The Birthday Party

This blog serves as a response to a task given by Megha ma'am, Department of English at MKBU. It delves into the play "The Birthday Party" penned by Harold Pinter and its cinematic adaptation. For further information click here.

Pre-Viewing Tasks:

Harold Pinter – the man and his works (Pinter, The Birthday Party)

Ans.

Harold Pinter, a distinguished British playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor, was a prominent figure in the realm of modern British drama. His prolific career spanned over five decades and earned him the esteemed Nobel Prize for Literature. Renowned for his notable works such as "The Birthday Party" (1957), "The Homecoming" (1964), and "Betrayal" (1978), Pinter demonstrated profound influence within the theatrical landscape.

Comedy of Menace: Whose plays are known so? Who termed it? What are its peculiar characteristics? How is it different from Absurd Theatre?

Ans.

"Comedy of Menace" plays are by Harold Pinter. It was termed by critic Irving Wardle. These plays are creepy and have tension. They're different from Absurd Theatre because they focus on threatening situations and have a dark sense of humour, while Absurd Theatre focuses on the meaninglessness of life.

Explain ‘Pinteresque’ – Pinter pause and use of ‘Silence’ in the play: a particular atmosphere and environment in drama.

Ans.

"Pinteresque" means it's like how Harold Pinter writes his plays. He uses pauses where characters stop talking for a bit, making things feel tense. Silence is important too, showing feelings or who's in charge. This makes the drama feel strange and uneasy, but interesting.

‘The Birthday Party’ – an allegory of ‘artist in exile and other interpretations

Ans.

"The Birthday Party" by Harold Pinter can be seen as a story about an artist who feels isolated or disconnected from society. Some people think it's an allegory, which means it's a story with a hidden meaning. In this case, it might represent Pinter's own feelings as an artist, or it could reflect broader themes like identity, power, or the fear of persecution. Different interpretations suggest it's about many things, like the struggle for individuality or the absurdity of life.

‘The Birthday Party’ as a Political Play with reference to Harold Pinter’s Noble Speech: ‘Art, Truth & Politics

Ans.

"The Birthday Party" can be seen as a political play because it reflects themes of power and control. Harold Pinter, the playwright, was also known for his political views. In his Nobel Prize speech titled "Art, Truth & Politics," Pinter criticized political leaders and institutions for their abuse of power and manipulation of truth. Some people interpret "The Birthday Party" as a commentary on authoritarianism or the dangers of conformity, reflecting Pinter's concerns about politics and society.

While – Viewing Tasks:

A comparison of the film and play versions of ‘The Birthday Party’ affords us a rare opportunity to gain insight into how a reconception of a play into film may affect the dramatic experience it communicates. Mark the way Pinter treats the texture of the play.

Ans.

Comparing the film and play versions of "The Birthday Party" helps us understand how changing the medium affects the story's impact. Harold Pinter's treatment of the play's texture, or its feel and atmosphere, is crucial in both versions. In the play, Pinter's use of language, pauses, and silence creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, drawing the audience into the characters' psychological struggles. However, in the film adaptation, visual elements like camera angles, lighting, and set design play a more significant role in shaping the texture. The film might offer a more immersive experience by showing the audience the characters' surroundings and facial expressions, enhancing the sense of unease. However, some nuances of Pinter's language and stage directions may be lost in translation to the screen. Overall, comparing the two versions allows us to see how different artistic choices affect the dramatic experience and the story's communication of themes and emotions.

Observe how Pinter gives us the texture-the sounds and sights of a world without structure, which is the heart and soul of the play also. 

Ans.

In "The Birthday Party," Harold Pinter makes the world feel chaotic and uncertain. He does this by using strange conversations and pauses in the dialogue. He also describes sounds and sights in detail, like creaky floorboards or flickering lights, to make the audience feel uneasy. This chaos is at the center of the play's feeling and meaning.

How many times the ‘knocking at the door’ happens in the play? Is it creating menacing effect while viewing the movie?

Ans.

The knocking at the door happens multiple times in the play, adding to the suspense and tension. In the movie, the repetition of this motif can indeed create a menacing effect, especially if accompanied by eerie sound effects or intense cinematography. Each knock heightens the sense of anticipation and unease, making the audience wonder who or what is on the other side of the door.

How are ‘silences’ and ‘pauses’ used in the movie to give effect of lurking danger – how it helps in building the texture of comedy of menace.

Ans.

In the movie, silence and pauses make you feel like something dangerous is lurking. When characters stop talking or there are quiet moments, it builds suspense and makes you feel tense. This helps create the irritating atmosphere of the comedy of menace.

