Universität Trier

FB II- Anglistik

Modul: Linguistics, Literature and Language production (92532)

Supervisor: Prof. Ralf Hertel
Course: LIT 801 – Kazuo Ishiguro
Semester: Summer term 2023
Tuesdays 08-10 a.m.

Portfolio
LIT 801 - Kazuo Ishiguro

Anastasia Majer
Anglistik/ Philosophie M.Ed
4. Fachsemester

Saarstr. 19, 54634 Bitburg

S3anmaje@uni-trier.de
Matrikelnr.: 1371022
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Presentation slides..................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Presentation slides ‘Secondary Literature’.......................................................................................... 2
2.2 Handout ‘Secondary Literature’........................................................................................................ 13
2.3 Presentation slides ‘The Butler’ ........................................................................................................ 17
2.4 Handout ‘The Butler’ ........................................................................................................................ 54
3. Forum contributions ................................................................................................................................ 61
3.1 Remains of the Day (both posts) ....................................................................................................... 61
3.2 Conference response ......................................................................................................................... 62
3.3 Application of theoretical approach to novel (Marxist) .................................................................... 62
4. Mini-Essay .............................................................................................................................................. 64
4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 64
4.2 Understanding Existentialism ........................................................................................................... 64
4.3 The role of existential concerns in shaping human existence ........................................................... 65
4.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 67
5. Reflection ................................................................................................................................................ 68
6. References ............................................................................................................................................... 69
7. Affidavit .................................................................................................................................................. 70
1. Introduction

My interest in choosing this class was that Kazuo Ishiguro's literary work stems from a
similarity I share with him. I was born in Kazakhstan and me and my family moved to Germany
as a young child. Being raised in a Russian-speaking household in a foreign country, I faced the
challenges of straddling two distinct cultures. This "in-betweenness" is something Ishiguro
experienced too, as an outsider of two cultures at once, and it echoes in his work. It gave him a
sense of a dual identity, where he was neither wholly Japanese nor entirely English. This complex
cultural background leads to a search for self-identity and belonging.

As an essay topic I chose to focus on Klara and the Sun. The novel offers a unique blend
of science fiction, artificial intelligence, and deep philosophical questions about existence and
consciousness. By delving into the novel's existential themes, I would like to bridge the gap
between literature and philosophy, exploring how fiction can be a powerful medium to grapple
with fundamental philosophical inquiries.

As a student of philosophy my intention is to shed light on the multi-faceted aspects of

Klara's character, emphasizing her yearning for meaning, her philosophical inquiries, and the
emotional metamorphosis that ensues. Although it is often difficult to imagine a machine
possessing equal capacity to reflect and feel, except for the most science fiction-oriented readers,
it is in precisely this space that Ishiguro probes what it means to even be human, sentient and
philosophical.

As was approached throughout the different assignments of the following learner’s

portfolio, I repeatedly returned to this outsider’s depth of understanding. Whether through the
existential and humanist lens cast over a logic-driven machine’s consciousness, or my group’s dive
into Marxist thought from our liberal western perspective, the theme of an outsider’s view
remained consistent throughout my approach to the literature of Kazuo Ishiguro.

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2. Presentation slides

2.1 Presentation slides ‘Secondary Literature’

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2.2 Handout ‘Secondary Literature’

1) Beedham, M. (2010). The Novels of Ishiguro – A readers guide to essential criticism.

Semesterapparat.
Provides a comprehensive overview of critical responses to the works of Kazuo Ishiguro.
The book is organized thematically, with each chapter focusing on a particular aspect of
Ishiguro's writing, such as his use of memory, narrative structure, and themes of identity. The
author further examines critical responses to Ishiguro's novel "The Remains of the Day" through
a historical and postcolonial lens. Beedham explores the novel's themes of duty, loyalty, and the
decline of the British aristocracy, and how they reflect the historical context of post-World War II
Britain.

