Thinking Activity: Trends and Movement

 This Task Assigned by Megha Ma'am 

( Department of English MKBU)

This blog is about different art and literary movements that have shaped creative expression over time. We explored Expressionism, Surrealism, and Dadaism in our classroom through discussions and creative activities here below explain these movements in simple terms and share our creative work

Expressionism

Expressionism is an early 20th-century artistic and literary movement that focuses on expressing intense emotions rather than depicting reality. It uses bold colors, distorted figures, and exaggerated forms in art, as seen in Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and explores themes of anxiety and alienation in literature, like Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. Expressionist theater and film, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, use dramatic lighting and surreal settings to create psychological depth. In our classroom activity, we explored Expressionism through painting, poetry, and photography, expressing raw emotions and subjective experiences, making this movement more personal and relatable.

Key Features of Expressionism:

• Strong emotions and personal expression
• Bold colors and distorted figures in art
• Themes of anxiety, fear, and inner conflict
• Rejection of traditional realism
• Focus on individual perception rather than objective reality

In this classroom activity on Expressionism, students engaged in a creative exploration of emotions and personal perspectives. Expressionism, as an artistic and literary movement, focuses on conveying raw emotions rather than realistic depictions.

Surrealism 

Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, influenced by Sigmund Freud’s theories of the unconscious mind. It sought to break free from rational thought and explore the world of dreams, imagination, and subconscious desires. Surrealist artists and writers used unexpected juxtapositions, illogical scenes, and strange imagery to challenge reality and traditional artistic conventions.

Key features of Surrealism include:

• Dreamlike and irrational scenes
• Unexpected and bizarre combinations of objects
• Exploration of the subconscious mind
• Free association and automatic writing in literature
• Inspired by Freud’s psychoanalysis

Surrealism emerged in the early 1920s as a cultural movement that sought to revolutionize art, literature, and thought by unlocking the power of the unconscious mind. It was officially founded in 1924 when André Breton, a French poet and writer, published the Surrealist Manifesto, defining the movement as a means of expressing pure thought free from reason, logic, and societal constraints. Influenced by Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis, Surrealists believed that dreams and the subconscious held deeper truths than rational thought.

 

Dadaism

Dadaism was an avant-garde art movement that emerged during World War I (1916) in Zurich, Switzerland, as a response to the chaos and destruction caused by the war. It rejected logic, reason, and traditional artistic values, embracing absurdity, randomness, and anti-art expressions. Founded by artists and writers like Tristan Tzara, Hugo Ball, Jean Arp, and Marcel Duchamp, Dadaism sought to challenge societal norms and question the very definition of art.

Key Features of Dadaism

• Anti-art philosophy: Dadaists rejected conventional beauty and artistic techniques.

• Collage and assemblage: They used found objects, newspaper clippings, and random materials to create art.

• Absurdity and nonsense: Many Dada works contained meaningless words, strange images, and chaotic forms

• Chance and spontaneity: Instead of structured compositions, Dada artists let randomness guide their creativity.

• Political and social critique: Many Dada artworks and performances mocked authority, war, and capitalism.

As part of our exploration of Dadaism, we conducted a creative classroom activity that embraced randomness, absurdity, and rejection of traditional artistic norms. The image above represents a Dada-inspired artwork, where torn paper, random cutouts, and contrasting colors come together to challenge conventional aesthetics. The irregular shapes and scattered holes break the structured lines of the notebook paper, reflecting Dada’s anti-art philosophy.

Conclusion 

This blog explored Expressionism, Surrealism, and Dadaism, highlighting their impact on art and literature. Through classroom activities like painting, poetry, and photography, we experienced these movements firsthand, expressing emotions, imagination, and creative rebellion. These artistic styles continue to inspire modern creativity, proving that art is more than just representation—it is a powerful form of expression and innovation.

The Birthday Party

 This Task assigned by Megha Ma'am (Department of English MKBU) 

For more reading Click here. 

The Birthday Party: Film vs. Play – A Study in Menace and Power

Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party is an enigmatic, unsettling play that thrives on ambiguity, power struggles, and the looming presence of an unseen authority. William Friedkin’s film adaptation remains remarkably faithful to Pinter’s original text while using cinematic techniques to intensify its psychological tension. Through the interplay of lighting, camera angles, and sound design, Friedkin amplifies the claustrophobia and unease inherent in the play, making the menace feel even more tangible.

