In reading the begging of The Remains of The Day, the first thing that struck me was the way that the narrator speaks. He is supposed to be a buttler, no? I know in movies we see buttlers with english accents and sophistication, yet a buttler truly is a servant. Especially now that he has a new "employer", it is easy to see almost that through his sohistication he seems to be a class above his employer's.
Around page 29 is the first time that there is reference to the title. Here, "the remains of the day" is the most memorable occurence of the day: the scenery. The narrator goes on to talk about the definition of beauty. He describes beatuty as something that "knows its own beauty, of its own greatness, and feels no need to shout it." and I completely agree. It's funny what he goes on to say at the end of that paragraph. He uses that definition to prove that sights offered "in such places as Africa and America" are actually not beatiful. This also reminds me of the way he talks of his employer. Stevens seems to be judgmental and disapproving against anything not from Great Britain. Good patriotism but really prejudicial.
Finally, I want to talk about his discussion of dignity. Like him, I disagree with Mr. Graham and say that dignity is not like beauty, becasue i believe dignity is something that one can strive for. I think one way of describing it would be just as having self-respect, self-appreciation, and believing in one self. i was reading this as I was on the train and saw a woman get in who was a baby-sitter. She had to be the most undignified person I had ever seen. She was dressed very poorly in a public place, was yelling at her kids, and was just hard to be around. I believe this is only because she has truly lost herself. She does not believe that she is worth looking nice, worth the respect of the people, etc. and that is what makes the difference with the was Stevens behaves. He is concerned with is physical appearence, and conserned with being well-rounded academically and socially.
My very first impressions of Stevens were that of a polite, restrained, and highly matter-of-fact man. Ishiguro wastes no time in letting us know that his occupation as a butler, is more then just a job to him, it is in fact his life. He has lived so many years in the confines of the walls of Darlington Hall that when presented the opportunity by Mr. Farraday to “see around this beautiful country” (4), he responds by saying that “It has been my privilege to see the best of England over the years, sir, within these very walls” (4). The dedication to his job and his employer leaves him at a disadvantage of knowledge of the outside world. He only learns of the different landscapes and regions of Britain through Mrs. Symons’s, The Wonders of England. Also the trip he takes reminds me of the “quest” described by Foster in How to Read Literature Like a Professor. Going by the guidelines of what is defined to be a quest, the quester is obviously Stevens, the place to go is to visit Miss Kenton, the reason to go is to try to seek her services due to the shortage of staff at Darlington Hall, and the challenges and real reason to go has yet to be revealed. As predictions, I believe that the trip he undertakes will lead him to discover truth about the Lord Darlington he so highly praises, to develop a relationship with Miss Kenton, and also to learn of life outside of that of a butler.
In my opinion, Stevens’s overly analytical personality with respect to his job is a bit pathetic. His life has been so consumed with creating “staff plans”, organizing events, and keeping flaws to the minimum that I question whether he has had time to develop a social life. I wonder if he has ever been in love, (Miss Kenton perhaps?). Though he is the narrator of the novel, he reveals little about his emotions, maintaining what he deems as “dignity”. I find that Stevens has yet to reveal his true self to us, under the self controlled exterior, there must be a man of emotions.
I agree with Kevin in saying that his sophistication in speech and manner surpasses that of his employer. Even though much time seems to have passed in his days as a butler, Stevens cannot adjust to the changes in relationship between employer and employee. I find it both funny and awkward that he tries to “smile appropriately” every time Mr. Farraday jokes with him.
One last thing, I was wonder how close to the facts are the history described by Stevens, or is everything made up? (i.e. Lord Darlington, the conference to discuss the Treaty of Versailles, ect)
First, to respond to kavsgojsw1's comment about Stevens's judgments (his second paragraph), I think Ishiguro created Stevens not just as a person, but as a symbol that stands for something greater. In this perspective, it seems that Stevens stands for dignity and the tradition of honor of pre-World War I Great Britain. I say this because I have noticed that Stevens often nostalgically alludes to "Lord Darlington's day" and has a great respect for dignity, as kavsgojsw1 had indicated earlier.
On a personal level, Stevens is judgmental and loyal to his own beliefs. But when projected on a bigger scale like a symbol, Stevens seems to be ultimately struggling with changing times. For example, he can't seem to cope with Mr Farraday and his jokes (15), and he disapproves of the "unprofessionality" of the coming generation of butlers (35).
This theme of changing times and antagonisms between the old and the new is repeated throughout the book. Mr Lewis in the closing pages of this chapter becomes the public enemy through the eyes of our narrator Stevens, and he just happens to be from America. And America, as he states, is a place of "professionalism" while Europe is a place of "decent, honest, well-meaning" naivety (102). Undoubtedly this is a clash between the New and the Old.
Lastly, to respond to jlam09 about whether these events are based on a true story, I doubt it. Ishiguro thought of this and provides a good cover-up by saying that the people who attended came "off the record," probably meaning that this was a "vacation" and "gathering of old friends" rather than serious discussions about the future of a country.
P.S.: I liked the example kavsgojsw1 brought up about the baby-sitter--it really hit his point home.
My first thoughts on this novel were all about the narrator's way of life. He is very much confined inside the walls of Darlington Hall as jlam09 had said. He doesn't know much of anything around him. With every topic that seems to be brought up in discussion, he somehow relates it back to Darlington Hall. Stevens has his mind set on what his trip is for (to see Miss Kenton) that he really doesn't take the time to be himself.
I really wanted to comment on the fact that we were not given much information on Steven's past life, before Darlington Hall that is. We know all about how he has worked at the Hall for many years and knew Lord Darlington himself. Yet, we really do not know much about Steven's OWN personality. It is as if his personality lies within the walls of Darlington Hall only.
I do agree with kavsgojsw1 on the topic of dignity. Stevens always makes sure he looks proper and uses the correct language when associating with others. I still think that he really bases himself way too much on being correct in society, and not enough on getting to know his inner self and actually being his own person. I really just think he doesn't feel comfortable with real relationships with other people. He feels very uncomfortable around people and isn't too sure how to act. That is where the idea of dignity comes into place. He knows how he is supposed to act around people considering his standings. That is all he bases his personality on. I find it kind of aggravating that he isn't his own person in a way.
My prediction on the following parts of the novel is a bit undecided. In a way i feel as if Stevens won't actually find Miss Kenton but will learn a greater lesson instead. I also feel as if maybe he won't change and will stay conformed with society. He may just find Miss Kenton and say exactly what he needed to and that is that. I would really like to see other people's idea of how they think the novel will end.
The reason for Stevens's lack of emotional display seems to be more of a cultural thing. From what I know of England, the people there have a deep sense and respect of honor and royalty.