Relevant Chapters:
2 A Troubled Artist’s Art: An Artist of the Floating World
3 The Remains of the Day (1993): Reception and Narration
4 The Remains of the Day 2: Historical and Postcolonial Readings
5 The Remains of the Day: Interdisciplinary Approaches

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 2) Matthews, S. (2009). Kazuo Ishiguro: Contemporary critical perspectives.
Semesterapparat.
Comprised of various interesting chapters on a variety of topics, such as his art, short fiction,
screenwriting, as well as an interview with Kazu Ishiguro. The authors examine traces of local
and cultural particularity, translation, and reception of his early works in Japan, as the subtle
altercations of the novels during translation reveal much about the Japanese quality of the texts.

Relevant chapters:
2 Strange Reads: Kazu Oshiguro’s A Pale View of Hills and An Artist of the Floating World in
Japan

3) Wong, C.F. (2015). Kazuo Ishiguro in a global context. Semesterapparat.

Examines the work of Kazuo Ishiguro in the context of world literature, focusing on how his
writing has been received and understood across different cultural and linguistic borders. Wong
discusses Ishiguro's background as a Japanese-British writer and how his identity has influenced
his literary style and themes. The author also examines the global themes present in Ishiguro's
writing, such as the impact of colonialism, war, and memory, and how these themes resonate
with readers from diverse cultural backgrounds. The book ultimately argues that Ishiguro's
writing has a universal appeal that transcends national and cultural boundaries, and that his work
is an important contribution to the global literary canon.

Relevant Chapters:
1 Kazu Ishiguro and Imagining Japan
2 Reworking Myths: Steoreotypes and Genre Conventions in Kazuo Ishiguro’s Work
3 Memory, Nostalgia and Recognition in Ishiguro’s Work

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 4) Lewis, B. (2000). Kazu Ishiguro: Contemporary World Writers. Signatur L.IS36.2
np50157.
Discusses the life and works of Kazuo Ishiguro, focusing on his novels "An Artist of the
Floating World" and "The Remains of the Day." Lewis highlights how Ishiguro's writing style
and themes often revolve around the notion of personal identity and memory, and how
individuals come to terms with their past actions and the passage of time. The book also provides
a broader context to Ishiguro's life, including his upbringing in Japan and his later move to
England, and how these experiences have influenced his writing.

Relevant Chapters:
1 Context and Intertexts
2 An Artist of the Floating world
4 The Remains of the Day
6 Critical Overview and Conclusion

5) Groes & Lewis (1999). Kazu Ishiguro: New Critical Visions of the Novels. Signatur
L.IS36.2 np48534.
A collection of essays that provide critical analysis and interpretations of the novels of Kazuo
Ishiguro. The book is edited by Sebastian Groes and Barry Lewis, who are both scholars in the
field of contemporary literature. The essays in the book cover a range of topics, such as
Ishiguro's use of memory and identity in his novels, his exploration of themes such as love, loss,
and the passage of time, and his engagement with literary genres such as science fiction and
historical fiction. The book also explores Ishiguro's cultural background and how it has
influenced his writing, particularly his use of the English language as a non-native speaker.
Additionally, the book includes a section on Ishiguro's most recent novel at the time of
publication, "The Buried Giant."

Relevant Chapters / Sections:

Part I: Critical Overviews (Essays on Ishiguro’s Writing style & themes)
‘Putting one’s convictions to the test’: kazuo ishiguro’s an artist of the floating world in japan

Part III: the remains of the day

the new seriousness: kazuo ishiguro in conversation with sebastian groes

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 6) Parkes, A. (2001). Kazuo Ishiguro’s The remains of the day: A reader’s guide.
Signatur np46837.
A comprehensive guidebook for readers interested in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "The Remains
of the Day". It provides a detailed analysis of the novel, exploring its themes, literary style, and
historical context. Parkes begins by introduc-ing the author and the novel, and then provides a
summary of the plot, he then delves deeper into the novel's themes, such as memory, identity, and
dignity, and examines how Ishiguro explores these themes through the char-acters and their
experiences. Parkes also looks at Ishiguro's use of first-person narration and the role of the
unrelia-ble narrator, as well as the historical context of the novel, including the impact of World
War II on the characters and setting. Throughout the book, Parkes provides examples from the
novel to illustrate his points, and includes a timeline of events, a glossary of terms and
characters, and a list of further reading.

