The Remains of the Day | Kazuo Ishiguro | Cliff Note Books
“The Remains of the Day” is a novel written by Kazuo Ishiguro and published in 1989. The story is narrated by Stevens, an English butler working at Darlington Hall in the years leading up to World War II.
The novel takes place over six days in 1956 as Stevens embarks on a motoring trip to the West Country of England. During the journey, he reflects on his past and contemplates the meaning of his life as a dedicated and loyal butler.
Stevens’ devotion to duty is central to the story. He recalls his time serving Lord Darlington, a politically influential figure, and the events that took place at Darlington Hall in the years leading up to the war. Through his memories, the novel explores themes of loyalty, dignity, and the cost of personal sacrifice.
As Stevens travels, he encounters Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper at Darlington Hall. Their interactions prompt him to reflect on their past relationship and the missed opportunities for a deeper connection. Stevens grapples with his own emotional repression and the question of whether he has lived a fulfilling life.
“The Remains of the Day” also provides a glimpse into the changing landscape of post-war Britain, as well as the decline of the traditional British upper class and the fading world of the English country house.
Throughout the novel, Ishiguro’s prose captures the nuances of Stevens’ inner thoughts and the subtleties of his character. The narrative is marked by a restrained and dignified tone, mirroring Stevens’ own demeanor.
Overall, “The Remains of the Day” is a reflective and introspective novel that explores themes of duty, regret, and the complexities of personal identity. It offers a poignant exploration of one man’s life and the choices he has made while providing a broader commentary on societal changes and the price of unwavering loyalty.
QUOTES FROM THE REMAINS OF THE DAY
“I can’t even say I made my own mistakes. Really—one has to ask oneself—what dignity is there in that?” – Stevens
“But what is the sense in forever speculating what might have happened had such and such a moment turned out differently? One could presumably drive oneself to distraction in this way.” – Stevens
“It is sometimes said that butlers only truly exist in England. Other countries, whatever title is actually used, have only manservants. But I have come to believe that there is a real sense in which the English butler is simply the best in the world.” – Stevens
“Indeed — why should I not admit it? — at that moment, my heart was breaking.” – Stevens
“I can’t even say I made my own mistakes. Really—one has to ask oneself—what dignity is there in that?” – Stevens
“You’ve been telling yourself for years that you’re at the summit of your profession… but you’re not. You’re a petty man with a small view of the world, who has never dared to make anything his own.” – Miss Kenton
“Indeed — why should I not admit it? — at that moment, my heart was breaking.” – Stevens
“I gave my best to Lord Darlington. I gave him the very best I had to give, and now—I am giving the same to you.” – Stevens
“The evening’s the best part of the day. You’ve done your day’s work. Now you can put your feet up and enjoy it.” – Stevens
“If you are under the impression you have already perfected yourself, you will never rise to the heights you are no doubt capable of.” – Stevens
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR OF THE REMAINS OF THE DAY
Kazuo Ishiguro, born on November 8, 1954, is a British novelist, screenwriter, and short-story writer. He was born in Nagasaki, Japan, but his family moved to England when he was five years old. Ishiguro grew up in Guildford, Surrey, and later attended the University of Kent, where he studied English and Philosophy.
Ishiguro began his writing career as a songwriter and later turned to fiction. He gained recognition with his debut novel, “A Pale View of Hills,” published in 1982. However, it was his third novel, “The Remains of the Day,” published in 1989, that catapulted him to international acclaim. The novel won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction and was adapted into a successful film in 1993.
Ishiguro’s writing style often explores themes of memory, identity, and the complexities of human emotions. His works often feature introspective narrators and examine the impact of personal and historical events on individual lives. He is known for his understated and subtle storytelling, characterized by precise language and a sense of restraint.
In addition to “The Remains of the Day,” Ishiguro’s notable works include “Never Let Me Go” (2005), which was also adapted into a film, “An Artist of the Floating World” (1986), and “When We Were Orphans” (2000). He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017.
Kazuo Ishiguro’s writing has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted readership. His novels are celebrated for their exploration of human relationships, the impact of personal choices, and the intersections of memory and identity. Ishiguro’s contributions to contemporary literature have solidified his place as one of the most esteemed and influential writers of our time.
THEMES FROM THE REMAINS OF THE DAY
Duty and Loyalty: The novel delves into the theme of duty and the unwavering loyalty of the protagonist, Stevens, to his profession as a butler. It explores the sacrifices made in the pursuit of duty and the personal costs associated with unwavering loyalty.
Repression and Self-Deception: The theme of repression is central to the novel. It examines how Stevens represses his emotions, desires, and personal aspirations in order to fulfill his role as a butler. The story explores the consequences and limitations of self-deception.
Regret and Lost Opportunities: The book explores the theme of regret as Stevens reflects on his past and contemplates the missed opportunities for personal connection and fulfillment. It delves into the weight of lost chances and the choices one makes in life.
Identity and Self-Reflection: The novel examines the theme of identity, particularly through Stevens’ introspection and self-reflection. It explores the question of personal identity and the impact of one’s profession and societal expectations on individual self-perception.