Film vs. Play: Translating Pinter’s Atmosphere to Cinema

Friedkin’s adaptation preserves Pinter’s signature elements—disjointed dialogue, silences, and psychological tension—while leveraging the film medium’s unique strengths. Close-ups magnify the characters’ expressions, exposing their internal distress, while the controlled use of lighting casts long shadows, reinforcing an oppressive atmosphere. The camera’s positioning, often tight and intrusive, further heightens the characters’ paranoia, immersing viewers in the play’s world of discomfort and impending doom.

Creating a World Without Structure

Pinter’s dialogue is famously erratic, filled with sudden pauses and unpredictable shifts. The film enhances these elements through sound design—knocking, footsteps, and eerie silences—creating a world that feels unstable and fragmented. These auditory cues emphasize the characters’ psychological unease, reinforcing the sense of an unseen, omnipresent threat lurking beyond the boarding house’s walls.

The Menace of the ‘Knocking at the Door’

The recurring knocking motif is a powerful symbol of intrusion, serving as a harbinger of danger. In the film, the knocking is accentuated through its jarring abruptness, coupled with unsettling camera movements that make the audience feel as trapped as Stanley. The growing intensity of these sounds mirrors Stanley’s psychological deterioration, underscoring the inevitability of his fate.

Silences and Pauses: The Unspoken Horror

Pinter’s strategic use of pauses makes everyday conversations feel unnatural and ominous. Friedkin amplifies this unease through prolonged silences and lingering close-ups, making the absence of dialogue just as unnerving as the words spoken. This deliberate pacing builds suspense, transforming mundane moments into scenes of palpable dread.

Symbolism in Everyday Objects

Pinter’s world is filled with objects that carry deeper meanings, reinforcing the play’s themes:

Mirror – A reflection of self-identity, or in Stanley’s case, the fear of facing reality. His avoidance of mirrors signifies his existential dread.

Toy Drum – A symbol of childhood innocence tainted by oppression. Meg’s gift to Stanley, meant as a harmless gesture, becomes a haunting foreshadowing of his doom.

Newspaper – A shield from reality; when McCann destroys it, he metaphorically erases any trace of truth, reinforcing the power of manipulation.

Breakfast – A forced normalcy amidst chaos. The ritualistic nature of breakfast contrasts starkly with the underlying menace, highlighting the characters’ inability to escape their predetermined roles.

Effectiveness of Key Scenes in the Movie

Interrogation Scene (Act 1) – Rapid-fire questioning, jarring close-ups, and disorienting camera angles mirror Stanley’s psychological torment, making the audience feel his distress.

Birthday Party Scene (Act 2) – Unnerving laughter, erratic movements, and dim lighting create an almost surreal horror, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.

Faltering Goldberg & Petey’s Timid Resistance (Act 3) – Goldberg’s brief moment of vulnerability and Petey’s hesitant resistance highlight the central theme of power dynamics, control, and helplessness.

Post-Viewing Reflections

The Omission of Lulu’s Scenes

The film omits two of Lulu’s key scenes, shifting focus entirely to Stanley’s psychological unraveling. While this omission streamlines the narrative, it also alters the play’s gender dynamics. Lulu’s victimization by Goldberg is only implied rather than explicitly explored, which strengthens the film’s overarching theme of psychological entrapment but reduces the full scope of Goldberg’s manipulative nature.

How the Film Capture the Play’s Menace?

While the play generates unease through ambiguous dialogue and loaded pauses, the film translates these elements visually and sonically. Dim lighting, eerie silences, and claustrophobic framing make the menace immediate and visceral. The sense of entrapment is intensified by the camera’s persistent focus on confined spaces, ensuring that the audience, like Stanley, feels no escape.

Interpretation of Camera Angles in ‘Blind Man’s Buff’

Over McCann’s head – Emphasizes his dominance, making Stanley appear small and powerless.

Top-down view – Creates a sense of visual entrapment, reinforcing Stanley’s growing helplessness.

