Summer Work: The Remains of the Day
Blog Posts:
Hello everyone,
Firstly, I would like to start by clarifying that my apparent delay in posting is in fact not a result of procrastination- I am often unjustly accused of being a 'procrastinator' by many of my fellow students and teachers on a regular basis, not to say that my teachers are unfair in making such accusations for I understand they are merely acting on the intent of helping me- but instead one of respect for my fellow students. I realize that it would be indeed quite selfish of me to be one of the first to post- as has been done by some less experienced bloggers- as this would eliminate the possibility of my answering any possible questions that may arise and inevitably have arisen in this discussion. Of course, it is not for me to suggest that I am worthy of ever being placed alongside the likes of the ‘great’ bloggers of our generation- though it should be said there are those who, perhaps out of misguided generosity, tend to do just this…
Well I hope you enjoyed that attempted Stevens like tone (along with some of my own sarcasm) there, but now I think I have to begin responding and contributing to this discussion. Before really addressing any previous comments, I would like to say that I find it odd how there seems to be an apparent lack of drama as of yet in the novel. Though Stevens Sr.’s illness is to an extent dramatic, it really didn’t feel like it the way Steven’s narration of the events is worded. Even stranger is that somehow the novel is still really interesting even with this lack of drama; I found it hard to stop reading once I got started as I’m sure some of you did too. What I found a bit curious is one of the reviews on the back cover from Salman Rushdie commenting: “Brilliant… a story both beautiful and cruel.” The odd part being, for me at least, that there does not appear to be a “cruel” part yet.
I suppose the narration technique brings me to a point previously made about Stevens’ personality by jlam09 as to whether there are any emotions to Stevens. It seems to me that Stevens was born into a world of buttering and has never taken time to consider any emotions outside of those of his master or his master’s guests. In fact, Stevens even thinks it astonishing and idealistic whenever he recalls of the lack of fear (an emotion) the butler in his father’s story shows in response to finding a tiger under the dining room table.
Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here but I think that Ishiguro wrote a critique of the lower classes’ lack of belief in individuality and importance of self when writing this novel. Stevens, an example of a “servant” (as kavsgojsw1 put it) is largely inconsiderate of his self. When his new master Mr. Farraday offers Stevens a vacation from buttering (of which he would “foot the gas,” giving Stevens no financial reason to reject the offer) Stevens at first refuses to accept, denying himself freedom. Even later, he only accepts the vacation time for professional motives. This is why I would argue that this book could be a social critique for the loss of individualism as Stevens apparently has lost himself serving others. However, I think it’s way too early to make this assumption and maybe I’ve just read too many works of Transcendentalism.
On a slightly opposite note, I would agree with Mary that Stevens has a very conceited aura about him. This is apparent when he tells Miss Keaton that she has a “lack of experience” and that she gravely misunderstands Stevens Sr.’s ability and professionalism because she does not have as much experience as he. However, I think Stevens is cocky not because he is in tune with or proud of himself but because he has spent his entire life practicing this profession and feels confident with his abilities. Stevens works hard to make sure he is correct and proper and often disregards others because he thinks he is so correct and proper he cannot be wrong. This is, I think, as jlam09 put it a rather “pathetic” quality. Perhaps this is what is “cruel” about this novel or maybe it’s the “[grave] doubts about his own faith in the man he served,” we’ll see… (This back cover was too revealing!!)
Lastly, (yah this was long) to address Kevien’s comment on Stevens being a symbol for something greater, I would personally argue (again with maybe a transcendentalist bias) that Stevens represents perhaps the butler in each of us… God does that sound corny. We all obey, serve and humble ourselves for others (parents, teachers, etc.) and perhaps Stevens is a symbol of us and serves to show us that our submissiveness and trust is at times misguided and not warranted. (And yes, I think this is very much a Quest that Stevens goes on, can’t wait to see what he realizes about himself at the end!) But I say this with a complete lack of confidence as I believe it is WAY too early to make such a hypothesis.
