Book Summary: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Introduction
Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day is a poignant exploration of duty, dignity, and the complexities of human emotions, all viewed through the lens of a meticulous English butler named Stevens. Set in post-World War II England, the novel examines themes of loyalty, identity, and missed opportunities. Stevens embarks on a road trip to revisit his past and reflect on his years of unwavering service to Lord Darlington, a man whose moral judgment he later questions. This introspective journey leads Stevens to confront his own repressed emotions, particularly regarding his relationship with Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall.
Chapter 1: Setting the Stage
The novel begins in 1956, with Stevens receiving a letter from Miss Kenton, who now lives as Mrs. Benn. The letter hints at her dissatisfaction with her marriage, prompting Stevens to believe she might wish to return to her role at Darlington Hall. This serves as the catalyst for Stevens’ journey.
Darlington Hall, now owned by an American named Mr. Farraday, represents the changing face of England. Farraday encourages Stevens to take some time off, which aligns with Stevens’ desire to meet Miss Kenton. As he prepares for the trip, Stevens reflects on the qualities of a “great butler,” emphasizing dignity and restraint.
Chapter 2: The Essence of Dignity
Stevens begins his journey in the English countryside, and his reflections lead him to define the concept of dignity. For Stevens, dignity is the ability to remain composed under all circumstances, a quality he believes is integral to his profession. He recalls incidents where he maintained poise despite personal challenges, such as his father’s death.
The narrative transitions to Stevens’ memories of working under Lord Darlington, a man of high social standing but questionable political choices. Stevens’ loyalty to Lord Darlington is unwavering, despite growing evidence of the latter’s poor judgment, particularly his sympathies toward Nazi Germany before World War II.
Chapter 3: Memories of Miss Kenton
As Stevens continues his journey, he delves into memories of Miss Kenton. Their relationship, marked by subtle tensions and unspoken emotions, is a recurring theme. Miss Kenton often challenges Stevens’ rigidity and stoicism, particularly regarding his unquestioning loyalty to Lord Darlington.
One poignant memory involves Miss Kenton bringing flowers to Stevens’ office, an act of warmth that he dismisses as unnecessary. These small moments reveal a deep connection between the two, which Stevens suppresses due to his commitment to professionalism.
Chapter 4: Encounters on the Road
During his road trip, Stevens interacts with various people, each encounter offering a glimpse into the changing social dynamics of post-war England. A conversation with a local man, Mr. Harry Smith, introduces Stevens to the idea of individual freedom and the responsibility to question authority—concepts at odds with Stevens’ belief in servitude and duty.
These encounters force Stevens to confront his own identity. As a butler, he has always defined himself through service to his employer. But in the absence of Lord Darlington, Stevens begins to question the worth of his sacrifices.
Chapter 5: The Truth About Lord Darlington
Stevens reflects on Lord Darlington’s fall from grace. Once a respected figure, Lord Darlington’s reputation was tarnished by his support for appeasement policies and hosting meetings with Nazi sympathizers. Stevens recalls being complicit in these events, blindly executing his duties without questioning their moral implications.
A particularly troubling memory is of Stevens dismissing two Jewish maids at Lord Darlington’s insistence. Though Stevens later regrets this act, his loyalty prevented him from opposing his employer at the time. This incident symbolizes the ethical dilemmas Stevens faced throughout his career.
Chapter 6: Missed Opportunities
Stevens’ reflections return to Miss Kenton, and he begins to acknowledge the depth of his feelings for her. He recalls a moment when Miss Kenton hinted at her loneliness and desire for companionship. Instead of reciprocating, Stevens retreated into his professional persona, missing the chance to build a deeper relationship.
The narrative highlights how Stevens’ adherence to duty and dignity came at the cost of personal happiness. Miss Kenton’s departure from Darlington Hall to marry Mr. Benn marked the end of an era for Stevens, leaving him with a lingering sense of loss.
Chapter 7: The Reunion
Stevens finally meets Miss Kenton in the town of Little Compton. Their reunion is bittersweet. Miss Kenton, now Mrs. Benn, reflects on her life and reveals that she often thought about returning to Darlington Hall but ultimately chose to stay with her family.
Their conversation brings closure but also underscores Stevens’ regrets. Miss Kenton hints that she once had feelings for him, but Stevens, true to his nature, avoids acknowledging his emotions. The meeting serves as a turning point, forcing Stevens to confront the consequences of his choices.
Chapter 8: The Remains of the Day
As Stevens returns to Darlington Hall, he reflects on his journey and the lessons he has learned. He acknowledges that his unwavering loyalty to Lord Darlington and his commitment to professionalism prevented him from living a fuller life.
Sitting on a pier, Stevens observes a group of strangers laughing and enjoying themselves. He resolves to embrace the “remains of the day” and make the most of the time he has left, even if it means accepting his past mistakes.
Themes Explored
1. Duty and Identity
The novel explores how Stevens’ identity is intertwined with his profession. His sense of purpose comes from serving others, but this also blinds him to his own needs and desires.
2. Repression and Regret
Stevens’ stoicism and adherence to dignity lead him to suppress his emotions, particularly regarding Miss Kenton. His journey is a poignant reflection on missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
3. The Changing Social Landscape
Set against the backdrop of post-war England, the novel highlights the decline of the British aristocracy and the rise of a more egalitarian society. Stevens’ struggles symbolize the challenges of adapting to this new world.
4. Moral Ambiguity
The novel questions the ethics of blind loyalty. Stevens’ unwavering service to Lord Darlington forces readers to consider the consequences of unquestioning obedience to authority.
Conclusion
The Remains of the Day is a masterful exploration of human emotions, duty, and the passage of time. Kazuo Ishiguro’s nuanced storytelling and richly drawn characters make it a timeless work of literature. Stevens’ journey, both literal and metaphorical, is a powerful reminder of the importance of balancing professional obligations with personal fulfillment.
By the end of the novel, Stevens’ resolve to make the most of his remaining days offers a glimmer of hope, even as it underscores the inevitability of loss and regret. Ishiguro’s work is a testament to the complexities of the human experience and the enduring impact of the choices we make.