Mital Helaiya

This blog task was assigned by Megha Ma'am, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU). The purpose of this assignment is to critically examine major artistic and literary movements of the twentieth century, including Expressionism, Surrealism, and Modernism–Postmodernism, and to understand their historical background, philosophical foundations, and cultural significance. These movements emerged during a period of profound global transformation influenced by events such as World War I and World War II, which reshaped artistic expression and intellectual thought. The assignment also aims to connect theoretical study with creative practice. Therefore, along with the analytical discussion of these artistic movements, the blog incorporates creative works produced during the Literature Festival, such as painting, poetry, and photography. By integrating academic analysis with artistic activities, the blog seeks to demonstrate how theoretical ideas abou...

This blog is written as part of an class activity under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad, Department of English. It explores the major themes and narrative strategies in Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel An Artist of the Floating World. The blog critically examines issues such as memory, identity, nationalism, artistic responsibility, and the complexities of post-war Japanese society. Through an analysis of Masuji Ono’s reflections and unreliable narration, the discussion highlights how personal memory intersects with historical change. By engaging with these themes, the blog aims to develop a deeper understanding of the novel’s portrayal of moral responsibility and the challenges individuals face when confronting their past in a transforming society. Click here Worksheet 3 An Artist of the Floating World Activity 1: Understanding Narrative Perspective In the novel, Masuji Ono occasionally addresses the reader using the word “you.” This technique creates the feeling that the narrator is spea...