PS: to address courtney can’t…’s question: the way the treaty of Versailles is described is pretty factual and some people were against it, but I think that Lord Darlington is fictional along with the others at the meeting (at the very most they are based on real characters but the names are changed). The conference might have occurred but if it did, it was (according to the history books) unsuccessful as the Treaty was never really repealed and as a result WWII occurred with an angered Germany.
-------------------
Hi everyone,
I’d like to start off by addressing one of the most interesting points made: the question by Danny as to whether or not Stevens is a reliable narrator. (Great question!)
Certainly, one can argue that Stevens, on the surface, might not resemble a trustworthy narrator. He often squelches his own beliefs and feelings to portray himself in a “dignified” manor (ie. his father’s death, his intensions with Miss Kenton, his attitude toward Lord Darlington’s decision to fire the Jewish maids, etc.) Stevens’s priority after all is his “professional duty” and “not [his] own foibles and sentiments.” (149)
However, Ishiguro shows us Stevens true intensions and feelings on a subject even through Stevens’s telling us otherwise. Stevens tells us on 147 that he had cocoa meetings with Miss Kenton, but then, as soon as he discloses this information, goes into an explanation about them, claiming they were “overwhelmingly professional in tone.” Every time Stevens comes close to discussing his true feelings or intensions, he always goes into lengthy explanations to defend his motives for such actions. This is Ishiguro’s way of letting us infer the truth even through Stevens’s shielding lies. Basically, because Stevens puts so much effort into defending his reasons for doing something (ie. having cocoa with Miss Kenton nightly) in a pathetic way, one can see that that is in actuality not his true intention. His lack of openness is due to his fear of intimacy and inadequacy with his job. Stevens believes he must portray himself as a dignified and professional butler. This of course does not leave any room for indulging in emotions, and when caught with the romantic novel, Stevens puts on a façade. He explains to the audience that his only reason for reading such a book instead of a scholarly article was simply to better his English so he may better his butlering. This, I believe, makes Stevens a credible and trustworthy narrator, for even though his words may tell otherwise, the reader can infer, through pattern and a bit of common sense, Stevens’s real feelings on a matter.
I agree with Thalp that Lord Darlington had very streamline Nazi beliefs on Judaism. On the pages around 146, Stevens keeps trying to convince himself that Lord Darlington wasn’t Anti-Semitic and that he had the best of intensions in doing everything he did. Stevens comments on Lord Darlington’s “…remarking: ‘Oh, you mean that Jewish propaganda sheet.’ And then… instructing me to cease giving donations to a particular local charity which regularly came to the door on the grounds that the management committee was ‘more or less homogeneously Jewish.’” (146) Stevens refers to these occasions as “extremely minor.” (146) However, it becomes increasingly obvious that Stevens knows that these incidents are anything but minor as he spends pages upon pages recollecting about Lord Darlington’s Anti-Semitism in firing the two Jewish maids. Stevens even makes it apparent that he was taken by surprise by his employer’s wishes; responding “I beg your pardon” when told he would have to “let them go.” (147) So, even though through his words he defends his employer’s decisions and morals, one can see that, through Ishiguro’s tone and diction, Stevens in fact questions these qualities.
