War is a Social Evil that Should be Avoided at All Costs
‘War is a social evil that should be avoided at all costs owing to its adverse consequences.’
Validate the statement referring to Kazuo Ishuguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World.
Introduction
War is a social evil that should be avoided at all costs. It causes widespread death, destruction, and suffering. The novel An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro explores the devastating effects of war on individuals and society.
Body
One of the most devastating effects of war is the loss of life. In An Artist of the Floating World, Mr. Ono's son Kenji is killed in Manchuria while fighting for Japan. Another 23 young men are killed while attempting to cross a minefield. The deaths of these young men are a tragic reminder of the human cost of war.
War also causes a scarcity of goods and services. In An Artist of the Floating World, Mr. Ono offers to rebuild the damaged areas of the house after noticing Miss Sugimura's anxiety over the bomb blasts. However, the supplies he orders are so limited that it is possible to wait weeks after the surrender for a certain piece of wood or a supply of nails. This scarcity of goods makes it difficult for people to get the things they need to survive.
War also causes property destruction. In An Artist of the Floating World, the bomb blasts damage Mr. Ono's house. The roof planks are pushed up from underneath, and Ono has to install receptacles on the floor to catch the dripping water on wet days. The veranda is also ruined. This property damage can be a major financial burden for people, and it can also make it difficult to live a normal life.
War also leads to intolerance and violence. In An Artist of the Floating World, the Hirayama boy entertains people by performing military songs before the war. However, after the war, people dislike hearing him sing because it reminds them of the conflict. The boy is even beaten up at night. This intolerance and violence can create a climate of fear and hatred, making it difficult for people to live together in peace.
Finally, war can have a devastating impact on mental health. In An Artist of the Floating World, the president of the company where Jiro Miyake works commits suicide. He is in his sixties and has backed the emperor's campaign to enlarge his realm. However, after the war, he feels guilty about the deaths that have occurred. This guilt leads to depression and ultimately suicide. This shows how war can have a lasting impact on the mental health of individuals.
Conclusion
The novel An Artist of the Floating World provides a powerful depiction of the devastating effects of war. It is a reminder that war is a social evil that should be avoided at all costs.