The respect for dignity and the emphasis of honor seem to be expressed, in the profession of a butler, by being emotionally in control. I think that's the key word--to be in control and to have emotional mastery over oneself. By being in control of personal matters, that is a display of how professional a butler is. And it goes without saying that Stevens wishes to be the ideal butler.
So, basically, Stevens is like a useful stone wall because useful stone walls are considered good in English standards.
By the way, does anyone see anything interesting about Mr Carinal and Mrs Mortimer? Mr Cardinal has a good line about nature and Mrs Mortimer brings a curious thing to Mr Stevens Sr.'s death--especially with her unusually appropriate name and timing.
In the start of the novel, The Remains of the Day,the story's supposed antagonist displays several points where he is unsure fo his comments as well as his own narration.The author would utilize this style of writing for the rest of the story when the character exhibits unassertive behavior towards his persons' thinking and choice of words. the tone of the speaker in this story would be described as "submissive" as well as subordinate as a woman in most cases when he is to speak of his employer in a commending choice of diction in this example : "But then I do not mean to imple anything derogatory towards Mr.Farraday; he is after all, an American gentleman and his ways are completely different."(14)
After reading everyone's comments I would like to agree that Stevens appears to be a very polite and restrained person. He is so concerned with maintaining his dignity that he does not express his feelings or thoughts. Like jlam09 indicated, being a butler is more than a job to Stevens, it is his life. I also like how Kevien referred to Stevens as a stone wall .
Question- Does anyone think that the writing so far seems extremely descriptive? I think that Ishiguro gave Stevens a very meticulous voice in this book ( perhaps to better display Stevens' decorousness).
Anyway, when I was first introduced to Stevens, it was immediately made known that his whole life revolved around his career. All his memories had to do with being a butler, his father was a butler, and the reason he gives for going on the journey in the first place was for the benefit of Darlington Hall's Staff.
I can't help but notice that the "journey" closely relates to "How To Read Literature Like a Professor" and his theories on a character taking "a journey". Perhaps he is going on this journey to find himself? self discovery??
I have a hunch that during this journey, Stevens might begin to, for the first time in his life, drift away from his work, and focus on something other than his master and Darlington Hall. I have yet to meet Miss Keaton, but perhaps she will be his new focus?
Responding to Kevin Vasquez's comment: I completely agree that Stevens' tone and atittiude threw off the audience for a wild ride. I was, too, shocked by Stevens, knowing he is a butler. Yet, he looks at his profession as something other than serving people. He's very confident and proud at being a butler. Stevens almost seems conceited to a point, in my opinion. For example, he would give excuses for why mistakes and errors occurred in his staff plan, suggesting that it was partly due to a nearly impossible task being asked of him by Mr. Farraday.
Also, adding to gypsyloo's comment about Stevens possibly embarking on a journey. The author definitely seems to suggest so. He's directing Stevens to take the trip to WEST country. From reading East of Eden, I know that the West stands for a new beginning, a rebirth (correct me, anyone, if I am wrong). And take notice that Stevens began changing his idea of thinking (staff plan, asking for an additional staff member) just before he embarks on this trip; this could be foreshadowing a different identity Stevens will take on due to this trip West.
One more thing! Stevens meet an old man on this journey; this old man advices him to see the country from a higher altitude before he gets too old and it becomes too late. What could this possibly foreshadow/ symbolize? It definitely plays on the fact that Mr. Farraday suggests Stevens do the same. However, Stevens is convinced he has more of the land than his employer believes. What could that scene with the old man suggest?
Yes! I caught the foreshadowing in the old man's comment to Stevens as well. When he says, "you'll be sorry if you don't take a walk up there. And you never know. A couple more years and it might be too late...Better go on up while you still can" (25). This comment foreshadows or perhaps reveals what may happen if Stevens doesn't get out more often and live outside of his job as a butler. But Stevens does decide to take the journey up the hill and I think that tells us that this is his first step into "broadening his horizons".
Steven's persona plays a crucial role in the development of the book. His dignified nature remains in stark contrast to the "bantering" of his employer Mr. Farraday. A chasm between these two characters is established, as mentioned by Kevien. Stevens appears to be struggling with the ever shifting atmosphere following WWI. I wouldn't necessarily conclude however that he is more dignified and/or sophisticated than his employer. Rather, the very social climates of their upbringings differ. Farraday is a younger man who grew up in the United States, which, according to Stevens is characterized by a "sort of bantering...[which] no doubt, is a sign of a good, friendly understanding between employer and employee" (14). Stevens however, matured in an environment with expections of unmitigated decorum. Ishiguro suggests that Steven is unable or unwilling to cope with these such changes, especially evident in his frequent (and perhaps nostalgic) musings of Lord Darlington.
It is this very propriety that seemed to have damaged Stevens' ability to maintain relationships. In particular, I wish to note his dealings with Miss Kenton. He seems particularly enamored over her, recollecting minute details about their past exchanges- that, like jlam09 suggests, may be love? Yet, his role as butler seemed to thwart any possibility of a relationship not only because he spoke disapprovingly of such inner household relationships but because of his caustic reprimands.
Kris10 astutely observed that the reader is given few details concerning Stevens' personal life. Perhaps this was Ishiguro's direct intent. As others mentioned, Stevens remains disconnected from distracting emotions in order to retain dignity. As he himself says, "They [butlers] wear their professionalism as a decent gentleman will wear his suit: he will not let ruffians or circumstance tear it off him in the public gaze.." (42). By providing few details concerning past life- Stevens remains wholly dignified not pillared down by extraneous emotions.
To conclude, the old man seems to simply represent the possibility of remorse and missed opportunities. Although Stevens displayed a carpe diem attitude in this instance, his resistance to accepting the old man's proposal initially suggests he is not normally open to new experiences or "broadening his horizons" as Courtney noted.
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 Versails 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.
When I consider Stevens' persona, a "chicken or egg" question comes to mind; is Stevens' lack of social ability due to his preoccupation with his job, or is he preoccupied with his job becuase he lacks social ability? (or perhaps he simply lacks the desire to interact socially?)
I think Stevens' extreme formality is best demonstrated in his recalled conversation with his father on pages 64-66. For example, Stevens adresses his father as "Father" rather than "you," even when speaking to him. Perhaps this is an attempt to impress his father, to whom he clearly aspires to be like; as Stevens stated earlier, his father did not speak eloquently or have a firm grasp of academic subjects.
Also, I agree with kevien that there are constant implications to Stevens' lack of willingness to move forward and accept change. Becuase of this, a particular statement he makes at the beginning of the novel-"there is no virtue at all in clinging as some due to tradition merely for its own sake" (7)-is becoming increasingly ironic.
