Role of the past, memory and history in the works of Kazuo Ishiguro

The aim of the thesis is to explore the ways Kazuo Ishiguro uses the past, memory and history in his works. They will be described in the context of five novels: A Pale View of Hills, An Artist of the Floating World, The Remains of the Day, When We Were Orphans and Never Let Me Go. The three phenomena are considered Ishiguro's main areas of interest and, therefore, the thesis tries to answer why he is so fascinated with them and whether they serve to convey a particular message. A special attention will be drawn to what seems to be central for Kazuo Ishiguro - going back to his characters' early years and pointing out the key moments that shaped their lives, attitudes and opinions in the future. The focus within the defined field of interest will be on the position of an individual in historical events, themes of guilt, loss, self-deception and regret