To respond to Kris10’s and jlam09’s posts, on the reoccurring note of dignity, Stevens’s beliefs are questioned when he meets Harry Smith at the village. Harry Smith believes that “dignity” is attainable by all and that it is about speaking up, having a voice and an opinion on important matters. This is contradictory to Stevens’s general outlook on life… Stevens claims that “There is, after all, a real limit to how much ordinary people can learn and know,” and that it is expected of all those who are not gentlemen to obey mindlessly. (194)
On another note, Stevens’s intentions with his relationship with Miss Kenton and his feelings towards her become ever more apparent in this section. Stevens flirts with Miss Kenton and has cocoa meetings with her. To emphasize that Miss Kenton and Steven’s relationship is a unique one for Stevens, it should be mentioned that Stevens seems to only be able to “banter” with Miss Kenton. Stevens often taunts- in a bantering way, of course –Miss Kenton for her threat to leave Darlington Hall. He comments on 150 as to saying “’Miss Kenton, I’d rather expected you to have handed in your notice by now,’ accompanying this with a light laugh. I did, I suppose, hope that she might finally relent a little and make some conciliatory response or other, allowing us once and for all to put the whole episode behind us.” From that passage, it is clear that Stevens wants to flirt with Miss Kenton (and wants her to flirt back) and wants to patch up the holes in their relationship. Also, Stevens is meticulous with his words when he discusses one of his “errors” and always makes himself appear not at fault. However, when discussing Lisa’s midnight-eloping with the footman. Stevens says, “You did wonders with that girl. What you managed with her proved many times over that it was in fact I who was in error.” (158) Shocker yes, Stevens admits he is not perfect and this time does not blame an error on a “staff shortage.” However, due to his extreme fear of intimacy, Stevens detaches himself from Miss Kenton and calls off the cocoa meetings. Also, when Miss Kenton catches Stevens with a romance novel, Stevens resolves “to set about reestablishing our professional relationship on a more proper basis.” Miss Kenton had gotten too close and Stevens felt the need to push her far enough away. However, he later regrets this decision and later “speculates” on page 177 as to what would have been if he had acted differently in the “turning points” of his life.
All of these aspects- Stevens’s inability to be honest with himself in his journal (which seems to me what “The Remains of the Day” resembles in form); his inability to show weakness; and his fear of intimacy- make Stevens a rather pathetic character… On page 173, Miss Kenton comments to Stevens, “It occurs to me you must be a well-contented man, Mr. Stevens… I really cannot imagine what more you might wish for in life.” So basically, because Stevens is an accomplished butler, he has nothing more to look forward to in life. His only goal and aspiration- in his one-and-only entire life mind you –was to see that his employer was well looked after. Nearing the end of “Day Three - Evening” Stevens epiphany seems to be that Lord Darlington’s life was “at best, a sad waste.” However, Stevens’s rhetoric implies that he tries to desperately convince himself that his own life wasn’t, stating his own work was “first rate.” (201)
And finally on that note, to respond to Mary’s post about Stevens’s being advised to experience life before it is too late, I think it is too late for him to live a fulfilling life and that this book is his portrayal of regret. So, I’d like to leave you all with a rather pathetic and regretful quote from this novel:
“There was surely nothing to indicate at the time that such evidently small incidents would render whole dreams forever irredeemable.” (179)
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Hi everyone,
Let me be thefirst 16th person to say this: this book was amazing. One of my favorites.
Ishiguro is a masterful writer and develops Stevens’ character so well that the reader truly wishes that Stevens has a miraculous turn-around in his life and that he can go back in time and fix all of the “turning points” in his life. I, personally, felt a strong connection with Stevens as a character and it saddened me to read about all the missed opportunities in his life.
For example, when Stevens ignores Miss Kenton’s rather unobvious appeals to him to say or do something to make her refuse the marriage proposal, Stevens simply wishes her the best of luck on her marriage and attends to “the most powerful gentlemen of Europe…” (227) It is just so pathetic how clueless Stevens presents himself. However, I believe that Stevens realized at the time Miss Kenton’s true intention, but was simply too stubborn and afraid to recognize it (or as Thalp put it: naïve). Stevens even has “an ever-growing conviction mounting within [him] that just a few yards away, on the other side of that door, Miss Kenton was at that moment crying.” (226) He then however “[hurries] upstairs to serve some of the most distinguished gentlemen of the land…” (227) He later even feels “triumph” over this missed opportunity with Miss Kenton.