Relevant Chapters:
1 The Novelist
2 The Novel
3 The Novel‘s Reception
4 Remains on Film
5 Further Reading and Discussion Questions
6 Bibliography

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2.3 Presentation slides ‘The Butler’

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2.4 Handout ‘The Butler’

Kazuo Ishiguro‘s ‚The Remains of The Day‘: The Butler

Handout

1) Historical Background

Etymology

• Middle English: „buteler“

• Anglo-French: „butiller“

• Old French: „botele“ (bottle)

• Earliest mention: ca. 13th Century

Anglo-Saxon England (8th – 11th Century)

• “Officers of the mouth”

• High ranking members of the court who oversaw court organization and served at royal
banquets

• “[They] brought much prestige”(Gautier 12) → Valued for “their fidelity, their
competence, their valour and their personal charisma” (Gautier 27)

Elizabethan England (16th Century)

• ‚Steward‘ of Household

• Lord Montague‘s Book of Orders and Rules:

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 • „I will that he hold a superiority over all my domestical officers, servants, and
attendants“ (“Book of Orders” 9)

• „it is his part and shall well become him at all times and places to
use himself towards my wife and … to my children, submissively and with all
reverence“ (“Book of Orders” 12)

Victorian Era (19th Century)

• Higher number of domestic servants due to higher living standards

➢ Differences in staffing between social classes

➢ Staff hierarchies

➢ Formalization of servant duties through household manuals

The Victorian Butler

• „an emblem of status“ (Mitchell 51)

• Addressed by his last name, servants called him “Mr. …”

• Position of „trust and responsibility“ (52)

The Butler’s duties included:

• supervision of other male servants

… fires and lamps

… curtains

… tidying books and newspapers

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 • announcing visitors

• supervising the serving of meals

• Wine, silverware

• made sure that everything was locked up at bedtime

• the master’s wardrobe and personal effects (Mitchell 51)

Rules for good Servants

• Always move quietly, and do not let your voice be heard.

• Stand back or move aside for visitors to pass

• Should you be required to walk with a lady or gentleman, always keep a few paces behind.
(The Ladies’ Sanitary Association, Rules for the Manners of Servants in Good Families
(London, 1901).)

2) The Modern English Butler

❖ Decrease in the late 20th century

❖ Nowadays boom especially overseas (e.g China) - "revival"

❖ Adaption to modern times:

- certification from a Butler school

- well-versed in wines
- culinary degree
- languages
- etiquette (still relevant)
- technology
- no strict uniform rules

❖ Variety of duties:

- competent service
- managerial responsibilities (e.g keeping accounts, marketing)
- staff/family schedule, event planner

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 - take care of guests
- silverware service
- maintenance issues
- chauffeur
- security

❖ Different types:

• Traditional English Butler

- Educator for foreign families

- (English culture, habits, history and language)

• Hotel Butler

- Restaurant or hotel
- Knowledge of wine, food and spirits
- Skills in presentation and reception

• Female Butler

- Companion for female principal (shopping, travelling)

- Knowledge of fashion and designer goods
- Housekeeping
Butler schools

❖ Locations in London, Mexico, Venice, USA, Dubai, Thailand and Japan

❖ Training programs and classes

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 ❖ Located in the Netherlands

❖ Offers various training programs

❖ "The best Butler school in the world"

3) Stevens, The Butler

’Dignity’ as Professionalism

• “[…] I believe strongly that this 'dignity' is something one can meaningfully strive for
throughout one's career” (33)

Examples of ‘Dignity’

• Stevens father

- The Tiger
- The Driver
- The Army General

• Harry Smith

„Dignity isn't just something gentlemen have. Dignity's something every man and woman in this
country can strive for and get. […] You can't have dignity if you're a slave. But every Englishman
can grasp it if only he cares to. Because we fought for that right.” (191)

• Stevens

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“I trusted in his lordship’s wisdom. All those years I served him, I trusted I was doing something
worthwhile. I can’t even say I made my own mistakes. Really—one has to ask oneself—what
dignity is there in that?” (243)

Helpful or harmful?

