Artist of the Floating World essay on intergenerational conflicts
In Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Artist of the Floating World," the theme of intergenerational conflicts is predominant throughout the narrative. Set in post-World War II Japan, the story follows the protagonist, Masuji Ono, a renowned artist who grapples with the repercussions of his past actions and the changing social and political landscape of his country.
Ono belongs to a generation that was shaped by the values and ideals of pre-war Japan, including loyalty to the emperor, respect for tradition, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. However, as Japan emerges from the devastation of the war and embraces Western influences, a new generation of Japanese citizens emerges with different priorities and perspectives.
The conflict between Ono's generation and the younger generation is evident in their contrasting attitudes towards the past. Ono's generation views the pre-war period with nostalgia and pride, believing that their loyalty to the emperor and adherence to traditional values were noble and justified. In contrast, the younger generation criticizes their parents and elders for their complicity in the militaristic regime that led to Japan's defeat in the war. They view Ono's generation as outdated and responsible for the country's current struggles.
This clash of perspectives is exemplified in Ono's own relationships with his daughters. His eldest daughter, Setsuko, represents the younger generation and is critical of her father's past actions as a propagandist for the wartime government. She resents Ono for his refusal to acknowledge his role in promoting nationalist propaganda and insists that he take responsibility for his actions. Ono, on the other hand, struggles to reconcile his past beliefs with the changing values of his daughter's generation.
The tension between the two generations is further compounded by Ono's attempts to reclaim his status as a respected artist in a society that has shifted towards Western influences and modernism. Ono's once-revered artistic style, which emphasized traditional Japanese aesthetics and themes, is now dismissed as outdated and irrelevant by younger artists who embrace more experimental and unconventional approaches.
Ultimately, "Artist of the Floating World" explores the complexities of intergenerational conflicts and the struggles of individuals to reconcile their past with the changing realities of the present. Through Ono's journey of self-discovery and redemption, Ishiguro highlights the challenges of confronting one's own history and adapting to the evolving cultural landscape. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of past actions on future generations and the importance of coming to terms with one's own past in order to move forward.