Pinter’s Concept of Enclosed Space and Unpredictable Dialogue

Friedkin’s film remains loyal to Pinter’s theatrical vision, preserving the suffocating nature of the boarding house and the unpredictable, menacing quality of the dialogue. Through fragmented speech patterns and abrupt tonal shifts, the characters manipulate and deceive one another, demonstrating power’s insidious nature.

A Director’s Perspective: How to Enhance the Film

If I were to direct a modern adaptation, I would:

Use unsettling background sounds to subtly heighten tension.

Employ sharper contrasts in lighting to emphasize shifts in power dynamics.

Focus more on Stanley’s perspective, using subjective shots to intensify his psychological distress.

Reintroduce Lulu’s missing scenes, reinforcing Goldberg’s manipulative nature.

Keep the ending ambiguous, ensuring the audience is left in a state of unease.

Dream Cast for a Modern Adaptation

Stanley – Cillian Murphy: His ability to portray paranoia and vulnerability makes him a perfect fit.

Goldberg – Ralph Fiennes: His mix of charm and menace would make Goldberg even more terrifying.

McCann – Barry Keoghan: His quiet intensity and unsettling presence align with McCann’s role.

Meg – Olivia Colman: Balances warmth with obliviousness, embodying Meg’s eerie maternal facade.

Petey – Jim Broadbent: His gentle yet powerless demeanor captures Petey’s tragic passivity.

Lulu – Florence Pugh: Emotionally complex and resilient, perfect for portraying Lulu’s unspoken trauma.

Kafka, Orwell, and Pinter: A Shared Fate

Stanley (The Birthday Party), Joseph K. (The Trial), and Winston Smith (1984) are bound by a common thread:

Loss of agency – Each is controlled by an oppressive, unseen force.

Psychological torment – Subjected to mind games, interrogation, and existential dread.

Doomed fates – Resistance is futile; the system always prevails.

Their struggles illustrate the terrifying reality of authoritarian control, where individuals are stripped of identity and reduced to mere pawns in an incomprehensible game of power.

Final Thoughts

Friedkin’s The Birthday Party masterfully translates Pinter’s theatrical tension into cinematic unease. While some argue that Pinter’s style is inherently theatrical and difficult to capture on film, this adaptation proves that visual storytelling can enhance his themes of menace, control, and existential fear. Through claustrophobic framing, eerie silences, and disorienting camera work, the film transforms a seemingly mundane boarding house into a microcosm of paranoia and oppression. Pinter’s world is one where language is both a weapon and a trap, where silence is just as dangerous as speech, and where power shifts unpredictably, leaving its victims disoriented and helpless. Friedkin’s adaptation does not just capture this world—it makes us live in it, if only for a harrowing ninety minutes.

ThAct: Henry David Thoreau & Margaret Fuller

 This blog as a part of Thinking Activity Task given assigned by Prakruti ma'am (Department of MKBU)

This blog cover below questions of Thoreau and Fuller 

• Discuss the following basic elements of Transcendentalism in the context of Henry David Thoreau's works: 1) Self-Reliance 2) Free Thinking/Individualism 3) Nonconformity/Civil Disobedience 4) Spirituality 5) Importance of Nature 6) Confidence
• Share your thoughts about Thoreau's statement: "that government is best which governs least".
• Discuss any two of the major themes of Margaret Fuller's philosophy. 
• Compare Transcendentalist ideas with that of Puritanism. Which philosophical ideology can you consider relevant for our times?

1)Discuss the following basic elements of Transcendentalism in the context of Henry David Thoreau's works: 1) Self-Reliance 2) Free Thinking/Individualism 3) Nonconformity/Civil Disobedience 4) Spirituality 5) Importance of Nature 6) Confidence

The Transcendentalism in Henry David Thoreau's Works: A Deep Dive

Henry David Thoreau, a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, explored the human experience through a lens of self-reliance, nature, and moral resistance. His works, particularly Walden (1854) and Civil Disobedience (1849), continue to inspire individuals, thinkers, and activists across generations. Transcendentalism, as a philosophical movement, calls for individualism, free thinking, and spiritual connection to nature—ideas that are prevalent throughout Thoreau’s writings. This essay examines six key Transcendentalist themes in Thoreau's works: self-reliance, free thinking and individualism, nonconformity/civil disobedience, spirituality, the importance of nature, and confidence.