It feels to me that Stevens has wasted his life. Being a butler could have been something Stevens could have chosen to do for a couple of years of his life, but to dedicate one’s entire- and one and only –life to another, and to completely disregard one’s own natural human desires and emotions seems to me to be, simply, a waste of a life. When the town’s people mistake Stevens for a gentleman, Stevens appears to rather enjoy the process and does not deny it. Though he later tells The Doctor that he only continued to let the village people to believe incorrectly that he was a gentleman, I believe that Stevens did not reveal his true position because he liked being a Lord Darlington figure rather than a butler. It hurts me to know that Stevens could really never have broken out of his position, and I find a grain of truth in his belief that at least he made an impact in the world by aiding an influential person like Lord Darlington. Though he never fully experienced love- or many other human emotions for that matter – at least he made a global impact, something he could have never done if he were, say, a farmer.
I would also like to point out three distinct philosophies that present themselves throughout Stevens’ experiences. First, Lord Darlington tells Stevens after a meeting that he believes the world of politics and economics is “now a days” too complicated for most people to understand, and that accordingly, the vote should not be given to all. Compare that philosophy to the villagers’, Harry Smith’s in particular, about giving a voice to all, no matter what position. The third belief is presented by Mr. Cardinal, who argues that the world is too “foul” of a place for “fine and noble instincts” like those of Lord Darlington. He believes that people like Lord Darlington are too easily influenced and naïve to be given power. Mr. Cardinal seems to realize the danger in giving power to the select few.
On a different and more meaningful note, I would love to discuss Stevens’ rendezvous with Miss Kenton. When he first sees her, Stevens comments that Miss Kenton “had, naturally, aged somewhat, but to my eyes at least, she seemed to have done so very gracefully.” (232) He then goes into discussing her appearance and how he finds her attractive. However, what I found peculiar- and as jlam09 already discussed a bit -about Stevens’ encounter is that in the narrative Stevens refers to his old acquaintance as “Miss Kenton,” but in speaking to her he does not hesitate to call her “Mrs Benn.” I believe that this is one of the more apparent times where Stevens’ internal and external self conflict. Though he knows her as Miss Kenton and will forever remember her that way, he refers to her as “Mrs Benn” to conform to the “pleasantries” as Stevens often refers to them.
Also, when Miss Kenton finally confesses (implicitly at least) that she has loved and possibly still loves Stevens by saying: “And you get to thinking about a different life, a better life you might have had. For instance, I get to thinking about a life I may have had with you, Mr Stevens. “ (239) I think Stevens response to this is for me one of the saddest parts of this book. Stevens admits to his “sorrow” and “heart… breaking.”
The saddest part of Stevens’ life, I believe, is his own revelation that he has not lived a life of his own. During his chat with the stranger at the pier Stevens confesses, “I’ve given what I had to give. I gave it all to Lord Darlington.” (243) (PS: This might be the first time Stevens has ever made a “simple subject/verb sentence”) I think at this point he realizes that he has not lived his own life, has not yet made his own mistakes and misjudgments. Instead he has vicariously made them through his prior employer, which is no life at all.
Finally, I would like to discuss the title. All that remains of Stevens life is the late evening as Stevens is getting old. He has yet to experience much of what life has to offer and has lost a lot of the “Day.” However, as Stevens is told and comes to believe, “the evening is the best part of the day.” This is apparent throughout the book since it is in the (literal) evenings that Stevens seems to recollect and reminisce on the good times in his life (his cocoa meetings with Miss Kenton, etc.). In the mornings and during the day, it is time for work unpleasantries (firing of the Jewish maids, etc.).
However, unlike most of the people that posted before me, I find myself a bit cynical and see the ending of The Remains of the Day less optimistically. Kris10, Bond_Smoka and Gypsyloo commented that they saw the ending as Stevens’ “rebirth”. However, I see it as a continuation of his old life, just in a different method. Stevens promises to “enthusiastically” peruse bantering. I’m split on this... Stevens proclaims earlier that “in bantering lies the key to human warmth” so this can be seen as Stevens promising to be more warm and more human. On the other hand, he also states that he is doing it for his new employer, Mr Farraday, and is going to return to Darlington Hall. So my question is: does Stevens truly promise to turn his life around or will he continue to waste his possibilities in life?