Greetings. I believe Stevens supposed passion for doing his job as best as he can, meaning to be as "dignified" as he can be, is questionable. He is very similar to Okonkwo of Things Fall Apart, in the sense that they both strive to achieve their idea of what men, like themselves, should be like. Okonkwo believes men should be powerful, and tries to present himself as such by growing yams (the plants of man) and having several wives. Stevens, on the other hand, believes that butlers should always stay professional. Stevens constantly discusses about his father, whom he believed to be the epitomy of "dignified", such as, "But then suddenly, following a particularly heinous insinuation against his employer, my father brought the car to an abrupt halt...The rear door of the car opened and my father was observed to be standing there, a few steps from the vehicle, gazing steadily into the interior." (39). As Emily says, Stevens tries to emulate his father, through his extreme formality. Throughout his constant emphasis of how being a great butler, which he tries to be, is "dignifying", I feel his tone becomes almost reassuring to himself. The job of a butler, in reality, is serving his employer, and from what Stevens describes, having to cage in emotions, as well as, making his employers first priority. In fact, the poor fellow missed seeing his father for the last time before he passed away. Thus, it appears he uses this idea of worth to allow him to have confidence in his role, much like how Okonkwo owns what considers makes males, men, in order to feel manly and powerful, himself. As for Emily, it is in my opinion that Stevens lack of social ability is due to his preoccupation of his job, since doing his job is his greatest concern.
I'm really sorry if my imitation of Stevens syntax is horrible.
I began reading the prologue and not long did i realize that this story takes place in England and the narrator is a butler, Mr. Stevens. I notice his sophistication in the way he speaks (mainly because English in England is a little more formal than ours). I could tell right off the bat that Mr. Farraday, his employer isn't from England, but rather from the U.S.
Mr. Stevens seems, well, is, very dedicated to his work and wishes nothing more or less than to please Mr. Farraday in the uttermost possible way he can. I noticed this because when Mr. Farraday allows Mr. Stevens to go on a little vacation, Mr. Stevens seems reluctant at the opportunity. As I read on, I noticed that he's trying to be more like his father, "dignity" as he finds very essential for a "great butler". On page 35, Mr. Stevens recalls his father and says, "...he not only knew all there was to know about how to run a house, he did in his prime come to acquire that 'dignity in keeping with his position'." We can all see that dignity to him is one of those unwritten code that all great butlers must abide to.
I agree with kavsgojsw1 when he says that it is something you strive for. One cannot be born with dignity...especially because it even sounds ridiculous to say. As I mentioned before, Mr. Stevens Senior (Mr. Stevens' father) possessed a sense of dignity in himself. I think dignity is an interior trait and as one grows and develops into maturity, can be lead to self-discovery, which I think is how dignity is achieved.
The Remains of The Day wasn't the first book I read. Instead, I found it more helpful to read How To Read Literature Like A Professor by Thomas C. Foster. With all the new techniques I learned, I tried to put them to practice reading this book. As he goes out on the trip, his stated reason is to get away for a while and see the many places England has to offer. But, we all know even without reading ahead that there will be more to this mere "drive". As Foster explains, a trip can really be a quest, in which new discoveries are bound to happen, that being the actual reason.
I just wanted to pass on something that an AP kid before me told me: don't be afraid to ask for help. and then he/she (can't give it away) told me to go look at last year's blogs. so just to help you should totally check out www.clappsap.blogspot.com and check out our summer blogs from last year. See if your ideas are as original as they sound in your head :D
Well! 11:17 PM on July 13 going on into 12:27 AM on July 14- Can you say PROCRASTINATION?
Well, allow me to make a few excuses for myself- I read The Remains of the Day in it's entirety (gasp) and I was having trouble coming up with a suitable post worthy of keeping company with everyone else's posts. Also, I'm trying not to reveal spoilers. With that being said, allow me to move on to the meat of it.
Reading The Remains of the Day, I couldn't help but notice the "properly English" language that Stevens uses, both in terms of vocabulary and sentence structure, as many people here have previously mentioned. The author contrasts this with Stevens's new American employer's language, which is genial, affable, and...forgive me...American. The beginning chapters establish that Stevens is narrating in the first person. The author drops many hints that there was a history of service before Mr. Farraday even appeared on the scene- examples include "I have devised many staff plans over the years," (5) and "...recalling a time when I had a staff of..." (7). Stevens refers to "this age of electricity and modern heating systems," (7) and his difficulty of finding professionalism "almost impossible to find nowadays," (9-10)suggesting that he is a member of the "old guard" of professional domestic servants.
The "quest" nature of the road trip, as many here have pointed out, is, I think, evident. Stevens sets out from what is familiar to him on a "mission." Stevens spends precious little time talking about the actual road trip- the names of the villages that he encounters become almost irrelevent compared to the "backstory," or the "flashback" portion of the book.
Stevens ponders the notion of dignity while stopping in some (nameless) village. The author comes up with some rather entertaining anecdotes concerning his father and concerning other "great butlers," defining a "great" butler as one with "dignity." At the end, he establishes that his definition of "dignity" it tied with an ability to maintain professionalism in trying times, illustrated by Steven's examples of his father serving the General, and his father "chastising" a group of drunk men. Having read the entire book, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I know that "dignity" will shape the way that Stevens views his own accomplishments.
I found the dynamic between Stevens and Miss Kenton very interesting. Miss Kenton got worked up over several "trivial" occurances. Mr. Stevens Sr. seems to be at the center of their contentious arguments, one arguing for more respect for Mr. Stevens Sr., and the other defending her position, and trying to prove that Mr. Stevens Sr. is not fit for the job. They abandon this after "the fall." I find it interesting that their personalities should grate over seemingly minor issues.
Well, hopefully, I haven't bored you with my musings about the book. These remarks are, after all, musings off the cuff- unpolished in any way. Just a disclaimer...
To reply to Courtney's question: "Does anyone think that the writing so far seems extremely descriptive?"
I'd agree with you there. As i read the novel i try to pick up on what Stevens is describing. For example the rain to myself symbolized when something upsetting was about to occur. I.E Stevens Sr.'s death.
Stevens also jumps around as he speaks; i didn't find it terrible just annoying because as i read about one event, he'd jump to a new event then I'd have to slap myself to figure out what he was previously talking about. The jumping was annoying but added to the novel because points he makes early in the novel, he comes back to later on.
In day one of his journey, i picked up on the lines
"I'm telling you, sir, you'll be sorry if you don't take a walk up there. And you never know. A couple more years and it might be too late. Better go up while you still can."
p. 25
This quote proves rather significant to Stevens because he has quite the reserved manner, as you all have verified. And if he hadn't been told to go up that hill, he would never have ventured such a thing. Apart from his age being the key point of that quote, an assumption can also be made that because he has never been on a journey such as this, or even left Darlington Hall, seeing such a sight on one's first outing is significant.