1) Self-Reliance: Embracing Independence

One of the fundamental elements of Transcendentalism is self-reliance, and Thoreau lived this idea in a literal sense. He famously withdrew from society to live at Walden Pond, building his own shelter and living off what he grew. He emphasized that individuals should trust their own judgment rather than relying on societal norms. Thoreau encapsulates this notion in his work Walden, stating, “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” By embracing minimalism and self-sufficiency, he critiqued the overdependence on material goods and societal expectations. His experiment in self-reliance was not merely a rejection of materialism but also an invitation to live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

2) Free Thinking and Individualism: The Freedom of Thought

Thoreau’s concept of free thinking is closely linked to the idea of individualism. He argued that societal conventions often suppress independent thought and blind adherence to tradition. Thoreau's philosophy encourages individuals to think critically and question authority. In Walden, he writes, “No way of thinking or doing, however ancient, can be trusted without proof.” This statement urges readers to challenge established systems and think for themselves. Thoreau was not merely critiquing societal norms but also promoting a life that valued personal introspection, intellectual independence, and the courage to stand alone against the crowd. His individualism was revolutionary in a time when conformity was expected.

3) Nonconformity and Civil Disobedience: The Moral Duty to Resist

Thoreau's Civil Disobedience remains one of the most significant texts on passive resistance. His refusal to pay the poll tax, which he believed funded slavery and the unjust Mexican-American War, was an act of protest against governmental injustice. Thoreau argues that it is not only the right but the moral duty of individuals to resist laws that conflict with personal ethics. “The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right,” Thoreau asserts. His ideas laid the groundwork for later civil rights movements and nonviolent resistance led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

4) Spirituality: Divine Connection through Nature

Thoreau's spirituality was deeply tied to his understanding of nature. He saw the natural world as a manifestation of the divine and believed that spending time in nature facilitated a closer connection to the "Over-Soul"—a concept introduced by Emerson, which represents a universal spirit that connects all living things. Thoreau’s Walden is not just a book about nature; it is a spiritual journey. Thoreau believed that by immersing oneself in the solitude and simplicity of nature, one could achieve a higher state of consciousness and spiritual awakening. This transcendental spirituality, rejecting institutional religion in favor of personal connection to the divine, was ahead of its time.

5) The Importance of Nature: A Source of Wisdom and Renewal

Nature, for Thoreau, was not just a backdrop for human activity; it was an active, living force that had much to teach humanity. His writings celebrate nature’s ability to restore and educate the human soul. Thoreau’s love for nature is evident in Walden, where he describes the rhythms of the seasons and the simplicity of the natural world. In his view, society's rapid industrialization had alienated individuals from nature, and he believed that reconnecting with the natural world was crucial for personal and societal well-being. Thoreau’s philosophy also laid the foundation for modern environmentalism, calling for the protection of nature against exploitation.

6) Confidence: Trust in One’s Own Path

Confidence, for Thoreau, was about trusting one's inner voice and marching to the beat of one’s own drum. He famously wrote, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” This quote embodies Thoreau’s belief in the importance of following one’s own path, regardless of societal approval or rejection. Confidence in one's own values and actions is central to his philosophy of personal integrity. Thoreau criticized those who lived lives driven by fear or the opinions of others, encouraging individuals to have the courage to follow their unique calling.

2)Share your thoughts about Thoreau's statement: "that government is best which governs least".

Thoreau’s statement can be seen as a critique of government intervention in the lives of individuals. It reflects his belief that individuals should be free to make their own choices and decisions without excessive control by the government. He expressed this idea most famously in his essay Civil Disobedience.

Key Ideas Behind the Statement

Moral Autonomy: Thoreau believed that individuals should have the freedom to act according to their conscience, even if it goes against the law. He argued that if a law is unjust, it is better to break it than to comply with it. For Thoreau, government should only intervene when it is absolutely necessary to protect individual rights. Anything beyond that is an infringement on personal liberty.