Hello everyone,
Firstly, I would like to start by clarifying that my apparent delay in posting is in fact not a result of procrastination- I am often unjustly accused of being a 'procrastinator' by many of my fellow students and teachers on a regular basis, not to say that my teachers are unfair in making such accusations for I understand they are merely acting on the intent of helping me- but instead one of respect for my fellow students. I realize that it would be indeed quite selfish of me to be one of the first to post- as has been done by some less experienced bloggers- as this would eliminate the possibility of my answering any possible questions that may arise and inevitably have arisen in this discussion. Of course, it is not for me to suggest that I am worthy of ever being placed alongside the likes of the ‘great’ bloggers of our generation- though it should be said there are those who, perhaps out of misguided generosity, tend to do just this…
Well I hope you enjoyed that attempted Stevens like tone (along with some of my own sarcasm) there, but now I think I have to begin responding and contributing to this discussion. Before really addressing any previous comments, I would like to say that I find it odd how there seems to be an apparent lack of drama as of yet in the novel. Though Stevens Sr.’s illness is to an extent dramatic, it really didn’t feel like it the way Steven’s narration of the events is worded. Even stranger is that somehow the novel is still really interesting even with this lack of drama; I found it hard to stop reading once I got started as I’m sure some of you did too. What I found a bit curious is one of the reviews on the back cover from Salman Rushdie commenting: “Brilliant… a story both beautiful and cruel.” The odd part being, for me at least, that there does not appear to be a “cruel” part yet.
I suppose the narration technique brings me to a point previously made about Stevens’ personality by jlam09 as to whether there are any emotions to Stevens. It seems to me that Stevens was born into a world of buttering and has never taken time to consider any emotions outside of those of his master or his master’s guests. In fact, Stevens even thinks it astonishing and idealistic whenever he recalls of the lack of fear (an emotion) the butler in his father’s story shows in response to finding a tiger under the dining room table.
Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here but I think that Ishiguro wrote a critique of the lower classes’ lack of belief in individuality and importance of self when writing this novel. Stevens, an example of a “servant” (as kavsgojsw1 put it) is largely inconsiderate of his self. When his new master Mr. Farraday offers Stevens a vacation from buttering (of which he would “foot the gas,” giving Stevens no financial reason to reject the offer) Stevens at first refuses to accept, denying himself freedom. Even later, he only accepts the vacation time for professional motives. This is why I would argue that this book could be a social critique for the loss of individualism as Stevens apparently has lost himself serving others. However, I think it’s way too early to make this assumption and maybe I’ve just read too many works of Transcendentalism.
On a slightly opposite note, I would agree with Mary that Stevens has a very conceited aura about him. This is apparent when he tells Miss Keaton that she has a “lack of experience” and that she gravely misunderstands Stevens Sr.’s ability and professionalism because she does not have as much experience as he. However, I think Stevens is cocky not because he is in tune with or proud of himself but because he has spent his entire life practicing this profession and feels confident with his abilities. Stevens works hard to make sure he is correct and proper and often disregards others because he thinks he is so correct and proper he cannot be wrong. This is, I think, as jlam09 put it a rather “pathetic” quality. Perhaps this is what is “cruel” about this novel or maybe it’s the “[grave] doubts about his own faith in the man he served,” we’ll see… (This back cover was too revealing!!)
Lastly, (yah this was long) to address Kevien’s comment on Stevens being a symbol for something greater, I would personally argue (again with maybe a transcendentalist bias) that Stevens represents perhaps the butler in each of us… God does that sound corny. We all obey, serve and humble ourselves for others (parents, teachers, etc.) and perhaps Stevens is a symbol of us and serves to show us that our submissiveness and trust is at times misguided and not warranted. (And yes, I think this is very much a Quest that Stevens goes on, can’t wait to see what he realizes about himself at the end!) But I say this with a complete lack of confidence as I believe it is WAY too early to make such a hypothesis.