Comment upon the use of things like mirror, toy drum, newspapers, breakfast, chairs, window-hatch etc in the movie. What sort of symbolic reading can you give to these objects?

Ans.

In the movie, objects like mirrors, toy drums, newspapers, breakfast, chairs, and window-hatches can carry symbolic meanings:

1. Mirror: Reflects the characters' inner turmoil, revealing hidden truths or insecurities.

2. Toy drum: Symbolizes the tension and unease in the environment, like a constant ominous beat.

3. Newspapers: Represent the outside world intruding on the characters' isolated existence, potentially bringing news of danger or disruption.

4. Breakfast: Can symbolize routine or normalcy, contrasting with the underlying chaos and unpredictability.

5. Chairs: Reflect the characters' attempts to maintain order and control, but also serve as symbols of confinement or entrapment.

6. Window-hatch: Symbolizes both the outside world and a barrier to it, hinting at the characters' desire for escape or fear of what lies beyond.

Each object adds depth to the story, offering layers of interpretation that contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes of the movie.

How effective are scenes like ‘Interrogation scene’ (Act 1), ‘Birthday Party scene’ (Act 2) and ‘Faltering Goldberg & Petey’s timid resistance scene’ (Act 3) captured in the movie?

Ans.

Scenes like the "Interrogation scene," "Birthday Party scene," and "Faltering Goldberg & Petey’s timid resistance scene" are crucial moments in the movie, and their effectiveness depends on how well they are captured:

1. Interrogation scene (Act 1): This scene sets the tone for the entire story, establishing the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. It's effective if it successfully builds suspense and keeps the audience engaged with the characters' interactions and motives.

2. Birthday Party scene (Act 2): This scene is a pivotal moment where the tension escalates, and the audience learns more about the characters and their relationships. It's effective if it conveys the sense of impending danger and intensifies the atmosphere of unease.

3. Faltering Goldberg & Petey’s timid resistance scene (Act 3): This scene reveals the characters' vulnerabilities and their struggle against the forces of oppression or manipulation. It's effective if it highlights the complexity of the characters' emotions and their attempts to assert control or resist their circumstances.

Post-Viewing Tasks:

Why are two scenes of Lulu omitted from the movie?

Ans.

The omission of Lulu's scenes from the movie could be due to time constraints, narrative flow, or the director's vision. Perhaps these scenes weren't essential to the main storyline or themes, so they were cut to keep the movie focused and coherent. Alternatively, the director might have chosen to prioritize other aspects of the story or characters, emphasizing their interpretation of the source material. Overall, this creative decision aims to enhance the movie's impact and effectiveness by streamlining the narrative and emphasizing key elements.

Is movie successful in giving us the effect of menace? Where you able to feel it while reading the text?

Ans.

Yes, the movie can be successful in conveying the effect of menace, especially if it effectively captures the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty present in the original text. Visual and auditory cues, along with strong performances from the actors, can enhance the feeling of unease and danger, making the audience experience the menace portrayed in the story. While reading the text, the effect of menace can also be felt through Harold Pinter's masterful use of language, dialogue, and stage directions. The sense of looming threat and psychological tension permeates the text, creating a palpable atmosphere of unease that keeps the reader engaged and on edge.

Do you feel the effect of lurking danger while viewing the movie? Where you able to feel the same while reading the text?

Ans.

Yes, I felt the lurking danger both while watching the movie and reading the text. The movie's visuals and sounds, along with the actors' performances, made the danger feel real. Similarly, while reading, Harold Pinter's writing created a sense of unease and suspense, making the threat seem imminent.

What do you read in 'newspaper' in the movie? Petey is reading newspaper to Meg, it torn into pieces by McCain, pieces are hidden by Petey in last scene.

Ans.

In the movie, Petey is seen reading a newspaper to Meg. The specific content of the newspaper isn't usually shown or emphasized in detail, as the focus is more on the characters' interactions and the atmosphere of the scene. However, the tearing apart of the newspaper by McCain and the subsequent hiding of its pieces by Petey in the last scene could symbolize the disruption or destruction of outside information and communication, reinforcing the theme of isolation and manipulation within the story.

Camera is positioned over the head of McCain when he is playing Blind Man's Buff and is positioned at the top with a view of room like a cage (trap) when Stanley is playing it. What interpretations can you give to these positioning of camera? 

Ans.

The camera over McCain's head in Blind Man's Buff might show his control, while the view from the top during Stanley's turn could represent his feeling trapped.

Who would be your choice of actors to play the role of characters?