Self-Reliance: Thoreau was influenced by Emerson’s idea of self-reliance, which emphasized that individuals should be independent and not rely on external systems (like government). Thoreau believed that people were capable of making their own decisions and should not be dependent on a governing system.

Opposition to Oppressive Systems: Thoreau was particularly critical of government actions like slavery and the Mexican-American War, which he believed were immoral. He felt that such policies were harmful, and individuals should not support them, even if it meant disobeying the law.

Limitations of Minimal Government

While Thoreau’s ideal of a government that governs least is compelling, there are practical concerns about what would happen in the absence of effective governance. Without laws and regulation, social and economic instability could arise, potentially leading to the exploitation of vulnerable groups. Moreover, Thoreau's ideal of government might not work well in modern, complex societies where issues like public health, justice, and economic inequality require a more active government role.

3)Thoreau’s statement can be seen as a critique of government intervention in the lives of individuals. It reflects his belief that individuals should be free to make their own choices and decisions without excessive control by the government. He expressed this idea most famously in his essay Civil Disobedience.

Key Ideas Behind the Statement:

• Moral Autonomy: Thoreau believed that individuals should have the freedom to act according to their conscience, even if it goes against the law. He argued that if a law is unjust, it is better to break it than to comply with it. For Thoreau, government should only intervene when it is absolutely necessary to protect individual rights. Anything beyond that is an infringement on personal liberty.

• Self-Reliance: Thoreau was influenced by Emerson’s idea of self-reliance, which emphasized that individuals should be independent and not rely on external systems (like government). Thoreau believed that people were capable of making their own decisions and should not be dependent on a governing system.

• Opposition to Oppressive Systems: Thoreau was particularly critical of government actions like slavery and the Mexican-American War, which he believed were immoral. He felt that such policies were harmful, and individuals should not support them, even if it meant disobeying the law.

Limitations of Minimal Government:

While Thoreau’s ideal of a government that governs least is compelling, there are practical concerns about what would happen in the absence of effective governance. Without laws and regulation, social and economic instability could arise, potentially leading to the exploitation of vulnerable groups. Moreover, Thoreau's ideal of government might not work well in modern, complex societies where issues like public health, justice, and economic inequality require a more active government role.

3)Discuss any two of the major themes of Margaret Fuller's philosophy. 

Margaret Fuller is considered one of the most groundbreaking figures in American thought. As a Transcendentalist, feminist, writer, and social reformer, her ideas were ahead of her time. Fuller’s philosophy continues to resonate, particularly in the realms of spirituality and women's rights. Let’s dive deeper into two of the major themes of her philosophy: Transcendentalism and Spirituality, and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.

1. Transcendentalism and Spirituality: A Path to Self-Reliance and Intuition

Margaret Fuller, like her fellow Transcendentalists, was deeply influenced by the idea that truth and enlightenment come from within. This philosophy emphasized the power of intuition, personal experience, and the inner voice in understanding the world around us. Fuller believed that individuals had the capacity to access spiritual truths through their own intellect and emotions, rather than relying on established religious institutions or traditional forms of authority.

In her involvement with The Dial—the intellectual journal that served as a mouthpiece for the Transcendentalist movement—Fuller explored these themes. She sought to empower individuals to trust their own insights and spiritual experiences, a concept that set Transcendentalism apart from more dogmatic religious views of the time. Fuller’s belief in personal growth through self-reliance mirrored the philosophy of fellow Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson, who famously urged people to "trust thyself."

For Fuller, spirituality wasn’t confined to traditional worship or religious structures. Instead, she saw the divine as something that could be experienced in nature, within the self, and through personal connection with the world around us. This approach to spirituality allowed individuals to cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, transcending the boundaries of organized religion.

Fuller’s spirituality emphasized inner growth and self-discovery, aligning with the broader Transcendentalist view that individuals should seek knowledge not just through external sources but through personal experiences and connections to nature. It was about breaking free from the restrictive expectations of society and embracing the idea that everyone has an intuitive connection to the divine.

2. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: Breaking Barriers and Challenging Norms

While Fuller was deeply committed to the Transcendentalist ideas of self-reliance and spiritual growth, she was perhaps most revolutionary in her advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. Her writings, especially her influential book Woman in the Nineteenth Century (1845), challenged the restrictive gender norms of her time, positioning her as one of the first feminist thinkers in America.