PS: to address courtney can’t…’s question: the way the treaty of Versailles is described is pretty factual and some people were against it, but I think that Lord Darlington is fictional along with the others at the meeting (at the very most they are based on real characters but the names are changed). The conference might have occurred but if it did, it was (according to the history books) unsuccessful as the Treaty was never really repealed and as a result WWII occurred with an angered Germany.
-------------------
Hi everyone,
I’d like to start off by addressing one of the most interesting points made: the question by Danny as to whether or not Stevens is a reliable narrator. (Great question!)
Certainly, one can argue that Stevens, on the surface, might not resemble a trustworthy narrator. He often squelches his own beliefs and feelings to portray himself in a “dignified” manor (ie. his father’s death, his intensions with Miss Kenton, his attitude toward Lord Darlington’s decision to fire the Jewish maids, etc.) Stevens’s priority after all is his “professional duty” and “not [his] own foibles and sentiments.” (149)
However, Ishiguro shows us Stevens true intensions and feelings on a subject even through Stevens’s telling us otherwise. Stevens tells us on 147 that he had cocoa meetings with Miss Kenton, but then, as soon as he discloses this information, goes into an explanation about them, claiming they were “overwhelmingly professional in tone.” Every time Stevens comes close to discussing his true feelings or intensions, he always goes into lengthy explanations to defend his motives for such actions. This is Ishiguro’s way of letting us infer the truth even through Stevens’s shielding lies. Basically, because Stevens puts so much effort into defending his reasons for doing something (ie. having cocoa with Miss Kenton nightly) in a pathetic way, one can see that that is in actuality not his true intention. His lack of openness is due to his fear of intimacy and inadequacy with his job. Stevens believes he must portray himself as a dignified and professional butler. This of course does not leave any room for indulging in emotions, and when caught with the romantic novel, Stevens puts on a façade. He explains to the audience that his only reason for reading such a book instead of a scholarly article was simply to better his English so he may better his butlering. This, I believe, makes Stevens a credible and trustworthy narrator, for even though his words may tell otherwise, the reader can infer, through pattern and a bit of common sense, Stevens’s real feelings on a matter.
I agree with Thalp that Lord Darlington had very streamline Nazi beliefs on Judaism. On the pages around 146, Stevens keeps trying to convince himself that Lord Darlington wasn’t Anti-Semitic and that he had the best of intensions in doing everything he did. Stevens comments on Lord Darlington’s “…remarking: ‘Oh, you mean that Jewish propaganda sheet.’ And then… instructing me to cease giving donations to a particular local charity which regularly came to the door on the grounds that the management committee was ‘more or less homogeneously Jewish.’” (146) Stevens refers to these occasions as “extremely minor.” (146) However, it becomes increasingly obvious that Stevens knows that these incidents are anything but minor as he spends pages upon pages recollecting about Lord Darlington’s Anti-Semitism in firing the two Jewish maids. Stevens even makes it apparent that he was taken by surprise by his employer’s wishes; responding “I beg your pardon” when told he would have to “let them go.” (147) So, even though through his words he defends his employer’s decisions and morals, one can see that, through Ishiguro’s tone and diction, Stevens in fact questions these qualities.