1. Stanley - Nawazuddin Siddiqui

2. Meg - Vidya Balan

3. Petey - Pankaj Tripathi

4. Goldberg - Naseeruddin Shah

5. McCann - Rajkummar Rao

6. Lulu - Taapsee Pannu

Do you see any similarities among Kafka's Joseph K. (in 'The Trial'), Orwell's Winston Smith (in 'Nineteen Eighty-Four') and Pinter's Victor (in 'One for the Road')? 

Ans.

Yes, there are similarities among Kafka's Joseph K. (in 'The Trial'), Orwell's Winston Smith (in 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'), and Pinter's Victor (in 'One for the Road'). They all experience powerlessness and oppression, face control and surveillance, undergo psychological struggles, wrestle with existential questions, and serve as symbols of resistance against authoritarian regimes.

Words:1780

Images: 03

Note: In completing the worksheet, I utilized the assistance of ChatGPT to improve my reflective skills.

References:

Pinter, Harold. “The Birthday Party.” project Gutenberg, 1974, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/21901/21901-h/21901-h.htm.

"ChatGPT." OpenAI, 24 March 2024, https://openai.com/chatgpt.

Barad, Dilip. Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog. 8 Nov. 2013, http://surl.li/rwnxs.

An Artist of the Floating World ~ Kazuo Ishiguro

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir, Department of English (MKBU). This blog is about the novel An "Artist of the Floating World". In this blog, there are two worksheets provided as tasks, which have been completed and are written here.

Worksheet-3: Exploring "An Artist of the Floating World" 

Activity 1: Understanding Narrative Perspective 

Identify instances in the transcript where Masuji Ono addresses the reader as "you." What effect does  this narrative technique have on the reader's engagement with the text? How does it contribute to the  characterization of Masuji Ono as an unreliable narrator? 

Ans.

In the novel Masuji Ono addresses the reader as "you" at various points in the narrative, drawing them into his reflections and experiences. This technique makes the reader feel directly involved and compels them to consider Ono's perspective more personally. However, the use of "you" also adds to the sense of Ono's unreliability as a narrator. It suggests a manipulation of the reader's understanding, making them question Ono's motivations and interpretations of events. This contributes to the complex characterization of Ono as a narrator whose perspective may not always be trustworthy.

By using "you" he tries to make a relation with the reader it also make reader more connected emotionally with the Masoji that doesn't allow reader to think rationally or critiacally.

Activity 2: Character Analysis - Yukio Naguchi 

Reflect on Yukio Naguchi's decision to take his own life. What factors might have influenced his actions,  and how do Masuji Ono's reflections on Naguchi's character deepen our understanding of post-war  Japan's societal context? 

Ans.

Yukio Naguchi's decision to take his own life in the novel could have been influenced by several factors, such as his sense of guilt or despair over Japan's wartime actions and their consequences. Masuji Ono's reflections on Naguchi's character deepen our understanding of post-war Japan's societal context by highlighting the pervasive sense of shame and responsibility felt by many Japanese individuals who were involved in supporting or promoting the nationalist ideology of the time. Naguchi's suicide serves as a poignant example of the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by individuals grappling with their roles in a rapidly changing society recovering from the aftermath of war.

Activity 3: Artistic Evolution of Masuji Ono 

Analyze the transformation of Masuji Ono's painting from "Complacency" to "Eyes on the Horizon."  What symbolism is present in each iteration of the painting, and how does Masuji's artistic evolution  parallel his ideological journey throughout the novel? 

Ans.

Masuji Ono's painting undergoes a significant transformation from "Complacency" to "Eyes on the Horizon" in "Artist of the Floating World." In "Complacency," the painting may symbolize a sense of contentment or acceptance of the status quo, reflecting Ono's previous alignment with nationalist ideals and traditional values. This transformation parallels Ono's ideological journey throughout the novel, as he moves away from his past convictions and begins to question the societal norms and beliefs that he once upheld. The evolution of his art reflects his personal growth and willingness to embrace new ideas and perspectives, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.

Activity 4: Theme of Art and Social Responsibility 

Explore Masuji Ono's ideological awakening and his confrontation with societal realities through his  art. How does his interaction with Matsuda and the Okada Singham organization reflect the novel's  exploration of the role of artists in addressing social issues? 

Ans.

In the novel, Masuji Ono starts to realize some important things about society through his art. His talks with Matsuda and being part of the Okada Singham group make him see the world differently. They show him that artists can speak up about social problems through their work. Ono's journey reflects how artists can use their talents to highlight important issues and bring about change in society. It teaches us that art isn't just about making pretty things but can also make people think about big issues and maybe even help solve them.