4) Symbolism in the Novel

• Tradition and Formality

• Air of Dignity
• Isolation and Loneliness
• Social Class System

Symbolism: Silverware

"Giffen's undoubtedly the finest silver polish available"

- Pursuit of perfection

- The fading aristocratic lifestyle

The Tiger Story

• How realistic?

Conclusion

Do you think Stevens is a good butler? Why?

5) References

• Anthony Viscount Montague’s Book of Orders and Rules - Managing a Noble Household
in Elizabethan England. Managing a noble household in Elizabethan England - Anthony

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 Viscount Montague’s Book of orders and rules 1595. (2008, August
7). http://elizabethan.org/book-of-orders-and-rules/

• “butler." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2023. Web. 18 May 2023.

• British Butler Institute, www.britishbutlerinstitute.com/. Accessed 21 May 2023.

• Domestic Staff Recruitment & Training, 3 Feb. 2021, poloandtweed.com/.

• “Downton Abbey Revisited: British Butlers Making a Comeback.” The Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2016,www.mercurynews.com/2013/04/12/downton-abbey-revisited-british-
butlers-making-a-
comeback/#:~:text=Estimates%20put%20the%20number%20of,and%20there%20are%2
0more%20abroad.

• “Duties of a Modern Butler.” British American Household Staffing, 2 Feb. 2022,

bahs.com/duties-of-a-modern-butler/.

• Foniokova, Zuzana. "The butler's suspicious dignity: unreliable narration in Kazuo

Ishiguro's The remains of the day." (2006): 87-98.

• Gautier, Alban. ‘Butlers and Dish-Bearers in Anglo-Saxon Courts: Household Officers at

the Royal Table’. Historical Research, vol. 90, no. 248, Oxford University Press (OUP), 23
Mar. 2017, pp. 269–295. Crossref, doi:10.1111/1468-2281.12181.

• Johansson, Kenny. "The Self-Contradictory Narrative of Mr Stevens In Kazuo Ishiguro’s"

The Remains of the Day"." (2011).

• Mitchell, S. (2009). Daily Life in Victorian England (2nd ed.). Greenwood Press.

• Phelan, James, and Mary Patricia Martin. "The Lessons of “VVeymouth”: Homodiegesis,
Unreliability, Ethics, and The Remains of the Day." (1999).

• “The International Butler Academy.” Butlerschool, www.butlerschool.com/. Accessed 21

May 2023.

• “The World’s Finest Private Staff.” Butlersguild, www.butlersguild.com/. Accessed 21

May 2023.

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3. Forum contributions

3.1 Remains of the Day (both posts)

Remains of the Day - Film discussion

Absence of a narrative voice:

What I found most striking was that the movie adaptation of Remains of the Day differs
noticeably from the novel in terms of the absence of a narrative voice. Unlike the novel where
Stevens frequently offers detailed accounts of his experiences and provides insight into his
emotional state and decision-making process, the film relies solely on the visual storytelling and
the exceptional acting of Sir Anthony Hopkins to convey Stevens' character. While I found the
omission of the narrator a little disappointing, the protagonists' outstanding performance
successfully managed to compensate for it. Through his nuanced portrayal, he effectively
communicates the authors' emotions and internal struggles, making me as a viewer feel connected
to the character. While the movie may not offer the same explicit narrative insights as the novel,
Hopkins' acting successfully captures the essence of the authors' inner world, mitigating any
disappointment caused by the absence of a traditional narrator.