Class and Social Hierarchies: The novel delves into the theme of class and social hierarchies. It explores the tensions and dynamics between the upper class and the working class, highlighting the strict codes of conduct and expectations within British society.
Memory and Nostalgia: “The Remains of the Day” explores the theme of memory and nostalgia. Stevens’ recollections and reflections provide a lens through which the past is examined, raising questions about the reliability of memory and its impact on one’s perception of the present.
Political and Historical Context: The story is set against the backdrop of pre-World War II and post-war England. It explores the theme of the political and historical context, examining the impact of political decisions and historical events on personal lives.
DISCUSSION WHEN STUDYING THE REMAINS OF THE DAY
Narrative Style: Explore the narrative style of the novel, which is a first-person narration by Stevens, the butler. Discuss the impact of this perspective on the storytelling, the reliability of the narrator, and the limitations it presents in understanding the story.
Character Analysis: Dive into the complexities of Stevens as the central character. Analyze his motivations, personality traits, and the ways in which he conforms to societal expectations. Discuss how his self-deception and repression shape his actions and relationships.
Symbolism and Metaphors: Examine the use of symbolism and metaphors in the novel, such as the idea of “remains of the day.” Discuss the significance of these literary devices in conveying themes and adding depth to the story.
Setting and Historical Context: Consider the significance of the setting, particularly the backdrop of pre-World War II and post-war England. Discuss how the historical context informs the characters’ lives, choices, and the overarching themes of the novel.
Exploration of Class: Analyze the portrayal of class and social hierarchies in the novel. Discuss the ways in which class influences the characters’ identities, relationships, and choices. Explore how the rigid social structure of British society impacts the characters’ lives.
Emotion and Repression: Reflect on the theme of emotion and repression in the novel. Discuss how characters, particularly Stevens, navigate their feelings and the consequences of emotional suppression. Explore the ways in which this theme ties into broader themes of identity and personal fulfillment.
Regret and Missed Opportunities: Discuss the theme of regret and missed opportunities in the novel. Analyze the choices made by characters and the impact of these choices on their lives. Consider how the exploration of regret adds depth to the story and prompts reflection on one’s own life choices.
Memory and Perception: Explore the role of memory and perception in the novel. Discuss how memories shape the characters’ identities and influence their interpretations of past events. Consider the reliability of memory and the impact of selective remembering on one’s understanding of the present.
Film Adaptation: If relevant, compare and contrast the novel with the 1993 film adaptation. Discuss the choices made in the adaptation process and how they affect the portrayal of themes, characters, and the overall story.
SUMMARY OF THE REMAINS OF THE DAY
Section 1: The novel begins with Stevens, an English butler, preparing for a motoring trip. He works at Darlington Hall, reflecting on his career and the qualities of a great butler. Stevens expresses a desire to prove his worth through his upcoming journey.
Section 2: Stevens embarks on his trip to the West Country of England in his employer’s car. He reflects on the changing times and the decline of the traditional British upper class. During his travels, he meets a retired gentleman who engages him in conversation about democracy and the role of the working class.
Section 3: Stevens continues his journey and recalls memories from his past. He reflects on his father’s influence as a butler and his own experiences working at Darlington Hall under the previous owner, Lord Darlington. Stevens remains loyal to the memory of Lord Darlington and downplays any questionable aspects of his employer’s political associations.
Section 4: Stevens encounters a couple at a pub and engages in a conversation about professional pride. He reflects on the qualities of a great butler and shares anecdotes from his own experiences. Stevens also contemplates the idea of dignity and how it relates to his role as a butler.
These early sections of the novel establish the introspective nature of Stevens’ character and provide insights into his perspective on duty, loyalty, and the changing world around him. They set the stage for further exploration of his personal journey and the themes of identity, regret, and the cost of unwavering loyalty that are central to the narrative.
Section 5: Stevens continues his journey and reflects on his past relationship with Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper at Darlington Hall. He remembers their interactions and suppressed feelings, highlighting the missed opportunities for emotional connection and personal fulfillment. Stevens acknowledges that his dedication to duty hindered him from pursuing a romantic relationship with Miss Kenton.
Section 6: Stevens arrives at a small town where he plans to spend the night. He stays at a bed and breakfast run by a kind and hospitable landlady. They engage in conversation, and Stevens contemplates the nature of greatness and how it relates to his own life as a butler.
Section 7: Stevens visits an old friend, Mr. Farraday, in the village of Moscombe. They discuss Stevens’ trip, and Mr. Farraday expresses concern about Stevens’ life at Darlington Hall. Stevens reflects on his role as a butler and contemplates the notion of serving a great cause.
Section 8: Stevens continues his journey back to Darlington Hall. He reflects on the events and conversations of the past few days and contemplates the significance of his life as a butler. Stevens ponders the possibility of reclaiming the remains of the day, of making the most of the present and finding personal fulfillment despite the missed opportunities of the past.
These sections of the novel delve deeper into Stevens’ personal reflections, his relationship with Miss Kenton, and his contemplation of the nature of greatness and personal fulfillment. The narrative explores themes of regret, the cost of self-repression, and the search for meaning and dignity in life. As Stevens nears the end of his journey, he faces important decisions about his future and the potential for personal growth and fulfillment.