In Woman in the Nineteenth Century, Fuller argued that women were just as capable as men in terms of intellect, creativity, and spiritual depth. She was appalled by the prevailing idea that women were inherently inferior or confined to domestic roles, and she boldly questioned the societal structures that limited women’s potential. Fuller believed that women, like men, should have the freedom to develop their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual capacities without being hindered by societal expectations of marriage, motherhood, and domesticity.

Fuller was particularly interested in breaking down the idea that women should be seen as passive, subservient figures, defined only by their relationships to men. She criticized the way women were taught to find their identities solely through their roles as wives and mothers. Fuller argued that women needed the opportunity to be educated, to think critically, and to pursue their passions, much like their male counterparts.

One of the most profound concepts Fuller explored was androgyny. She believed that both men and women possessed a blend of masculine and feminine qualities, and that embracing both sides would lead to a fuller, more holistic development of the human spirit. Rather than viewing masculinity and femininity as rigidly separate traits, Fuller proposed that individuals could and should embody both. This idea challenged the traditional gender roles of her time and set the stage for future feminist movements.

Fuller’s feminist philosophy didn’t stop at intellectual equality. She believed that true equality required a societal transformation—one where women had the right to education, political involvement, and self-determination. She was a strong advocate for women’s right to vote and believed that women’s full participation in society was essential for the advancement of both women and society as a whole.

4)Compare Transcendentalist ideas with that of Puritanism. Which philosophical ideology can you consider relevant for our times?

Puritanism and Transcendentalism are two philosophical and spiritual movements that had a profound influence on American thought, yet they represent starkly different approaches to life, spirituality, and society. While Puritanism was grounded in strict religious doctrine, social conformity, and the pursuit of divine grace, Transcendentalism embraced individualism, the connection between humanity and nature, and the potential for self-realization through personal insight. Understanding the core tenets of both philosophies and exploring their relevance today reveals how these ideas continue to shape modern life, especially when it comes to the values of freedom, personal growth, and spirituality.

Puritanism: A Rigid Path to Salvation

Puritanism emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries as a branch of Protestantism that sought to "purify" the Church of England from what they considered corrupt practices. Puritans believed in a strict Calvinist interpretation of Christianity, which centered on the idea that humanity is inherently sinful. According to Puritan doctrine, salvation could only be achieved through the grace of God, and individuals were powerless to earn their way into heaven through good deeds alone.

Puritans adhered to a highly disciplined and communal lifestyle. They believed in the importance of obedience to religious laws, societal norms, and moral codes. Their society was structured around the church, and religious observance dictated almost every aspect of daily life, from work to social interactions to the very way individuals thought about the world around them. Puritans were deeply concerned with moral purity and feared the dangers of worldly temptations.

One of the key features of Puritanism was its view of nature as a place of temptation, danger, and moral testing. In Puritan thinking, nature was not a source of inspiration or beauty; it was viewed as something to be controlled and tamed, a reflection of the fallen state of humanity. The Puritans’ fear of sin, as well as their focus on living in strict accordance with religious law, created a rigid, morally driven society where personal freedom was highly restricted.

Transcendentalism: Embracing the Individual and the Natural World

In stark contrast to Puritanism, Transcendentalism, which emerged in the 19th century, celebrated the individual and the possibility of self-realization through personal experience. Central to Transcendentalist philosophy was the belief that truth and divinity reside within each individual, and that each person can achieve spiritual and intellectual enlightenment by connecting with their inner selves and the natural world. This philosophy rejected institutionalized religion and rigid doctrines in favor of personal intuition and direct, unmediated experiences of the divine.

The Transcendentalists (including writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau) were highly optimistic about human nature, believing that people were inherently good and capable of moral and spiritual growth. They placed great emphasis on the power of the individual, celebrating the autonomy of the self and the pursuit of personal growth without the constraints of religious or societal conformity.