To respond to Kris10’s and jlam09’s posts, on the reoccurring note of dignity, Stevens’s beliefs are questioned when he meets Harry Smith at the village. Harry Smith believes that “dignity” is attainable by all and that it is about speaking up, having a voice and an opinion on important matters. This is contradictory to Stevens’s general outlook on life… Stevens claims that “There is, after all, a real limit to how much ordinary people can learn and know,” and that it is expected of all those who are not gentlemen to obey mindlessly. (194)
On another note, Stevens’s intentions with his relationship with Miss Kenton and his feelings towards her become ever more apparent in this section. Stevens flirts with Miss Kenton and has cocoa meetings with her. To emphasize that Miss Kenton and Steven’s relationship is a unique one for Stevens, it should be mentioned that Stevens seems to only be able to “banter” with Miss Kenton. Stevens often taunts- in a bantering way, of course –Miss Kenton for her threat to leave Darlington Hall. He comments on 150 as to saying “’Miss Kenton, I’d rather expected you to have handed in your notice by now,’ accompanying this with a light laugh. I did, I suppose, hope that she might finally relent a little and make some conciliatory response or other, allowing us once and for all to put the whole episode behind us.” From that passage, it is clear that Stevens wants to flirt with Miss Kenton (and wants her to flirt back) and wants to patch up the holes in their relationship. Also, Stevens is meticulous with his words when he discusses one of his “errors” and always makes himself appear not at fault. However, when discussing Lisa’s midnight-eloping with the footman. Stevens says, “You did wonders with that girl. What you managed with her proved many times over that it was in fact I who was in error.” (158) Shocker yes, Stevens admits he is not perfect and this time does not blame an error on a “staff shortage.” However, due to his extreme fear of intimacy, Stevens detaches himself from Miss Kenton and calls off the cocoa meetings. Also, when Miss Kenton catches Stevens with a romance novel, Stevens resolves “to set about reestablishing our professional relationship on a more proper basis.” Miss Kenton had gotten too close and Stevens felt the need to push her far enough away. However, he later regrets this decision and later “speculates” on page 177 as to what would have been if he had acted differently in the “turning points” of his life.
All of these aspects- Stevens’s inability to be honest with himself in his journal (which seems to me what “The Remains of the Day” resembles in form); his inability to show weakness; and his fear of intimacy- make Stevens a rather pathetic character… On page 173, Miss Kenton comments to Stevens, “It occurs to me you must be a well-contented man, Mr. Stevens… I really cannot imagine what more you might wish for in life.” So basically, because Stevens is an accomplished butler, he has nothing more to look forward to in life. His only goal and aspiration- in his one-and-only entire life mind you –was to see that his employer was well looked after. Nearing the end of “Day Three - Evening” Stevens epiphany seems to be that Lord Darlington’s life was “at best, a sad waste.” However, Stevens’s rhetoric implies that he tries to desperately convince himself that his own life wasn’t, stating his own work was “first rate.” (201)
And finally on that note, to respond to Mary’s post about Stevens’s being advised to experience life before it is too late, I think it is too late for him to live a fulfilling life and that this book is his portrayal of regret. So, I’d like to leave you all with a rather pathetic and regretful quote from this novel:
“There was surely nothing to indicate at the time that such evidently small incidents would render whole dreams forever irredeemable.” (179)
-----------
Hi everyone,
Let me be the
Ishiguro is a masterful writer and develops Stevens’ character so well that the reader truly wishes that Stevens has a miraculous turn-around in his life and that he can go back in time and fix all of the “turning points” in his life. I, personally, felt a strong connection with Stevens as a character and it saddened me to read about all the missed opportunities in his life.
For example, when Stevens ignores Miss Kenton’s rather unobvious appeals to him to say or do something to make her refuse the marriage proposal, Stevens simply wishes her the best of luck on her marriage and attends to “the most powerful gentlemen of Europe…” (227) It is just so pathetic how clueless Stevens presents himself. However, I believe that Stevens realized at the time Miss Kenton’s true intention, but was simply too stubborn and afraid to recognize it (or as Thalp put it: naïve). Stevens even has “an ever-growing conviction mounting within [him] that just a few yards away, on the other side of that door, Miss Kenton was at that moment crying.” (226) He then however “[hurries] upstairs to serve some of the most distinguished gentlemen of the land…” (227) He later even feels “triumph” over this missed opportunity with Miss Kenton.
