The Flaoting World...

                In this past semester I now believe I know what it means to be a citizen of the floating world. Being that my background does not consist of much travel; I fully do not understand the parameters that some people live and experience today. Through the few novels I have read this semester I have seen many different worlds through the eyes of many great authors. It has enlightened me on how to become a better citizen of the floating world. Being that we live in a world where many individuals live a life within boundaries and do not see beyond their borders; it is my understanding that I must broaden my horizons and look beyond my borders. Two novels which have helped me become a better citizen of the floating world are “An Artist of the Floating World” by Kazuo Ishiguro and “Jasmine” by Bharati Mukherjee.

                When examining “An Artist of the Floating World” the main character Mr. Ono is a man stuck between worlds. On one part of the novel we see the happy and influential artist and the other we see the sad aging man who has been greatly devastated by WWII. Sadly Mr. Ono begins to change within the novel. The most drastic change comes when he goes from creating aesthetics to creating propaganda for his country. This shows Mr. Ono’s loss and change. He was beginning to float out of his element and world. Instead of creating beautiful images he was now painting pictures of poor boys turning into soldiers. It never really seems that Mr. Ono realizes his change or regrets it for that matter. One can definitely see him floating in between his new and old worlds whenever ukiye-o art. This shows him going back to his roots and remembering the true essence of his artistry.

                “Jasmine” was another novel that added great understanding to the floating world. Jasmine is a character that experiences much hardship. However through her bravery and ability to adapt to new worlds she once again finds herself. Jasmine, to me, has the best understanding of how to be a citizen of the floating world. Throughout the novel she takes upon many names. They each represent a stage in her life. Her first name was Jyoti given to her at birth; however that quickly turned into Jasmine after she meets her first husband who thought it would be better to give her a city like name. Then after his death she moves on to America where she takes upon names such as Jase and Jane and others. “Jase was a woman who bought herself spangled heels and silk chartreuse pants” (Mukherjee 176). Each name portrayed a different type of person that Jasmine personified greatly showing her confusion.

                The many names and faces Jasmine undertakes is a reflection of her every changing life. It is almost as if she is trying to find herself. She realizes that nothing is forever, and in that she is also referring to her names. She isn’t so much running away from her names and problems, but rather running towards newness and enjoyment. Jasmine was a character of many inner demons, but in the end she finds herself and once again fully restores her self worth.

                Through these novels and the many cultural events I have attended this semester I realize that life should be enjoyed. Sure, there are many worlds within this world that are harsh and indifferent than others; however I should instead embrace these worlds. By learning more about other ways of life I will enlighten the very floating word that I endure. Life is complicated, by through knowledge and education the confusion can become much less and the world can become much more understandable.