Hi all, I will try to keep this blog post shorter and answer Emily's question in her last blog and respond to it. I think, like I said earlier, that Stevens was born into a life of buttering. He knows nothing outside of his profession because it has consumed his life. Stevens shows emotion on one basis: following his father’s death and has been taught by his profession that his feelings are insignificant. Right after his father’s death, Steven chooses not to see his father and says, “I’m very busy just now, Miss Kenton. In a little while perhaps” (106).
As to whether Stevens “lacks the desire” to be more social, I would argue that he does not because he clearly shows interest in Ms. Kenton. I think that he is simply afraid to take the risk of losing any professionalism. I also agree with you that Stevens (Jr) is acting so nonchalantly in front of his father and in response to his father’s death to make Stevens (Sr) proud.
Also, I would really appreciate it if anyone could comment on my idea of “the butler in each of us!”
Oh jeez, why did I pick last minute to do everything? If Dario can take a minute to excuse himself, then so can I; lack of time. I have to juggle visiting my mom in the hospital, work, reading, and maintaining a household on my own at the age of 16, it is a bit of a task. So, if my comments lack substance and content forgive me.
On "The Remains of the Day" I am bit surprised to see how you've all reacted towards Stevens. I mean, sure he's a bit anal about everything, and does put his job up there with his God and his mother, but still, really? What I am trying arduously to say is that I saw Steven as a butler. Nothing more, I mean he wants to please his employer, and up until that point he had done it in a manner than involved precise action. I mean, its not like he calls him master or anything, it is only his employer.
What I did find pathetic was his inability to move on. I remember that somewhere at the VERY beginning of the book he was deciding whether or not to even go on his journey, and looked in a like 70 year old book. Now, he reinforced his decision to do so by saying that surely the landscape hadn't changed since then, but come on. I am sure he had stumbled upon a tourist's book in his time being there. Still, Stevens is so boring to me, that this did not surprise me. Yes, I find him boring. He is so uptight that it actually bothers me. As I am reading I start to see the world in his eyes, and almost choke from his tie that surely is too tight.
All of this does leave me to one question, is Stevens really uptight, or are Americans just very, what's the word, un-classy?
I actually liked this book, which is really weird since school assigned books usually bore me.
Okay. The first thing I realized while reading this book, was the English. Stevens speaks with in a sophisticated tone. Like Kavsgojsw1 mentioned, Stevens is but a servant in the household, but butlers are portrayed as classy. What I also noticed was the difference in the English language. For example, "Mr. and Ms." as used in the text, both are missing the periods. I guess its not that important, but I felt like pointing that out. I agree with jlam, when she mentioned it being pathetic that Stevens's whole life revolves around his "job". In the reading, he talks about his father, who was also a butler. The way butlers are portrayed makes me think that butlers barely have time for their own lives. They seem to focus on their employers. I would imagine it be quite difficult to be a family- man and butler.
During Day One of his trip, he meets a man on the road, telling him of the beautiful scene up a hill, I had the same question as mary, "Does this foreshadow anything?" Also, his habit of never being able to sleep in an unfamiliar bed, is this important to the rest of his trip, seeing how he has to get up early and drive all day?
His father, the way he talks about him, especially through the story of the butler and the tiger, while he was talking about dignity, he had mentioned that arguments that people grow to obtain it. He also mentioned that his father had gained it, in his eyes, proving that shows that Stevens really admires him. Stevens speaks highly of Miss Kenton, too. Although their relationship was a little shaky in the beginning, involving Mr Steven senior, they have seem share a special connection through Darlington Hall.
Reading the back of the book, where it says "graver doubts about his own faith in the man he served." At this point, I predict that Miss Kenton and him will both discover that Lord Darlington has done something very disagreeable in the eyes of the English.
Ehh I'm the latest one. I got to work on not procrastinating. Although, I remember Ms. Clapp saying something like "You guys can blog until 10:00 AM on the 16th." =]
Haha Mario, mimicing my mimic of Stevens... double removed! Anyway, sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy Stevens- I think Stevens's is a pretty entertaining character, but we all have our vices... just kidding -to asnwer your question: in my humble opinion, I believe that Stevens is a bit unnaturally profesional and formal and not that Americans are "un-classy."
To respond to lilleenewen I think that Mr. Faraday decided that he did not need to keep such a large staff because he does not host as many parties as Lord Darlington did. That is also why they closed part of the Darlington Hall.
Hello everyone, I hope your summer is going well. After reading through all of these blogs so far, I can see many of my thoughts regarding Stevens have generally been brought up here.
To begin: unlike Kavsgojsw1, I did not find it difficult to see Stevens as a butler. I guess I had always had the perception that being a butler wasn’t necessarily a “servant’s” job per say, and I had always believed that butler’s required a certain something special to be able to do their jobs so professionally. Stevens definitely goes out on a limb to show us that to be a butler is indeed, a job that requires great “dignity” or what I like to call pure dedication (the whole butler/tiger story found on pages 36-37, along with the description of his father’s “dignity” on pages 37-42). I think this is a significant point because Stevens has obviously surrounded himself with all aspects of his job and it is easier to understand his character if we see why he has done so (to achieve this dignity).
Next: I am going to try to combine a whole bunch of speculations made by you previous bloggers to make my point on what I think the symbolic message of this book may be about. To start, I also read How to Read Literature Like A Professor and viewed Steven’s journey as something very similar to jlam09’s observation of it being a quest. I would also like to combine this idea with Mary’s connection about the traveling west and the idea of a rebirth or new life and kevien’s view of Stevens being symbolic with his constant nostalgic references. I believe that Stevens may not actually be a symbol, but rather his thoughts that are provoked by the thought of this journey and the actual journey itself, may symbolize a battle of new customs vs. older ones.
The most obvious example of this would be the comparison of the new employer vs. the old employer. I would like to add in here that the fact that the new employer is American seems significant because America is the “New World” after all. Anyway, Stevens seems to look at Mr. Farraday as sort of a new age in his employment, comparing his life with Farraday to that of his older life with Darlington. He seems to create the idea that the older age seemed to be more of an intimate, honorable one, (the many servants of Darlington vs. the four of Farraday). Stevens even goes as far to say, “… in Lord Darlington’s days… it was possible to develop a good understanding with visiting colleagues” (17), implying that this isn’t the case under Farraday, creating a less intimate atmosphere among workers in this newer age.
Also…stretching a little, perhaps Lord Darlington’s name has something to do with the comparison. First of all, it has the word Darling in it, a term for endearment. Second of all, Stevens calls him “Lord” rather than “Mr.”. Besides that fact that it could be simple English terminology vs. American, I also believe that Stevens calling him lord represent a more intimate relationship between butler and employer and symbolizes a more bonded relationship, rather than the awkward one seen between him and Farraday.
