The Buried Giant

The Buried Giant – Kazuo Ishiguro

Reading Guide

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Vittore Osele, G4c

20.12.2018

Index

Index        1

Available Editions        2

Objectives        3

Historical Setting        4

Author        5

Pre-Reading Activity        6

Summary        6

Characters        7

Main Themes and Issues        9

Main Themes:        9

Symbolism:        17

Additional Material        19

Bibliography        20

Available Editions

I read the paperback edition of The Buried Giant published January 7th in 2016 by Faber & Faber (cost: 16.90 CHF).

The language per se is a bit pretentious (Ishiguro, i.e. really attached importance to the adjectives used and are essential for a correct interpretation of the novel). Moreover, does the sentence structure reminds a drop of hoisted, old English and could be a bit difficult to follow for unskilled readers. Due to that, I would recommend it for the second (or even third) grade of Kantonsschule with additional material from the teacher and leaded discussions in class (like we did in Lord of the Flies). Though, it is suited for third (immersion)/fourth grade of Kantonsschule for self-study. The book has a short abstract about the author on the first page and followed by praises about the plot. There is no glossary, no line numbers, nor any other additional material included.

In my opinion, there is no need for a glossary because the chapters are mainly just called, i.e.  “Chapter 15” and give no extra information. On the other hand, it would be helpful to have explanatory notes, among other things to become more aware of the links between the plot and the historical background. Further are the margins between the lines too thin to take notes (for my handwriting), whereas the space around the text is suited well for it.

On March 16th, 2016, two months after the publication of the edition talked above, Faber & Faber published a new version of The Buried Giant with 22 more pages (384p. instead of 362p.), which could contain annotations and explanatory notes. All other versions have less than 362 pages and therefore probably won’t include extra material either. The prices are between 9.40 CHF and 26.90 CHF.

Objectives

History and Fiction

The peers learn about the wars in England at the end of the 5th century, as well as about the Arthurian legend.

Author

The peers understand Ishiguro’s main themes processed and his message behind the lines (forgetting/forgiving, the difficulty about ageing or duty).

Culture

The peers become aware of the hostility between different cultures (Saxons and Britons) and their resulting affectation, as well as the impact of role models on these affectations. They can also link the plot to current affairs.

Narration

The peers learn how a change in the narrator can revise the reader's perception on a story, as well as underlining the main themes in a book. The novel could be placed in the fantasy genre, but it should not be expected to follow the standard rules. The style is infused with myth and historical fiction.

Language

The peers are making progress in concluding the main themes by interpreting the symbolism in the book in an accurate way as well as becoming an understanding of how it is used in literature. They will mainly improve in written language because of the sophisticated sentence structure (reminds of medieval talks) and adjectives used. The students should focus on how the author changed his writing style between narrators.

Identity and Psychology

The peers realise how crucial it is to remember, to be able to know who you really are. They also see how (a sudden gain in) memory can have a massive impact on long-lasting relationships, peace and duties. They gain knowledge about hatred and revenge in a multi-perspective view.

Historical Setting

The Buried Giant is a fantasy novel and takes place in the myth about King Arthur (Artus) during the medieval ages around the 5th century AD.  In a time where knights and dragons used to rule the world. Before you start reading the novel, you shall be familiar with the myth below.

The myth: Merlin, a druid but also consultant and friend of the “High King” Ambrosius Aurelianus, received a sign from heaven in shape of a dragon which tells him that his friend, the “High King”, will die, and Uther Pendragon will become his successor and moreover will his child (later named Arthur) have outstanding power. Arthur (right after his birth) was brought to Ector, a trustworthy knight, where he was raised because Merlin sensed danger for the child. Uther’s reign is marked by a permanent war against invading Saxons, Scots and Irish. After his death, it got even worse because all the small Kings started to fight again and left Britain in a state of war. Merlin had to act and bring peace over the country again. Therefore, he forged Excalibur, a remarkable sword, and enclosed it in a rock with a hex which only allows the legitimate King of Britain to pull it out again. People came from all over Britain to try if they can draw Excalibur out of the stone and become “High King”. Everyone without success until a tournament took place near the sword where Ector, his real son Keie and Arthur as his knave participated. Keie lost his sword and commanded Arthur to look for it. He could not find it, instead, did he discover Excalibur, pulled it out without any trouble and brought it to Keie. As this got revealed, Merlin appeared and declared him to be the rightful “High King” of Britain. After many great battles and victories, the Saxons could be stopped, and peace was restored. Arthur later got mortally wounded and was floated on a boat down a river to the Isle of Avalon (Carleon Net, n.d.). Many years passed, and The Buried Giant began.

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