Introduction
Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day" is a masterpiece of contemporary literature that takes readers on a poignant journey through the life of Stevens, a dedicated butler in post-World War II England. This novel, set against the backdrop of a changing social and political landscape, explores themes of duty, dignity, and the cost of unwavering professionalism.
The story unfolds as Stevens embarks on a road trip through the English countryside, ostensibly to visit a former colleague, Miss Kenton. As he travels, Stevens reflects on his decades of service at Darlington Hall, revealing a complex tapestry of memories, regrets, and missed opportunities. Through his reminiscences, we gain insight into the political machinations of the interwar period and the personal sacrifices made in the name of duty.
A Change of Scenery
The novel opens in the 1950s, with Stevens meticulously dusting a portrait in the library of Darlington Hall. His new American employer, Mr. Farraday, suggests that Stevens take a holiday while he's away in the United States. Initially reluctant, Stevens changes his mind upon receiving a letter from Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall, who now lives in Cornwall.
Stevens plans a journey that will take him through Devon and Cornwall, with the ultimate goal of reaching Weymouth, where Miss Kenton resides. His secret agenda is to persuade her to return to Darlington Hall and help address the staffing shortages that have been affecting the quality of service.
As Stevens sets out in Mr. Farraday's car, he experiences a mix of apprehension and exhilaration. The beauty of the English countryside captivates him, and he reflects on the understated greatness of the landscape, drawing parallels between it and the qualities he admires in a great butler.
During his drive, Stevens ponders the changing nature of his profession. He recalls stories from his father's time as a butler, including a tale of unflappable dignity involving a tiger under a dining table in India. These anecdotes reinforce Stevens's belief that true greatness in his profession is intrinsically linked to being English and maintaining composure in the face of any challenge.
A Consummate Professional
Stevens's journey takes him to Salisbury, where he spends the night. The next morning, he revisits Miss Kenton's letter, revealing to the reader that she is now married and goes by Mrs. Benn, though Stevens continues to refer to her by her maiden name throughout the novel.
His thoughts drift back to the time when Miss Kenton first joined the staff at Darlington Hall. Stevens recalls her as being too personal and forward, bringing flowers to his room and questioning his father's ability to handle his workload due to his advanced age. Stevens staunchly defends his father's capabilities, despite evidence of his declining performance.
The narrative then shifts to a significant conference held at Darlington Hall in 1923. The event, organized by Lord Darlington, aimed to discuss and potentially revise the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed harsh sanctions on Germany after World War I. Stevens takes pride in his discretion during this politically charged gathering, recalling Lord Darlington's trust in his presence during confidential discussions.
During this conference, Stevens's father falls gravely ill. Despite the gravity of the situation, Stevens prioritizes his professional duties over attending to his dying father. When informed of his father's passing, Stevens chooses to continue serving Lord Darlington's guests, believing it to be what his father would have wanted.
This section of the novel highlights the stark contrast between Stevens's unwavering dedication to his profession and Miss Kenton's more compassionate approach. It also introduces the reader to Lord Darlington's political leanings and Stevens's unquestioning loyalty to his employer, regardless of the moral implications.
A Regrettable Incident
As Stevens continues his journey, he arrives in Taunton and spends the night there. The next morning, while having tea, he notices a sign pointing to the nearby town of Mursden. This triggers memories of the 1920s when Giffen and Co., a silver polish company, was established in Mursden, leading to a surge in demand for finely polished silver in England's stately homes.
Stevens recalls the praise Darlington Hall received for its gleaming silverware from distinguished guests, including Lord Halifax and Herr Ribbentrop, who later became Hitler's Foreign Affairs Minister. This recollection leads Stevens to reflect on the changing perceptions of these historical figures and events.
He acknowledges that Ribbentrop is now regarded as a "trickster" who promoted a false narrative about Hitler's intentions. Stevens expresses frustration with those who claim they always knew Ribbentrop was untrustworthy, as well as the harsh judgments now passed on Lord Darlington. While admitting that Lord Darlington had connections with the Nazi party and entertained fascists like Oswald Mosley, Stevens insists that such behavior was not unusual at the time and that Lord Darlington couldn't have known the true nature of the Nazi regime.
However, one particular memory troubles Stevens deeply. Under the influence of Mrs. Carolyn Barnet, a member of the British Union of Fascists, Lord Darlington made the decision to dismiss two Jewish maids from Darlington Hall. Stevens, despite his misgivings, remained loyal to Lord Darlington and carried out the order without question.
The incident is further explored through Stevens's recollection of his conversation with Miss Kenton about the dismissals. Miss Kenton is shocked by both Lord Darlington's decision and Stevens's apparent indifference. She threatens to quit in protest but ultimately stays, later admitting that fear of unemployment kept her at Darlington Hall.
Nearly a year after the incident, Stevens informs Miss Kenton that Lord Darlington regrets his decision and has asked Stevens to trace the maids with the intention of offering them their jobs back. To Stevens's surprise, Miss Kenton is upset that he didn't share his true feelings about the situation at the time, asking him why he always pretends. Stevens is unable to provide an answer, highlighting his inability to express his true emotions.
Another memory surfaces, involving Miss Kenton discovering Stevens reading a romance novel. When she teases him about it, Stevens responds formally, asking her to leave him alone. This interaction leads to Miss Kenton spending more time away from Darlington Hall and eventually informing Stevens that she has reconnected with a former colleague. Stevens wonders if his overly formal attitude towards Miss Kenton may have cost him a chance at happiness.
This section of the novel delves deeper into Stevens's character, revealing the extent of his loyalty to Lord Darlington and his struggle to balance professional duty with personal feelings. It also highlights the growing tension between Stevens and Miss Kenton, hinting at unspoken emotions and missed opportunities.
