 times, suggesting an attempt to justify his past to others or himself.

Examples of his unreliable narration include:

   He contradicts his own memories, making it difficult to determine the truth. He downplays his role in reporting his student, Kuroda, to the authorities, which led to Kuroda’s arrest.

      He attempts to present himself as an honorable figure while subtly shifting responsibility for Japan’s war-time actions onto others.

Themes: Guilt, Betrayal, and Changing Social Values

          A major theme in the novel is guilt and personal responsibility. Ono was once a respected artist who created propaganda art supporting Japan’s militaristic expansion. However, after the war, such views are discredited, and he struggles with whether he should feel remorse.

        His betrayal of Kuroda is a central moment. As a mentor, he once encouraged Kuroda, but later, he reported him for engaging in "unpatriotic activities," leading to Kuroda’s imprisonment. Despite this, Ono does not fully acknowledge his betrayal, instead minimizing his role.

      Another key theme is the generational divide. His daughters, Setsuko and Noriko, represent modern Japan, which wants to move forward and distance itself from the past. This is evident in Noriko’s miai (marriage meeting) in April 1949, where Ono realizes that his past could negatively affect her prospects. To ease tensions with the Saito family, he makes a rare admission:

"There are some who would say it is people like myself who are responsible for the terrible things that happened to this nation of ours."

However, even in this confession, Ono’s sincerity is uncertain.

Thank you for reading 

Reference:-

Ishiguro, Kazuo. "An Artist of the Floating World." Dilip Barad, 14 Jun. 2021, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/06/artist-floating-world.html

DoE-MKBU. "An Artist of the Floating World | About the author - Kazuo Ishiguro | Session 1 | Sem 2 Online Class." YouTube, 23 Feb. 2023, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zd6XLLyGvg.

DoE-MKBU. "Title of the Novel - Explained | An Artist of the Floating World | Sem 2 Online Classes | 2021 06 17." YouTube, 17 Jun. 2021, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htKqgRreDtg.

DoE-MKBU. "An Artist of the Floating World | About the author - Kazuo Ishiguro | Session 1 | Sem 2 Online Class." YouTube, 23 Feb. 2023, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zd6XLLyGvg.

DoE-MKBU. "An Artist of the Floating World | About the author - Kazuo Ishiguro | Session 1 | Sem 2 Online Class." YouTube, 23 Feb. 2023, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zd6XLLyGvg.

DoE-MKBU. "An Artist of the Floating World | Characters | Narrative Strategy | Plot Summary | Ending." YouTube, 14 Mar. 2023, Https://youtu.be/z1EhasEkeZ4?si=806si3juF2JKlNMu.