Another comparison seen with the new America vs. the old Europe idea is seen with the likes of Mr. Lewis, an American who appears to be cold hearted with his manipulation of the “honourable” Europeans, attempting to set things straight with Germany. I believe he even calls them “amateurs”.
Also, one more thing… to go along with the whole new vs. old comparison, I found it awkward for Stevens (a very meticulous man) to not name his two younger workers, who he refers to as “the girls” (9). What makes it more awkward is that he names the older employee, Mrs Clements, who had been working at the Darlington Mansion for years. Perhaps this could also represent a lack of connection of some sort with the newer world compared to the older. I know I am probably stretching things but hey… just laying some thoughts out there.
Now, in a death defying attempt to imitate the syntax of Mr. Stevens, please welcome, ladys and gentlemen, Mr. Daniel Pimentel!!!
When I first came to notice a line of text written by Miss Kenton to our gentlemen, Mr. Stevens, I quickly noted to myself that one must remember this line, in case it should happen to reappear later in our tale. The line, of course, was in regards to Mr. Stevens' father, "as though he hoped to find some precious jewel he had dropped there." (67) This particular observation seemed to catch one's interest as the statement continued to appear throughout Mr Stevens' recollection of his employment under Lord Darlington. Perhaps I should first introduce the occasion to which the former statement came into existence. Miss Kenton had utilized this statement to describe Mr. Stevens' father who continuely returned to te location where he suffered a terrible fall. The importance of this statement is that Mr. Stevens Senior has appeared to have lost something of great importance to him, this most likely being his dignity as a great butler. I believe that this statement indeed meant to symbolize some idea relatively similar to the idea just now described. I hope that others have taken note of this repeating theme as well.
Alright, try not to ate me too much, I did horrible I know...but hey I'm not an english butler!
To mario's response my initial reaction towards Stevens was that he seemed to be so caring and a bit anal about his work because its a way for him to avoid his own inner conflicts. I feel if anyone were to ask stevens his opinion about himself his first response would be "i am a buttler" but the thing is that is a job description not who he is. His job has become routine and he cant hide behind it. So when Mr.Farraday suggests he should venture out on his own he almost laughed to himself but it seemed as though he was avoiding the fact that he is not self aware he is not truly sure who he is and to be asked to venture out with out his employer and being just stevens the man and not stevens the buttler was frightining to stevens because he would have to face a life with out the shelter hes always had from taking care of some one elses life.
My comment to Carla's reaction on Steven;s is quiet the same. I feel that he does hide behind all his work to hide the way he can truly be. Steven's is butler we get that but he let his job take over his life completely. However, his father being a butler as well, it never occurred to me that his father could have been the seem way. An example that would show Steven's complete obsession with work would be when his father passes away. On the night of his fathers death there seems to be a big gathering at Darlington Hall and instead of excusing himself from the party and being with his father for his remaining minutes, he did not. Instead he remained at the party as planned. I believe that Steven;s is really in need of this tip to reflect on how everything been treating him and to realize many things about himself.
While reading The Remains of the Day the character Stevens, appears to be a very interesting character because although he is very kind and respectful, at times, he seems to be very reserved and distant. Lilleenewen mentioned how Stevens speaks in a more sophisticated tone than other characters and I too noticed his tendencies. Before Kazuo revealed to the readers that Stevens was a butler, I expected him to be someone who held a higher position at Darlington Hall due to his proper tone. However, I think his use of language and his actions are denoted by his cultural surroundings and could be more understood by British people. For instance, Stevens comments on how confused he becomes when his employer, Mr. Farraday, makes jokes and how he usually does not know what is “required of [him] on those occasions” (15) and in instances such as those, ones cultural background really helps a person understand how to react in those situations. Seeing as how Mr. Farraday is an American and Stevens is British, in American culture it is more acceptable to have a light hearted relationship ones boss, where as in the British culture, an employer tends to have more of a disciplined relationship with his employer. At the same time, the awkwardness and confusion that comes with Stevens and Mr. Farrday’s interactions adds a sense of humor to the book, especially after Mr. Farraday makes a number of jokes and Stevens said he did not know if he “was expected to laugh heartily; or indeed, reciprocated with some remark of [his] own.” (15)
Kazuo also makes it very clear how important Stevens views his job and the large amount of pride he takes in making sure everything is going smoothly. The amount of effort and time Stevens invests into his job causes me to think that he is trying to hide from other things and/or cover up his true emotions. As Babaloo commented, Stevens allows his job to consume his entire life, restricting him from enjoying the present beauty of his country rather than just the historical artifacts he sees every day from working at Darlington Hall. Even though he has embarked on this trip and he now has the opportunity to experience many different things, he constantly thinks about his job. He even delayed his departure by one hour because he felt that “with Mrs. Clements and the girls also gone for the week,” he supposed he was “very conscious of the fact that once [he] parted, Darlington Hall would stand empty for probably the first time this century.” (23) In addition, as he laid awake on the second morning of his trip, he contemplated the ideas Miss Kenton brought up in her message and all of the ways in which he could improve the staff plan.
Although I feel that Stevens’s ways of centering his life on his job is a little eccentric, his desire to constantly work builds upon his dedication and pride he has in serving the higher officials of his country. His desire to work nonstop can be driven by his aspiration to become a “great butler” (42) and to have dignity in his job. Stevens defines dignity as “a butler’s ability not to abandon their professional being he inhabits” (42) and he defines a great butler as his “ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost; they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming or vexing.” (42-43). In all, Stevens appears to be overly consumed with his work, but he may or may not be reaching for goals that are highly respected in his country such as dignity and greatness. However, just as the character Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart by Achebe strived to achieve the highest titles in his clan, his desires eventually destroyed him. Having goals are crucial in literature because it gives characters something to work for and to have pride in, but if a character works too much, he will miss out on many amazing opportunities. Hopefully through Stevens’s trip he will be able to realize that there is more to life than serving others and it is essential for him to focus more on his own life and to allow himself to seize every chance he has to enjoy it.
I see Stevens as a very respectable character as well. Right from the start of the book all he talks about is work and his boss. His personality shows when he asks the question "What makes a great buttler" and closely examine it himself. All he thinks about is being a buttler than when he leaves Darlington Hall he feels very uneasy. We can also see he wants to follow in his dad's footsteps of being able to fufill his job regardless of the situation.
We can all easily see he has a very small view in the world outside of work and this journy outside of everything he has been thinking of will change his life.