My response to Georgios’ post:

I like Georgios’ idea of suggesting “a new adaptation that focuses more on the novel’s
themes of memory.” I tried to think of how that could be realized, and I came up with a few ideas:

The most common way to convey a narrator’s memory is probably the use of a voiceover
narration because the narrator is able to tell the audience their inner thoughts and memories. If I
was a filmmaker I would also try to utilize visual cues and techniques to represent the fragmented
nature of Steven’s memories. This could involve employing non-linear storytelling or jump cuts
to different time periods to evoke the scattered recollections of the protagonist. Another way to
focus on memory would be to use symbolic imagery to represent Steven's memories. Objects,
locations, or recurring motifs could serve as visual symbols, helping to evoke specific memories
or emotions tied to his past.

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3.2 Conference response

I have attended Barbara Marquardt’s panel talk “Language, and Identity in Kazuo
Ishiguro’s When We Were Orphans.” The main character of the novel is the British detective,
Christopher Banks, who returns to Shanghai, the city of his childhood, to solve the mystery of his
parents' disappearance. Throughout the narrative, Christopher's identity, memories, and
perceptions of reality are called into question. What I found surprising and very interesting is that
like the protagonist, Ishiguro also experienced a dual cultural identity, being born in one country
but raised in another. This upbringing likely influenced his perspective on identity, memory, and
his sense of belonging, which are recurring themes in his novels. Furthermore, being a detective –
a profession associated with quintessential British literature, due to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s
Sherlock Holmes – could symbolize the process of uncovering truths and hidden layers in one's
own life, paralleling Ishiguro's exploration of identity in his literary work.

3.3 Application of theoretical approach to novel (Marxist)

I have been part of the group exploring Klara and the Sun through the lens of Marxism, a
socio-political theory focusing on class struggle, power dynamics, and the effects of capitalism on
society. In the novel, there seems to be a clear divide between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Klara is initially chosen by a family of relative privilege, underscoring the disparity in access to
advanced technology and resources. This shapes the characters' lives and interactions, allowing
readers to explore how class distinctions and power imbalances impact the narrative.

Marxism's idea of commodification also finds resonance in the novel, in that people and
their labor have become commodities (Barry 157). In this case, the AFs themselves represent basic
goods for the genetically modified children of the bourgeoisie, created with a specific purpose –
to fulfill the emotional needs of their owners. The interactions between AFs and humans, along
with the ethical implications of treating them as a basic material object, shed light on the broader
theme of the commodification and objectification of human-like entities.

Furthermore, the novel delves into the themes of alienation and exploitation, central to
Marxist thought (Barry 157). The AFs, though designed to serve and provide emotional support,
are isolated from experiencing emotions and desires themselves. This estrangement mirrors the

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alienation of workers from the products of their labor and their human nature, as discussed by
Marx. By exploring the AFs' existence and role in society, readers gain insights into the dynamics
of alienation and exploitation present in this futuristic world.

The philosophical tradition of Marx also invites an analysis of ideology and false
consciousness within the novel. Dominant ideologies shape the characters' perceptions and actions,
while the values associated with AI companionship, the role of technology in society, and the
ethical questions raised by their creation and use all contribute to the construction of ideologies
that maintain the existing social order. Examining these ideological structures adds depth to the
novel's exploration of human-technology dynamics.

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4. Mini-Essay

Exploring Existential Themes in "Klara and the Sun": The Individual's Quest
for Meaning and Identity

4.1 Introduction

In his latest novel, Klara and the Sun, the Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro
transports readers into a dystopian yet thought-provoking world molded by technological leaps
and bounds and the prevalence of artificial intelligence. Set in a society where robot-like beings
called "Artificial Friends" (AFs) are sold to be companions and provide assistance to children, the
novel delves into the complex relationship between human beings and artificial intelligence, while
raising profound questions about the nature of consciousness and existence itself.

This essay will dive into the themes of existentialism that are prevalent in Klara and the
Sun, while illuminating Klara's own existential quest as she contemplates her purpose and identity.
Through her poignant journey, the novel probes the human need for meaning, the struggle with
existential dilemmas, and the confrontation with life's uncertainties and absurdities.

