Does Ono Feel Sorry In Artist Of Floating World

Does Ono Feel Sorry in The Artist of the Floating World? A Deep Dive into Regret and Responsibility

Kazuo Ishiguro's The Artist of the Floating World masterfully portrays the complex emotional landscape of Masuji Ono, a retired artist grappling with the aftermath of Japan's defeat in World War II. While the novel never explicitly states Ono feels "sorry" in the conventional sense, the text offers ample evidence of deep-seated regret, shame, and a profound sense of responsibility for his past actions and complicity in the militaristic regime. This essay will explore the various facets of Ono's emotional state, delving into the nuances of his remorse, his attempts at self-justification, and the ultimate ambiguity surrounding his true feelings.

The Weight of the Past: Recognizing Complicity

Ono's life is inextricably linked to the imperial ideology that fueled Japan's wartime aggression. His art, initially characterized by its aesthetic beauty, becomes entangled with the propaganda machine, unwittingly or otherwise contributing to the nationalistic fervor. The novel doesn't paint Ono as a malicious villain actively seeking to harm others; instead, he's presented as a man who gradually allowed his artistic talents to be co-opted, subtly sacrificing his integrity for personal gain and social acceptance. This complicity haunts him in the postwar era. He tries to distance himself, painting himself as a victim of circumstances, a pawn in a larger game, but the weight of his past contributions remains.

The Subtlety of Regret: Self-Deception and Denial

Ono's regret isn't expressed through grand pronouncements or tearful confessions. Instead, it manifests in subtle ways: his evasiveness when confronted with his past, his self-deprecating humor, and his obsessive focus on trivial details. He engages in a form of self-deception, attempting to minimize his role in the wartime machine. He repeatedly emphasizes his adherence to the "art for art's sake" philosophy, seeking to disassociate himself from the overtly political nature of his work during the war years. This constant self-justification, however, reveals the underlying guilt that gnaws at his conscience.

The Shifting Sands of Memory: Reconstructing the Past

Ishiguro masterfully uses Ono's unreliable narration to explore the complexities of memory and the selective nature of self-perception. Ono's recollections are fragmented, often romanticized, and consistently filtered through his desire to present a favorable image of himself. He meticulously constructs a narrative that minimizes his involvement in the harmful actions of the wartime regime. He reconstructs his past, highlighting artistic endeavors while glossing over political affiliations or collaborations with individuals complicit in wartime atrocities. This selective memory, however, ultimately underscores his attempt to escape the weight of his culpability.

The Impact of the Changing World: Loss and Disillusionment

The defeat of Japan and the subsequent societal upheaval profoundly impact Ono's life. The loss of his status as a celebrated artist, coupled with the societal shift away from the values he once embraced, deeply affects him. This loss isn't solely material; it represents a loss of identity and a shattering of his worldview. His pride and self-worth, intrinsically linked to his artistic success and social standing within the militaristic regime, are shattered. This contributes to his regret, not necessarily for his actions alone, but for the loss of the world he once inhabited and the values that shaped his identity.

Confronting the Consequences: Daughter's Departure and Societal Judgment

The departure of his daughter, Setsuko, symbolizes the irreversible consequences of his past actions. Setsuko's departure represents a rejection of the values Ono embodied, a rejection of the world he helped create. Her decision to leave reflects a generational shift, a break from the older generation's acceptance of the past's excesses and a desire for a more honest reckoning with Japan's wartime history. This rejection profoundly hurts Ono, adding another layer to his internal conflict and sense of regret for the world he helped shape and the values he instilled in his daughter.

The societal judgment he faces further contributes to his sense of remorse. He is no longer celebrated, but rather viewed with suspicion and disdain by a changing society that seeks to reject the past and its enablers. This social ostracism adds to the weight of his emotional burden, compounding the sense of loss and regret he experiences.

The Absence of Explicit Apology: A Subtle Exploration of Regret

Unlike characters in other novels who express explicit remorse, Ono's regret is unspoken, deeply internalized, and often manifested through indirect means. He doesn't offer a direct apology for his actions, nor does he engage in acts of public penance. This ambiguity adds layers to his character, rendering him more realistic and relatable. It highlights the complexity of dealing with personal guilt and the difficulty of confronting one's own complicity in larger historical events.

The Ambiguity of Forgiveness: Self-Acceptance and Redemption

The novel concludes without offering easy answers or simplistic resolutions. Ono's emotional journey is left ambiguous; we are left wondering whether he truly achieves any form of self-forgiveness or redemption. Ishiguro masterfully avoids offering a definitive conclusion, leaving the reader to grapple with the complexities of Ono's character and the ambiguity of his feelings. The open ending allows for multiple interpretations, reflecting the complexities of human nature and the challenging process of confronting one's past.

Beyond "Sorry": Exploring the Spectrum of Regret

While Ono may not explicitly say "I'm sorry," his actions and internal struggles demonstrate a profound sense of regret. His subdued demeanor, his evasiveness, and his inability to fully reconcile with his past all speak to a deep-seated sense of remorse. It’s not just "sorry" in the sense of a simple apology; it's a complex and nuanced emotional response encompassing regret, shame, and a haunting awareness of his responsibility.

The Power of Implied Regret: A More Realistic Portrayal

The subtle way Ishiguro portrays Ono's regret makes him a more compelling and believable character. The absence of an explicit apology allows the reader to engage more deeply with Ono's internal struggles and to form their own conclusions about the depth and nature of his remorse. It’s a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of how individuals confront their past actions and grapple with the weight of their choices. This understated approach enhances the novel's emotional impact, forcing the reader to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and the complexities of human nature.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Regret

The Artist of the Floating World is not a story about a simple apology or a clear-cut redemption arc. It’s a profound exploration of regret, complicity, and the enduring impact of the past. While Ono may never explicitly express remorse with the word "sorry," the novel’s subtle portrayal leaves the reader with a powerful understanding of the complex emotional landscape of a man grappling with the consequences of his actions within a larger historical context. Ono's journey is a testament to the enduring power of regret and the challenging process of confronting one's past. The ambiguity inherent in his emotional state makes him a memorable and thought-provoking character, prompting readers to consider the various forms and intensities of regret, and the complexities of personal and collective responsibility. The novel’s enduring power lies in its ability to prompt these reflections, leaving a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.