Ok, well after reading through all of the comments i wanted to start by commenting on what emily said about the chicken or the egg concerning if "Stevens' lack of social ability [was] due to his preoccupation with his job, or is he preoccupied with his job becuase he lacks social ability"
I think that Stevens is preoccupied with his job because he lacks social ability. I feel that Stevens was raised with Butler traditions so he learned to be proper loyal and respectful. Stevens father was a butler that embodied the definition of dignity and Stevens aspired to be just like 'Father', so Stevens learned directly from him. I think that he does not know how to join in witty banter with Mr. Farraday because conversations between Stevens and his father do not show interaction of a normal father/son relationship.
Another thing I wanted to comment on was Miss Kenton and Stevens' feelings for her. When Stevens talks about the letter he recieved from her, he keeps mentioning that she is secretly saying that she wants to come back to Darlington Hall. I wanted to foreshadow that Stevens may be in love with Miss Kenton but cant show his true feelings like some of the other blogs have said. Miss Kenton was the only person who really pushed Stevens' buttons and tried to make him enjoy other things besides his job by bringing flowers to him to brighten up his room.
I think Miss Kenton is the symbol of the quote that others have brough up "you'll be sorry if you don't take a walk up there. And you never know. A couple more years and it might be too late...Better go on up while you still can" (25) Stevens needs to visit Miss Kenton and try to bring her back to Darlington Hall because if he doesn't he will regret not being with the person he appreciates most.
I must admit that this book is my favorite out of all of the summer books, and I am quite puzzled why. I find myself becoming extremely involved in this novel, even (dare I say it?) wanting to read more. I greatly enjoy the language used in this novel. It isn't as simple as modern-day English, but it isn't as complex as something written by Shakespeare. I find the "proper English" style of speaking interesting, and I enjoy reading books written in this manner. Perhaps this is why I enjoy the book? I don't even really know myself.
Having said that, there are a couple points of discussion I would like to bring up. I found the description of the English countryside to be phenomenal, particularly the analysis presented on page 28. I find it extremely interesting from a philosophical point of view, and being that philosophy is one of my major areas of interest, I enjoyed the analysis greatly. Steven's explains that the English countryside is so magnificent because it "lack[s]... obvious drama or spectacle" and simply IS beautiful. For me, what comes to mind is the comparison of two locations that I have visited in my travels, namely the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Niagara Falls in Canada. It made sense to me, because even though Niagara Falls is an extremely beautiful sight, I personally find the mountains to be far more beautiful and sublime. I think it's because the mountain merely IS beautiful, while the waterfall must perform an action to make it beautiful (the water falling over a ledge). I'm not sure. I just like the explanation, haha.
Finally, I would like to disagree with a few of the statements presented by my fellow students. I have observed that some people view Stevens as "concieted", or that he has "lost himself" in service to others. I feel that Steven's devotion to his job and commitment to the requirements of that job to show that he has risen to a higher level of self-mastery than a normal person. The high level of dignity, self-discipline, and resiliance displayed by Stevens during the conference hosted by Lord Darlington shows, in my opinon, that he has not lost himself in his work but conversely greatly deepened his control over his own mind and person. Knowing that the outcome of the conference could potentially have influence on global affairs, Steven's suppressed his grief over his dead father in order to see that the conference still ran smoothly. Yes, it is true that he suppressed his basic emotional instinct to stop everything he was doing to go grieve his father's passing, but this kind of self-control was executed willingly in order to serve a higher purpose. Which brings me to my next point. How can a man who would ignore his own feelings for the sake of others even be considered as a conceited man? Yes, he spoke often of his own accomplishments in the butlering profession, however I am a firm believer that credit must be given where credit is due. Being a butler, his profession is to serve others and make life easier for them. How can someone who acts like this be construed in any way as a conceited individual? His life is spent serving others for the sake of service. And he does so with the highest levels of devotion and self-control.
I have to agree with Matt that I hold this book more favorably above the other two we have read this summer. The book is much easier to get into, and captured my interest much faster than "Things..." and "One Hundred...".
Ishiguro succeeds in bringing Stevens the butler to life for me; the very proper, English syntax and mood that the dialect sets helps me imagine Stevens sitting across from me in a chair, telling the story orally in a neatly pressed suit with an entertaining British accent.
I also agree with Matt that Stevens isn't a conceited man, just deeply involved and dedicated in his work. In today's society, he would suffice as the definition of a "workaholic." This brings me to my question of the relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton, a former member of the staff. Ishiguro describes Miss Kenton accusing Stevens's father of making minor, faulty errors within the household, which does not sit well with Stevens. While she claimed "'...there are many duties your father should now be relieved of.'" (59) I suspect that there was a greater motive to the confrontation than Miss Kenton's concern for Stevens's father, and how his old age was affecting the household. The frank, curse, accusations were also aimed to affect Stevens emotionally, which they did. As some students commented earlier on Stevens lack of emotion, I believe Miss Kenton attempted to draw emotion out of the butler, in this case targeting his father's old age and weakness.
To start off I'd like to agree with some of you that this book is read much quicker than the other two. When I compare the narrator's voice to that of the narrators of the otehr two novels, I find that this narrator, Stevens, sounds a lot more cold and straighforward. In One Hundred Years Of Solitude the narrator would be so expressive and almost romantic in his way of describing characters and situations. I am not saying that this story isn't descriptive, infact, I do have a clear picture of the characters and the situations. In response to Courtney's question, I don't think it is the most descriptive of the novel we read, but it is descriptive in its own cold and removed way.
Someone already mentioned (I think it was Kevin) that Stevens' tone comes from being English. Well it is true that the English are notorious for being more reserved and less able to express their emotions but I am not sure that is exactly the reason for Stevens' behavior. Moving on to Emily's question (mad props emily, that was a sick question) I think that Stevens' lack of social ability is due to his preoccupation with his job. Stevens' is so obesssed with being "a great butler" that he rambles on about dignity and devotes all of himself to his job. He is so socially awkard that eventually Miss Kenton wants as little to do with him as possible and only communicates to him through a messenger or notes.
As everyone else has already mentioned, Stevens has an interesting way of speaking. Some of you are not fans of Stevens but I definitly am. I love his need to be so proper with his comples sentences and I also love how the man has a drifting mind. He starts off telling us about a trip somewhere then goes off on a tangent about his father being a great butler, and in the end goes back to his trip. I have a friend (no names) who can't stay focused on one story and I kind of like that about Stevens.