4.2 Understanding Existentialism

Existentialism, a philosophical movement blossoming in the 19th and 20th centuries,

emphasizes the individual’s subjective experience and the intrinsic freedom and accountability that
come with human existence. Rejecting the notion of a predetermined purpose, existentialism posits
that individuals shape their own meaning and define their essence through their actions and choices
(Tietz 162). At the heart of this philosophy lies the concept of existential angst, the profound
anxiety and uncertainty that emerge when faced with the freedom to chart one's path in life (Störig
665).

Proposing that human beings are not passive spectators in the world but active agents who
must wrestle with life's uncertainties and make decisions staring down inevitable mortality, the
existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre famously proclaimed, "Existence precedes essence,"

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(Sartre 27) stressing that people first exist and then define themselves through their selections and
actions. This belief also spotlights the existential seclusion of each person, suggesting that despite
the common human condition, every individual is ultimately alone in their subjective experience
and must forge their own trail in the world. This distinctiveness and obligation to construct one’s
own meaning form the core tenets of existentialism, influencing diverse facets of human life, from
personal identity to the quest for purpose (Tietz 163).

In a world devoid of built-in meaning or objective values, existentialists contend that

individuals must confront this void and sculpt their own purpose (Aho). This search for meaning
gives shape to profoundly personal and subjective journeys, as each person grapples with their
distinctive experiences, yearnings, and aspirations. Accordingly, this quest elicits the questions we
all seek to answer at some point in life, like "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose in this
existence?" The answers to these are not universal but are molded by the individual’s choices and
actions. The voyage involves self-reflection, willingness to embrace life’s uncertainties and
convolutions.

4.3 The role of existential concerns in shaping human existence

Klara's primary ambition is to be selected by a child as her artificial friend, as she believes
that “a child like that, with no AF, would surely be lonely,” (Ishiguro 12) and that she could fill a
void like that. Not just by doing her “job” as a child’s possession but for Klara it seems important
to help aid their mental well-being by helping them be less lonely, and maybe herself as well.
Being of service seems to be the purpose that Klara has dedicated her life to.

Klara is also sensitive enough to notice a passing boy AF who lags a few steps behind his
owner, and his weary gait makes her wonder what it would be like to be unwanted by “her” child
(Ishiguro 16). This shows that being chosen and loved is important to Klara even though she is a
machine and should not have to care. However, perhaps it is not based in biological mass, but
rather something innate to high-level sentience, only further bolstering the case for readers in how
they view Klara’s “humanity.”

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 Viktor Frankl (1905 – 1997) was an Austrian psychiatrist, philosopher, and author who was
imprisoned during the Nazi regime for three years in four different concentration camps. Inside
the camps inmates were constantly exposed to famine, sickness, slave labor, and the possibility of
punishment or execution. There was no freedom.

During his imprisonment in the concentration camps, Frankl noticed a division between
two categories of people: those who had given up on life and those who had not. The first group
was more prone to contracting illnesses and death; the second group exhibited a greater likelihood
to survive. The difference between those two groups? A sense of meaning or, more specifically,
the discovery of purpose found in their deplorable living conditions.

For example, Frankl himself was a doctor and discovered his purpose in aiding the
prisoners who suffered from various illnesses. One day, he even turned down an opportunity to
flee the camp so he could stay with his patients (Frankl 32). He was not motivated by wealth,
power, or even freedom: Frankl’s purpose, in his case taking care of his fellow inmates and not
abandoning them, was so important to him that he was willing to give his life for it. His existence
had become a sacrifice to other human beings.