A Bittersweet Reunion
The narrative returns to the present day, with Stevens arriving early for his meeting with Miss Kenton at The Rose Garden in Cornwall. As he waits, he recalls the night Miss Kenton informed him of her engagement. Stevens's reaction was characteristically restrained, offering polite congratulations before excusing himself.
That same evening, Stevens encounters Lord Darlington's godson, Reginald Cardinal, in the library. Cardinal reveals that Lord Darlington is involved in discussions to promote a visit to Nazi Germany by the British Prime Minister. Cardinal expresses concern that the Nazis are manipulating Lord Darlington to extend their influence in England.
Stevens then remembers passing by Miss Kenton's room and hearing her crying. He hesitates, almost entering to comfort her, but ultimately continues with his duties. This moment of indecision is juxtaposed with a feeling of triumph Stevens experiences later, believing he is assisting men who will change the course of history.
The long-awaited meeting with Miss Kenton finally takes place. She reveals that she is still married and not entirely unhappy with her life. However, as their conversation progresses, Miss Kenton admits to wondering if she might have had a different life with Stevens. This admission forces Stevens to confront his own deep feelings for Miss Kenton and the opportunities for personal happiness he has sacrificed in pursuit of professional excellence.
After Miss Kenton's departure, Stevens finds himself on the pier, where he encounters a stranger. In a moment of vulnerability, Stevens confesses that he feels he isn't serving his current employer, Mr. Farraday, to the highest standard, having given everything he had to Lord Darlington. The stranger offers Stevens a handkerchief, subtly indicating that Stevens is crying. He encourages Stevens to cheer up, reminding him that the evening is the best part of the day.
This encounter serves as a cathartic moment for Stevens, allowing him to acknowledge his regrets and emotions. He leaves the pier with a renewed determination to make the most of the "remains of his day" by improving his service to Mr. Farraday.
Themes and Analysis
Duty and Dignity
One of the central themes of "The Remains of the Day" is the concept of duty and how it shapes Stevens's life and decisions. Throughout the novel, Stevens prides himself on his unwavering commitment to his profession and his ability to maintain dignity in all situations. He views the role of a butler as a noble calling, one that requires complete dedication and self-sacrifice.
Stevens's pursuit of professional excellence often comes at the expense of his personal life and relationships. His inability to express emotions or form meaningful connections with others, particularly Miss Kenton, is a direct result of his rigid adherence to his perceived duties as a butler.
The novel challenges the reader to consider the cost of such unwavering dedication. While Stevens's commitment to his profession is admirable in many ways, it ultimately leads to a life filled with regret and missed opportunities for personal fulfillment.
The Changing Face of England
Ishiguro uses the backdrop of post-World War II England to explore themes of social and political change. The novel contrasts the grand estates and rigid class structures of the pre-war era with the more egalitarian society emerging in the 1950s.
Stevens's journey through the English countryside serves as a metaphor for this changing landscape. As he travels, he reflects on the "greatness" of England, both in terms of its physical beauty and its social institutions. However, his nostalgic view of the past is gradually challenged as he confronts the realities of the present and the consequences of his own choices.
The novel also touches on the political upheavals of the interwar period, particularly the rise of fascism in Europe. Through Stevens's recollections of Lord Darlington's involvement with Nazi sympathizers, Ishiguro explores the complexities of political allegiances and the dangers of misplaced loyalty.
Memory and Unreliable Narration
"The Remains of the Day" is told entirely from Stevens's perspective, making him an unreliable narrator. His recollections are colored by his own biases, self-deception, and desire to maintain his dignity. As the story progresses, the reader is forced to question Stevens's interpretations of events and his motivations for presenting them in a certain light.
The novel's structure, which weaves between past and present, highlights the malleable nature of memory. Stevens's reflections on his past experiences are shaped by his current circumstances and evolving understanding of his life choices. This narrative technique allows Ishiguro to explore themes of self-deception and the human tendency to rewrite personal history.
Missed Opportunities and Regret
As Stevens reflects on his life, a sense of regret permeates the narrative. His relationship with Miss Kenton serves as the most poignant example of missed opportunities for personal happiness. Stevens's inability to express his feelings or respond to Miss Kenton's overtures leads to a lifetime of what-ifs and might-have-beens.
The novel also explores regret on a broader scale, particularly in relation to Lord Darlington's political activities. Stevens's unwavering loyalty to his employer, even in the face of morally questionable decisions, leads to a sense of complicity that he struggles to reconcile in his later years.
Through Stevens's journey of self-discovery, Ishiguro invites readers to consider their own life choices and the balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment.
Conclusion
"The Remains of the Day" is a masterfully crafted novel that delves into the complexities of human nature, duty, and regret. Through the character of Stevens, Kazuo Ishiguro presents a nuanced exploration of the costs of unwavering dedication to one's profession and the importance of finding balance in life.
The novel's power lies in its subtle portrayal of emotions and the gradual revelation of Stevens's true feelings. As readers, we are drawn into Stevens's world, sharing in his moments of pride, his struggles with changing times, and ultimately, his profound sense of loss and missed opportunities.
Ishiguro's use of the English countryside as both setting and metaphor adds depth to the narrative, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of post-war Britain. The novel's exploration of memory and unreliable narration challenges readers to question their own perceptions and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives.
In the end, "The Remains of the Day" is a poignant reminder of the importance of living authentically and embracing opportunities for personal connection and happiness. Stevens's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sacrificing one's personal life entirely for professional duty, while also celebrating the dignity and dedication of those who serve others.
As Stevens resolves to make the most of the "remains of his day," readers are left to ponder their own choices and the value of finding meaning and fulfillment in both professional and personal spheres. Ishiguro's novel stands as a timeless exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the legacies they wish to leave behind.