There is something, however that I do not like about the character. I understand that Stevens needs to remain focused on keeping things in order during the conference, but it just bothers me how he shows no emotions towards his dying father. As shown on page 97 and other pages, Stevens' father tries to say his goodbyes to his son and Stevens pays little attention. Instead he seems to deal with the situation by avoiding it. Another passage that upset me a bit was on page 106 where Stevens' father dies and it seems like Miss Kenton is more affected by it that Stevens himself. In fact, Stevens continues to tend to the guests while Miss Kenton shuts the eyes of Stevens Senior. Stevens mentions that he remains calm and focused on his job to make his father proud but I am sure everyone would understand if he stopped to tend to his father for a while.
I understand that to Stevens dignity and being a great butler are important but to me, loyalty to family are a lot more important. I'd rather be a good son than a good butler any day. Family comes first.
Okay, so reading everyone's posts, I definitely find them all interesting.
First off, I like how the book intertwines Stevens’s life as a butler with the political events that take place. The reader sees everything from a Butler's point of view--which is different, since they cannot see/hear everything that takes place.
I personally find all of this political stuff taking place at the large Darlington Hall to add hints of mystery and suspense to the book. All of the representatives have different intentions and are secretive--never revealing their true intentions it seems. The reader does not really know who's who--but as I said, only knows as much as Stevens does, and he has formed his opinions through his own observations; you never really know what is going to happen next.
Speaking about the same subject as c-rod--At first I found Stevens to be pretty cold hearted not to go see his dead father, but he just has different principles. He runs his life and daily actions with the principle of "'dignity'"(43): "They wear their professionalism as a decent gentleman will wear his suit: he will not let ruffians or circumstance tear it off him in the public gaze; he will discard it when, and only when, he wills to do so, and this will invariably be when he is entirely alone"(43). He feels that his duty in life--his priority--is to be a person of dignity, in which he himself defines as one who does not share his emotions with the world, but rather keeps his professional cover until he is by himself.
Question--I am going back and forth with the whole purpose of this book--is it to focus on Stevens himself, his life as a butler, and his possible relationship with Miss Kenton, or is it to focus on the political representatives and Lord Darlington’s involvement in historical events, etc.
At the begginning of The Remains of The Day, Stevens seems to be somewhat of a serious, nervous man. Right away when Mr. Farraday made "some sort of joke" (15), he at first didn't understand that a joke was being made, and when he did he didn't particualrly know how to respond well. He even says him self that he "never could be sure what was required" (15) of him in those instances. He even refers to time with Mr. Farrday as "uncomfortable minutes" (19). This shows his awkwardness with people. I think he in nature is just a shy man, and is socially awkward. I think he may hide in the big home he is incharge of because he doesn't have to verbally interact. He can show his tenderness and caring for the home without have to actually communicate with it. Another example would be the encounter with the "local fellow" (25). When the young man talks to him he doesn't understand the humor he is triyng to make. He even finds it offensive. I hope along this trip however he will become more open and be less socially challenged.
Although I said that he was socially challenged, I have one character who some what contradicts that. This affection he has for Ms. Kenton. He even says he will have to write to her. This example shows that he just be more of a shy man than actually socially awkward. However I still believe his social awkwardness is his main motive for his obsession over his job as a butler.
His views on "dignity" shows that he is a hardworking man. Instead of just being born with it like Mr. Grahman implies, Stevens suggest dignity "is something one can meaningfully strive for throughout one's career" (33). He does not believe in just pure luck instead that he can make a name for himself. It seems here that that is what he strives for on a daily basis. That dignity, that rare butler form. He takes such great pride in his work. You can even see this kind of behavoir today. Where someone will devote themselves to work and therefore have an excuse to not be soically active. I believe he hides behind this job.
This is the reason i believe he devotes his whole life to being a butler. Mr. Farrday has to pretty much push him out the door, for a vacation. At the thought of leaving Stevens even goes in to some sort of panic. Fretting over who will do what and how many people are actaully needed to do the job correctly.
It's interesting to read all of the other blogs and when I was thinking of these as I read the book, it's funny to see how this sounded much more original in my head!
Mr. Stevens in the beginning of the novel comes off as a very serious man who is very dedicated to his profession as others have mentioned here. That dedication leaves little room for anything else and even as he says that he's lived in England his whole life, he hasn't seen much of it, because of his dedication to his job and that he doesn't travel much. I completely agree with valleygirl in that he is shy, but I think he's a bit more socially awkward than shy as she stated that he is more shy than awkward.
His dedication to his job leaves little room for pursuit of relationships or anything else in general and in the beginning when he speaks of Ms. Kenton he sounds almost affectionate towards her. I was very curious as I read on because I thought that they might have possibly had an intimate relationship. But I found that to be increasingly unlikely as the book went on because of how I perceive him as a socially awkward person and that he wouldn't allow himself those freedoms.
Also in the beginning when Mr. Farraday suggests that Stevens take a trip and begins to joke with him, he comes off as too sophisticated a character. His dedication to his job would have left him this way as he conducted his job as a butler in the utmost refined manner possible. His awkwardness shows through in the very beginning when Mr.Farraday tries to 'banter' with him and Stevens seems at a loss of what to do;just as he seems out of place in the new world.
Stevens attitude throughout the book regarding English customs shows that he is trying to preserve the old English ways. Mr.Farraday represents the new English society that is changing, primarily because he is American. Stevens represents the old English ways and he seems very reluctant to let go of them; I think because he doesn't seem to fit in with the new world.
I also agree with Persian skies in that it's interesting to see a different point of view. It's interesting to see a butler's point of view on the political events that took place in Darlington Hall and what she said about him not being able to participate. I think that lends an objective opinion to the events occurring around him; since he views them through an objective opinion.
Well, that was my blog and quite a bit long, might have rambled a bit but those were the primary thoughts I had for the beginning of the book.
I find it strange that the main character is a butler. Like many have said, I believe Stevens is going on a journey. He has this idea in mind that he’ll see Miss Kenton and ask her about coming back and such matters, but what will really happen? I hope he becomes less stiff. Every story he tells is about keeping your emotions contained. The butler in India was very restrained when he saw the tiger, and Stevens definitely recalled that story with pride. Emotions are like a very negative thing for him.
The relationship between Stevens and Mr. Farraday is a very strange one. I couldn’t exactly tell what Mr. Farraday thinks of Stevens, but I suppose he must like him since he was sending him on the trip and paying for expenses. The only reason I was confused is just how they joke. When Stevens tried to joke back, Mr. F was super confused. I just wasn’t sure if he was really confused, or if he was more like why are you joking with me?
I agree that Stevens might have a bit of a crush on Miss Kenton. He still calls her MISS Kenton (maybe trying to block out the thoughts that she’s married?) and he also makes excuses for her it seems. He said in one breath that he was bothered when people left for marriage, but in the next breath he claimed that he was not bothered by Miss Kenton’s leave for she was always very professional. Is that reading too far into it, or does that make sense?