It feels to me that Stevens has wasted his life. Being a butler could have been something Stevens could have chosen to do for a couple of years of his life, but to dedicate one’s entire- and one and only –life to another, and to completely disregard one’s own natural human desires and emotions seems to me to be, simply, a waste of a life. When the town’s people mistake Stevens for a gentleman, Stevens appears to rather enjoy the process and does not deny it. Though he later tells The Doctor that he only continued to let the village people to believe incorrectly that he was a gentleman, I believe that Stevens did not reveal his true position because he liked being a Lord Darlington figure rather than a butler. It hurts me to know that Stevens could really never have broken out of his position, and I find a grain of truth in his belief that at least he made an impact in the world by aiding an influential person like Lord Darlington. Though he never fully experienced love- or many other human emotions for that matter – at least he made a global impact, something he could have never done if he were, say, a farmer.
I would also like to point out three distinct philosophies that present themselves throughout Stevens’ experiences. First, Lord Darlington tells Stevens after a meeting that he believes the world of politics and economics is “now a days” too complicated for most people to understand, and that accordingly, the vote should not be given to all. Compare that philosophy to the villagers’, Harry Smith’s in particular, about giving a voice to all, no matter what position. The third belief is presented by Mr. Cardinal, who argues that the world is too “foul” of a place for “fine and noble instincts” like those of Lord Darlington. He believes that people like Lord Darlington are too easily influenced and naïve to be given power. Mr. Cardinal seems to realize the danger in giving power to the select few.
On a different and more meaningful note, I would love to discuss Stevens’ rendezvous with Miss Kenton. When he first sees her, Stevens comments that Miss Kenton “had, naturally, aged somewhat, but to my eyes at least, she seemed to have done so very gracefully.” (232) He then goes into discussing her appearance and how he finds her attractive. However, what I found peculiar- and as jlam09 already discussed a bit -about Stevens’ encounter is that in the narrative Stevens refers to his old acquaintance as “Miss Kenton,” but in speaking to her he does not hesitate to call her “Mrs Benn.” I believe that this is one of the more apparent times where Stevens’ internal and external self conflict. Though he knows her as Miss Kenton and will forever remember her that way, he refers to her as “Mrs Benn” to conform to the “pleasantries” as Stevens often refers to them.
Also, when Miss Kenton finally confesses (implicitly at least) that she has loved and possibly still loves Stevens by saying: “And you get to thinking about a different life, a better life you might have had. For instance, I get to thinking about a life I may have had with you, Mr Stevens. “ (239) I think Stevens response to this is for me one of the saddest parts of this book. Stevens admits to his “sorrow” and “heart… breaking.”
The saddest part of Stevens’ life, I believe, is his own revelation that he has not lived a life of his own. During his chat with the stranger at the pier Stevens confesses, “I’ve given what I had to give. I gave it all to Lord Darlington.” (243) (PS: This might be the first time Stevens has ever made a “simple subject/verb sentence”) I think at this point he realizes that he has not lived his own life, has not yet made his own mistakes and misjudgments. Instead he has vicariously made them through his prior employer, which is no life at all.
Finally, I would like to discuss the title. All that remains of Stevens life is the late evening as Stevens is getting old. He has yet to experience much of what life has to offer and has lost a lot of the “Day.” However, as Stevens is told and comes to believe, “the evening is the best part of the day.” This is apparent throughout the book since it is in the (literal) evenings that Stevens seems to recollect and reminisce on the good times in his life (his cocoa meetings with Miss Kenton, etc.). In the mornings and during the day, it is time for work unpleasantries (firing of the Jewish maids, etc.).
However, unlike most of the people that posted before me, I find myself a bit cynical and see the ending of The Remains of the Day less optimistically. Kris10, Bond_Smoka and Gypsyloo commented that they saw the ending as Stevens’ “rebirth”. However, I see it as a continuation of his old life, just in a different method. Stevens promises to “enthusiastically” peruse bantering. I’m split on this... Stevens proclaims earlier that “in bantering lies the key to human warmth” so this can be seen as Stevens promising to be more warm and more human. On the other hand, he also states that he is doing it for his new employer, Mr Farraday, and is going to return to Darlington Hall. So my question is: does Stevens truly promise to turn his life around or will he continue to waste his possibilities in life?
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