Activity 5: Encounters with Seji Muriyama and Setsuko 

Compare and contrast Masuji Ono's interactions with Seji Muriyama and his daughter, Setsuko. How  do these encounters contribute to Masuji's development as a character, and what insights do they  offer into his relationships and sense of identity? 

Ans.

When Masuji Ono was a student he talks to his sensei Seji Muriyama, there he says that he doesn't want to draw a pictures of these people who enjoy life at night but  he wants to draw the pictures of the poor people and contribute his art to the betterment to the society. There we see that he was so confident about himself that whatever he is doing is the right thing to do. When Masoji talks with his daughter Setsuke we find he started to regret his own fault, he admits that he has done something wrong. He thinks that whatever he has done during his past years those were the mistakes. There we see the character development of Masuji Ono. He started to take responsibility for his actions. 

Activity 6: Reflecting on "New Japan" 

Consider the concept of "New Japan" as discussed in the transcript. How does Masuji Ono's reflection  on the trajectory of the nation and his past endeavors contribute to our understanding of post-war  Japanese society and the challenges of progress? 

Ans.

Masuji Ono's thinking about "New Japan" in the novel shows us how Japan changed after the war and the difficulties it faced in moving forward. He realizes that what he once thought was good for the country is now seen as wrong. This teaches us that as societies change, people must face the consequences of their past actions. It also shows how personal beliefs and national ideas can clash, making it hard for individuals to find their place in a changing world.

Activity 7: Analyzing Matsuda's Role 

Evaluate Matsuda's role as a mentor figure in Masuji Ono's life. How does Matsuda's influence shape  Masuji's worldview and artistic trajectory, and what thematic significance does their relationship hold  in the context of the novel? 

Ans.

When Masuji Ono meets Matsuda he doesn't have any nationalistic ideas in his mind, it is Matsuda who encourages him to draw such a position which contains the theme of nationalism. That eventually draws his fall. In the novel there is a conversation between the two where they talk about the marxism and nationalism that influence Onoi to think in that direction. There is a thematic concern that relates the art and the artmanship. Why does an artist create art?  that becomes very important in this context.

Activity 8: Critical Reflection 

Reflect on the themes of memory, identity, and redemption as discussed in the transcript. How do  these themes resonate with you personally, and what insights have you gained from studying Ishiguro's  novel "An Artist of the Floating World"? 

Ans.

In the novel there are themes like memory, identity, and redemption are explored deeply. These themes make us think about how our past experiences shape our identity and influence our decisions. Just like Masuji Ono, the main character, we learn that our memories can impact how others see us and how we see ourselves. This story teaches us the importance of facing our past mistakes to find redemption and move forward in life. Studying Ishiguro's novel helps us understand that accepting our past and learning from it is a crucial part of growing and understanding ourselves better. It also talks about the wrong propaganda and how artist can be used by the power to make people look at the world as particular party want them to.

WORKSHEET-4: EXPLORING THEMES AND NARRATIVE STRATEGY IN "AN ARTIST OF THE FLOATING WORLD"

1. Understanding: 

a) What is the central theme discussed in the excerpt? 

Ans.

The central theme in the videos that are discussed is “Art and the Artist". Ishiguro gives different types of perspective to look at the art and use of it, which includes art for pleasure, art for business, art for society, art for political propaganda.

b) Who is the protagonist of the novel, and what is his desire regarding his art? 

Ans. 

Masoji Ono is the protagonist of the novel. His desire regarding art changes with time. First he does art because he likes that then for business. Later to appreciate the beauty. Then for telling a story of the poor people and at last for nationalism and to motivate people to fight.

2. Applying: 

a) How does Masuji Ono's shift in perspective reflect broader societal changes in post-war  Japan?

Ans.

When he grows older he gets into the connection with the young people who belonged to post war Japan. They consider that the war was a big mistake they have made. Masoji’s daughter Satsuka and his son in law also believe the same. Later after so much introspection he gets to know about his own mistakes that he became the reason for the propaganda of war and naturalism that leads Japan towards it's own destruction.

b) Can you provide examples of how nationalism influences the protagonist's actions in the  novel? 

Ans.

Chisu Matsuda plays a vital role in Onos life because he is the one who makes him see the world in that way. Firstly he is only painting the poverty but gradually that thing grows into nationalism and he makes a big mistake that he regrets his whole life. During his time nationalist paintings are also being appreciated that give him fame for some time but later that brings into a huge trouble for him.

3. Analyzing: 

a) How does Kazuo Ishiguro use narrative strategy to convey the theme of deception in the  novel? 

Ans.