For the Transcendentalists, nature was not something to be feared or controlled, but rather a source of profound spiritual insight and inspiration. Emerson described nature as a mirror of the divine, a place where individuals could encounter truth, beauty, and harmony. They saw nature as an essential part of the human experience, a source of wisdom and renewal that nurtured both the body and the soul. Transcendentalists encouraged people to live in harmony with nature, cultivate self-reliance, and trust their inner voice rather than relying on external authorities.

Relevance of Transcendentalism Today

When compared to Puritanism, Transcendentalism appears more aligned with the values and concerns of contemporary society. The major tenets of Transcendentalism resonate deeply with modern issues such as personal freedom, self-expression, environmentalism, and spiritual well-being.

Individual Empowerment and Personal Growth: Transcendentalism’s emphasis on self-reliance and the development of one’s unique abilities speaks to modern values of personal empowerment. In today’s world, people are often encouraged to follow their own path and define success on their own terms, whether in their careers, relationships, or spiritual lives. The idea that individuals can find their own truth through personal experience, without relying on institutions or external authorities, is especially relevant in a world that values diversity and self-expression.

Mindfulness and Spirituality: In an age where many people are seeking more meaningful and fulfilling lives, the Transcendentalist philosophy of spirituality as a personal journey rather than a prescribed set of rituals has gained new relevance. Contemporary movements like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga echo Transcendentalist ideals, encouraging individuals to connect with their inner selves, the world around them, and the natural environment. Transcendentalism’s call for individuals to trust their own intuition aligns with modern trends in mental health, where people are encouraged to listen to their inner voices and prioritize their well-being.

Environmentalism and the Connection to Nature: Transcendentalism’s reverence for nature as a source of spiritual insight is highly relevant today, especially in the context of the global environmental movement. As climate change and environmental degradation threaten our planet, the Transcendentalist belief in the healing and transformative power of nature encourages a more sustainable relationship with the Earth. Transcendentalists believed that humans could learn valuable lessons from nature, and today, many environmental activists and eco-conscious individuals turn to nature for inspiration in their efforts to protect the planet.

Rejection of Institutionalized Authority: Transcendentalists rejected rigid religious and societal structures in favor of individual thought and freedom. In today’s world, where many people are disillusioned with institutionalized authority—whether it be religious, political, or corporate—this emphasis on personal autonomy and skepticism of traditional power structures resonates. It aligns with movements advocating for social justice, civil rights, and political freedom, which are all about empowering individuals and communities to challenge established norms and fight for a more just society.

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the philosophies of Thoreau and Fuller, centered on individualism, self-reliance, spirituality, and gender equality, continue to resonate in today's world. Thoreau's ideas on personal freedom and connection to nature inspire modern movements like environmentalism and social justice, while Fuller's feminist advocacy laid the groundwork for gender equality. Compared to the rigid Puritanism, Transcendentalism offers a more progressive approach, emphasizing personal growth, diversity, and independence. These ideas continue to inspire individuals to challenge norms and live authentically.

Flipped Learning Activity: An Artist Of Floting World

This blog As a part of Flipped Learning Activity on An Artist Of Floting World By Kazuo Ishiguru, This task assigned by Prof. Dilip Barad sir, For more information Click Here.

Click here.

Video 1:- About The Author 

This Video introduces Kazuo Ishiguro, his background, and his novel An Artist of the Floating World. Born in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1954, Ishiguro moved to Britain in 1960, where he was educated and later became a celebrated British novelist. His works are known for exploring themes of regret, memory, and nostalgia, often blending melancholy with subtle optimism. In 2017, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature for uncovering the "abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world."

The discussion then shifts to An Artist of the Floating World (1986), which is set in post-World War II Japan, an era of increasing Westernization and American influence. The novel follows Masuji Ono, an elderly artist who once created imperialist propaganda during wartime but now grapples with the moral consequences of his past. The novel employs an unreliable narrator technique, where Ono reflects on his past with selective memory and self-justification, making the reader question the accuracy of his narrative, and compares Ishiguro’s approach to George Orwell’s 1984, noting that while Orwell’s novel ends in complete pessimism, Ishiguro’s works contain a subtle hopefulness. The discussion also highlights how Ishiguro, like other diasporic writers such as Salman Rushdie and V.S. Naipaul, writes about his homeland from an outsider’s perspective, which can offer fresh insights but may also be seen as incomplete by native readers. Similar themes appear in South Asian literature, such as Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland and Mohsin Hamid’s works, where characters abroad develop a different perspective on their homeland.

