Culture and Tradition in An Artist of the Floating World
Culture and tradition are at the centre of Ishiguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World . Write an essay in support of this statement
In his novel An Artist of the Floating World, Kazuo Ishiguro explores the culture and tradition of Japan through the eyes of the narrator, Masuji Ono. Ono is an aging painter who reflects on his life and career, and the ways in which they have been shaped by the changing times.
One of the most important cultural traditions that Ishiguro explores is the miai, or arranged marriage. In the miai, the families of the prospective bride and groom meet to discuss the possibility of a marriage. This process is often highly formalized, and can involve extensive negotiations and background checks. In the novel, Ono's daughter Noriko is denied a miai with the Miyake family after it is discovered that Ono had once worked as a propaganda artist for the Japanese government during World War II. This shows how the miai can be used to uphold traditional values and exclude those who do not conform.
Another important cultural tradition that Ishiguro explores is hara-kiri, or ritual suicide. Hara-kiri is traditionally seen as a way to restore honor to oneself or one's family, and it is often used as a form of atonement for wrongdoing. In the novel, the President of the Kimura company commits hara-kiri to apologize for his involvement in the war. This shows how hara-kiri can be used to uphold traditional values and maintain social order.
Ishiguro also explores the master-student relationship in the novel. In the traditional Japanese arts, the master-student relationship is one of great respect and deference. The student is expected to be completely obedient to the master, and to follow their teachings without question. In the novel, Ono is a student of the painter Seiji Moriyama. When Ono creates paintings that are not in line with Moriyama's teachings, he is forced to leave the studio. This shows how the master-student relationship can be used to control and suppress creativity.
Finally, Ishiguro explores the family traditions in the novel. In the traditional Japanese family, there is a clear hierarchy of power and authority. The father is the head of the household, and the mother is responsible for the children. The children are expected to obey their parents without question. In the novel, Ono's wife is a strong and independent woman, but she is still subordinate to her husband. This shows how the traditional Japanese family can be patriarchal and oppressive.
In conclusion, culture and tradition are at the center of An Artist of the Floating World. Ishiguro uses the novel to explore the ways in which these traditions can both shape and constrain individual lives. The novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of questioning tradition and thinking for oneself.