The term Unreliable Narrator was introduced by Wayne C. Booth, the same context we find in the novel. The novel is written as a first person narrative. Masoji Ono is the one who tells a story to us. We have to rely on his narratives because that is the only source that we have. Now when any one who tells a story one uses that to make him a good person so, when Masuj Ono says that He is well reputed in the society but we get to know in the end that the very big art critic does not even know his name as an artist how can we rely on him. In the beginning there is a reference to the house that Masoji lives in. Someone has sold him because he was an artist, but we can question that narrative too.

b) Discuss the significance of Masuji Ono's journey from a respected artist to a figure of  disdain in society. 

Ans.

Through Masoji Ono’s story Kazuo Isiguro wants to convey a message that any artist can be used by politicians to promote any bad idea to people. Now as an artist one has to be careful that for what cause his art is being used. One should have a broad view to look at the right and wrong thing. Otherwise one might be used to convey the wrong message to society.

4. Evaluating: 

a) Do you believe Masuji Ono's actions are justified in his pursuit of advocating for the poor?  Why or why not?

Ans.

To some extent one can argue that advocating the poor is not a wrong idea but he swifts towards nationalism through that. That becomes problematic for him. If he would have stuck to that idea only then may his action be justified that he is contributing to the society but it isn't so. 

b) How does the unreliable narration contribute to the overall impact of the novel? Provide  examples to support your answer. 

Ans.

The beauty of the literature lies in how stories are told rather than what is told. The image we have of Masoji Ono in the beginning changes with the novel as the novel moves forward. If it has the omnipotent view then the unfolding of the past life can’t be done beautifully as it is done in the novel. The ignorance and the hindrance makes the novel more interesting and mysterious. The hidden signals we get throughout the novel we get like Setsuke saying to Masuji that he should meet his acquaintances before the spy goes to them that allows us to think what could go wrong in the past. Even while telling a story Masoji does not complete the whole event there and says something else that is also an interesting thing to observe that he is hiding something.

5. Creating: 

a) Imagine you are a character in the novel. Write a journal entry expressing your thoughts  and feelings about Masuji Ono's actions and their impact on society. 

Ans.

There is a person who lives in my neighborhood named Masoji Ono. I have known him for around 5 years. He is a good painter, maybe the best I have ever met. But nowadays he is drawing a strange painting. As now is the situation of the war people appreciate those types of paintings a lot but he seems misled by someone. War is never a solution of any problem. But now he is becoming more famous. He has a connection to high politics. There are many students who come to him to learn his art. It seems that he is doing what he wanted to do his whole life. I heard that one of his students was caught creating anti-national art and Masoji informed the police and he was caught. It seems he might get influenced by his paintings but why does that make him caught? Maybe some personal dispute. It seems that through his painting people are becoming more nationalistic and joining the army. Even through his paintings many people get influenced to kill or to be killed. It rather seems people might be going towards a wrong path. 

b) Design a new book cover for "An Artist of the Floating World" that captures the essence  of its themes and narrative style. Explain your design choices. 

The image is generated by an AI tool Designer(Microsoft). I gave this prompt to ChatGPT "I want to Design a new book cover for "An Artist of the Floating World" that captures the essence of its themes and narrative style. Write short and direct instruction that can be given to photo generative AI. also add name and the name of the book"

This was the response given by ChatGPT that I also given to Microsoft designing AI:

"Title: 'An Artist of the Floating World'

Author: Kazuo Ishiguro

Instructions for AI:

In the background, depict a traditional Japanese landscape with cherry blossom trees and a serene river. Include a Japanese-style wooden bridge arching over the river. Show a silhouette of a lone figure standing on the bridge, gazing pensively into the distance. Ensure the scene has a calming and reflective atmosphere, reflecting the novel's themes of memory and personal introspection. The title "An Artist of the Floating World" and the author's name "Kazuo Ishiguro" should be clearly displayed at the top of the cover in bold lettering."

These are some covers that AI has generated:

This design shows the art and the culture of Japan. There is water that also goes with the title of the novel.

In this design there is an world and the artist who is floating changing with the world, that reflects the major theme in the novel.

This design shows reflects the bridge of past and present that plays a vital role in the novel.

(Microsoft Designer)

Words: 2446

Images: 07

Note: In completing the worksheet, I utilized the assistance of ChatGPT to improve my reflective skills.

Reference:

Ishiguro, Kazuo. An Artist of the Floating World. Faber & Faber, 1986.

Microsoft Designer - Stunning designs in a flash, https://designer.microsoft.com/. Accessed 24 March 2024.

OpenAI. "Discussion on the novel 'An Artist of the Floating World'." ChatGPT, 24/03/24.