The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Nature in Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun

Abstract

The paper aims to assess Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, Klara and the Sun, by examining the interplay between artificial intelligence and nature. The objective is to delve into how Ishiguro portrays the convergence of these seemingly disparate elements and the resulting implications for our understanding of ‘natural’ versus ‘artificial’. Klara, the protagonist, is an artificial friend powered by sunlight, making the narrative inherently centred on artificial intelligence. The Sun assumes a divine role, symbolizing inner strength derived from trust in something greater and highlighting society’s detachment from nature. Klara’s reliance on solar energy emphasizes the nurturing aspect of the Sun, affecting her vitality. Despite originating from an industrialized civilization, Klara exhibits a deeper appreciation for nature than many in her community. The novel blurs the lines between human and artificial intelligence, prompting a reconsideration of conventional notions about what is ‘natural’ or ‘artificial’.This exploration prompts a re-evaluation of our relationship with technology and the natural environment within the framework of postmodernism theory.