Video 2:- Title Explained 

The Novel An Artist Of The Floating World By Kazuo Ishiguru is very significant, aslo reflect the historical context of the novel, highlighting Japan’s cultural and political shifts after World War II. These changes create a tension between modernity and traditional art forms, shaping the narrative’s backdrop.

The concept of the unreliable narrator is explored, emphasizing how the protagonist’s memories and perceptions influence the reader’s understanding of truth and reality. The implications of this narrative technique are critically analyzed.

The central themes of the novel—personal and national identity, regret, and the role of artists in society—are examined. The protagonist’s reflections on his past underscore broader societal issues, including the effects of imperialism.

The significance of ukiyo-e (The Floating World) is discussed, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life. This artistic style plays a crucial role in shaping the protagonist’s perception of his life and cultural heritage.

Video 3:- Characters and Narrative Strategy

     

The novel follows Masuji Ono, an aging painter who reflects on his past as both an artist and a nationalist. As the protagonist and an unreliable narrator, his recollections are subjective, raising doubts about the truthfulness of his narrative. Ishiguro employs a first-person perspective to enhance the complexity of memory, self-perception, and historical accountability.

A central theme of the novel is the intersection of art and nationalism, highlighting how Ono’s early works in ukiyo-e contrast with his later government-serving paintings. His past actions create tensions within his family, particularly concerning his daughters’ marriage prospects. The impact of World War II looms over Ono’s reflections, emphasizing how war influences personal identity, generational conflict, and cultural change.

Ono’s grandson, Ichiro, represents a shift toward a new, Americanized generation, underscoring Japan’s evolving post-war identity. Throughout the novel, Ono’s drifting and digressive narration reinforces his unreliability, leaving readers to question the accuracy of his accounts.

Video 4 Thematic Study of the Novel

The title An Artist of the Floating World reflects Masuji Ono’s internal struggle between creating art for commercial success and using it as a tool for social and nationalistic expression. His journey highlights the tension between artistic purpose and political influence.

As an unreliable narrator, Ono presents a subjective version of his past, shaped by selective memory and regret. This creates ambiguity, making readers question the accuracy of his account. His strained relationships with younger generations illustrate intergenerational conflict, as his descendants prioritize personal success over nationalistic ideals, leading to tension within the family.

Themes of grief are central to the novel, as Ono experiences personal loss and betrayal, which shape his worldview. The role of art is critically examined through various lenses pleasure, commerce, nationalism, and service revealing how artistic expression can be manipulated for ideological purposes.

Finally, the novel explores the complexities of pedagogical relationships, particularly the paradox of mentorship, where teachers wish for their students' success while also fostering dependence. This theme underscores the challenge of balancing guidance and independence in education.

Video 5:- Reading Important Passages from the Novel

     

Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World is structured into four parts, set in post-World War II Japan, and explores themes of memory and national identity through the perspective of Masuji Ono. As an unreliable narrator, Ono frequently contradicts himself, omits details, and seeks sympathy, reflecting guilt and denial about his past.

The novel examines Japan’s transition from a militaristic society to one influenced by American culture, symbolizing both loss and recovery. Ono’s strained relationships with the younger generation highlight the generational divide and the burden of past actions. His self-reflection reveals deep regret over his nationalist involvement, raising questions about the moral responsibility of artists in shaping society.

Masuji’s artistic transformation—from capturing the fleeting pleasures of the floating world to promoting nationalism—serves as a metaphor for the moral dilemmas artists face during political upheaval. Ultimately, the novel challenges readers to question the reliability of narrators and the subjective nature of truth, especially in the context of history and personal redemption.

Conclusion 

       Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World explores memory, identity, and the moral responsibilities of artists through the unreliable narration of Masuji Ono. The novel examines personal regret, generational conflict, and Japan’s post-war cultural shifts. It questions the role of art in society and the complexities of truth and self-justification. Ultimately, Ishiguro presents a reflective narrative on history, redemption, and the inevitable passage of time.