Similarly, Klara's commitment to serving her human friend Josie mirrors Frankl's notion of
discovering purpose in dedicating oneself to others. When Klara and Josie’s father try to sabotage
the Cootings machine, he tells Klara that P-E-G Nine solution can destroy it and that it so happens
that it is found inside of Klara’s head. Josie’s father is not sure if Klara will “survive” an extraction
of P-E-G solution and her “mind is filling with great fear” (Ishiguro 251) but she nonetheless
agreed to potentially sacrifice herself for the chance to help make Josie recover. “I don’t mind that
I lost precious fluid. I’d willingly have given more, given it all, if it meant your providing special
help to Josie.” (Ishiguro 302) This shows Klara’s dedication and willingness to die in order to help
someone else live. According to Frankl, nobody wants to die for nothing (105). People want their
life and death to have meaning, and so does Klara.

Klara's dedication to Josie and her willingness to make such significant sacrifices reflect
the idea that meaning can be found in selflessly contributing to the well-being of others, even when
faced with challenges. Because if there is a purpose in life at all, there must be a purpose in
suffering (Frankl 11).

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 Another way in which Klara tries to give her life meaning is her “religious” belief in the
Sun. Klara develops a belief in the Sun as a source of life and healing, not just for AF’s, which are
solar powered, but also for human beings. Klara believes that by offering a sacrifice to the sun –
the destruction of the Cooting’s machine – the sun will make Josie better. Klara begs the sun to
“please show your special kindness to Josie.” (Ishiguro 306) This belief becomes a focal point for
Klara's aspirations and actions, as she dedicates herself to ensuring Josie's well-being and
happiness.

These examples all demonstrate how Klara's existential odyssey unfolds as she her
existence and contends with the profound questions defining the human search for meaning and
individuality, serving as an allegory for the broader human endeavor to find purpose and
significance amidst uncertainties and possibilities.

4.4 Conclusion

Yearning to give Josie love and fellowship morphs into a driving force for Klara, steering
her life, as she strives for her ultimate purpose: to be the chosen confidante. As she interacts with
humans, including Josie's family and friends, she notes their emotions, bonds, and exchanges.
Through these observations, she seeks to grasp the intricacies of human experiences, feelings, and
the essence of consciousness. Her mission to comprehend the human state leads her to question
her own identity and the nature of her sentience, while grappling with the divide between humans
and artificial beings. Her existential voyage involves exploring her own agency and the weight of
her existence amidst the convolutions of a world where humans and artificial beings coexist, and
her encounters with other artificial beings prompt her to contemplate her own distinctiveness and
individuality. Seeking validation and affection from her human companions, especially Josie, her
longing for love and acceptance epitomizes the universal human need for significance and
belonging in relationships. Her experiences with the surrounding world led to introspective
reflections on the profound essence of human existence. She witnesses human joys, griefs, and
tribulations, and these moments spur her to ponder the complexities of life and the human pursuit
of understanding and self-realization.

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5. Reflection

Through my study of Ishiguro's novels, I gained insights into his recurring themes, such as
memory, identity, and the human condition. In class we explored his distinctive narrative styles,
characterized by introspection, unreliable narration, and exploration of emotions. Especially Klara
and the Sun prompted discussions about what it means to be human and the role of technology in
shaping our understanding of identity. I enjoyed the discussions about the ethical considerations
associated with AI technologies, including questions about consciousness, agency, empathy, and
the potential consequences of blurring the lines between human and machine. Exploring the role
of AI in literature underscores how literature reflects and responds to technological advancements
and societal shifts. The emergence of AI as a literary theme demonstrates how authors engage with
contemporary concerns and speculate about the future.

The intersection of AI and literature is likely to remain a fertile ground for exploration. As
AI technologies continue to evolve, authors may delve into new questions about AI's impact on
society, relationships, ethics, and what it means to be human. Literature's engagement with AI is
likely to evolve, offering fresh insights into human nature, technology, and the intricate interplay
between the two.

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6. References

Aho, Kevin. “Existentialism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 6 Jan.

2023, plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/.
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7. Affidavit

Hiermit versichere ich, dass ich die vorliegende Arbeit selbständig verfasst und keine anderen als
die angegebenen Hilfsmittel benutzt habe. Aus fremden Quellen Übernommenes ist kenntlich
gemacht.

Bitburg, 29.08.2023 _____________________________

Anastasia Majer

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