I don't really agree with Nivele or Valleygirl's idea that Stevens is akward or shy. As in Things Fall Apart, there is a clashing of cultures. Mr. Farraday is American and Stevens is English. It's a bit ironic that the English man is serving the American one, but that's still how it is. And in the scene where Stevens attempts to joke around with Mr. Farraday, it is difficult for Stevens because the humor is different. I went to England this summer, and I could say something I thought was really funny, and my English cousins would sit there looking at me. So I can understand why he felt so uncomfortable in saying anything.
I do think there is a reason why Mr. Farraday let Stevens go on the trip. I think he is completely untraditional, unlike Stevens. Mr. Farraday will joke around about Stevens's love interest, his butler. Stevensn was caught off guard which is why he was completely embarassed.
The landscape that Stevens saw reminds me of him. He describes it as retrained, dignified, lacking drama, calm, and great, qualities that decribe a traditional English butler. But I found it very ironic how that sight was so unfamiliar when it is only minutes away from his home. That shows how he truly is restrained in serving Mr. Farraday without ever showing emotion.
I would have to say that, aside from being a butler, Stevens seems to be more sophisticated than his "master," Mr. Farraday. Stevens exhibits the qualities any fine English butler strives to attain. Having Stevens alongside someone so "un-English" as Mr. Farraday, is humourous. Yet I read this book from a particular viewpoint. That is, I am not English, I would more closely associate with Mr. Farraday. I imagine that the way I percieved Stevens, poised to the point of being uncomfortable, would be very much the same as Mr. Farraday. Now, if I were an English reader, I may of looked at Stevens in a different light, maybe even, normal. Then, Mr. Farraday would be the one looked at strangley, with his "bantering."
What's the most noticeable when beginning this novel is the style and diction Steven uses to talk. This ties in with his view upon dignity (which I completely disagree with). Steven talks in a fashion where he speaks more on a general level than infusing his own thoughts and feelings in his speech. He seems to have no style of his own and speaks in more of a robotic/stereotypical butler manner. Already I can tell that Stevens sense and view of dignity that it's going to cause him so much trouble. Steven states that dignity means to never discard his professional persona, which then I predict would hinder him to make friends or even become intimate because he seems to use his profession to mask who he truly is.
I must say that while Steven’s manner of speech is impeccable, at times it does get tiring. He’s so serious all the time, would it hurt that much to lighten up a bit?
With that being said, it seems that Steven is rather serious about everything. I mean, his seriousness and self-restraint is in everything he sees; most beautiful and great landscape that he sees is great to him because of its qualities, it’s “lack of obvious drama…its sense of restraint” (28-29) With that being said, we also see how restricted Steven’s existence is; he had only been driving for 20 minutes, and yet he already found himself in uncharted territory, at least for him.
And oddly enough, Steven and Mr. Farraday’s relationship reminded me of a slightly off-kilter relationship between Batman and his butler Alfred. Alfred was British too, come to think of it. You had the American with the slightly witty banter, and the English butler who always managed to outsmart him. The only difference here is that Steven is much more uptight than Alfred ever was.
I must admit however, that although I knew butlers, especially “great” butlers, had to have the mask of confidence, and almost indifference, the way Stevens acted in his father’s death surprised me, but less than I thought I would be. Granted, his line about his father rather having him finish his duties before mourning him made sense, the fact that he followed it and only showed a smidge of emotion started me at first. I wasn’t sure about the age, considering his father was old, so I assumed he was in at least his early twenties. Despite that, I still expected more emotion, and yet at the same time expected less. It’s a total contradiction I realize, but I can’t quite explain it.
Never have I ever considered the butler profession to be so honorable, so respectful. A lot of people have recognized probably the most noticeable traits of our main character, Stevens. His diction is highly sophisticated, he holds highly intellectual conversations with the powerful people he serves, and he is highly condescending(but not directly) to those who are above Stevens. Another thing, Stevens glorifies his profession especially when he brings up the Hayes society. First of all, there is honor to be accepted into the Hayes society as a butler. However although it may be a great honor to belong to the Hayes society, when Stevens starts to define "prestige" it is almost as if he is trying to make Hayes society less important, be less of an honor. He sounds like bitter child who did not get what he wanted and trying to come up with justification that suits his own person.
Everyone turn to chapter 1 of How to Read Literature Like a Professor. Stevens begins a journey. So far, this journey is more than just a mini vacation, who'd a thought. It turns out, Stevens is not really the superior person he once was. In actuality, he did commit mistakes, and now he has come to self-realization! As mary said, from East of Eden which I have also read West does have a significant meaning relevant to the Bible. West symbolizes rebirth, a new beginning and already we see Stevens accomplishing a new self.
Mr. Stevens is very sophisticated in the way he talks and acts. I think he is hiding something from the audience to reveal it later. Kevin mentioned Mr. Stevens’ comment about the scenic landscape and how Steven saw it as beauty and calm. I think that Stevens is conceited more than anything. He sounds very confident in what he states and does, but he has a reason to. He’s worked for Lord Darlington for 30 years and Lord Darlington trusted him when he had meetings with powerful people. I agree with Carla when she says that he’s over concerned with his work because he’s avoiding inner conflicts. I believe Stevens is hiding a deep dark secret about Darlington from the audience. I also think that Miss Kenton is the opposite of Mr. Stevens, which is why they can work so well together, yet still get into so many silly fights. The fights however seem to symbolize that they do care for one another.
OMG Ms. Clapp.. "imitate his syntax" that's such a cruel and usual punishment! (I believe I won't like this book too much.. it resembles the main character's syntax in "The Catcher and the Rye," but in a more sophisticated, elegant way. And I hated that book...)
Speaking of his syntax (which I would not be caught dead imitating), Mr. Stevens is excessively wordy in his way of speaking; not to mention that he always manages to get off topic. However, his very conservative ways go hand-in-hand with whom he really is. I can't accurately say who he is thus far in the book, but through his way of handling matters (emotionless to any comment or criticism made to him, direct, short-worded answers) I can tell that he is somewhat secretive and/or afraid or ashamed of a past event.
Another proof of his “secretive” past is how he is always attempting to define "What is dignity" and "What is a great butler." Through various examples of his father, he comes up with the definition of dignity and what it means to be a great butler: "And let me tell you this, 'dignity' has to do crucially with a butler's ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits... The great butlers are great by virtue of their ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost; they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming, or vexing." (42) With all the examples he gives of his father, the righteousness in his manner of speaking, and the way he is somehow superior to everyone I sense that he wants us to trust him so that he can confide in us that certain past event that changed him. The book "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" states that every journey is a quest to find oneself (except when it’s not…). Even though Stevens is going on a short vacation (aka the journey) I believe he's not out to find himself; he knows who he is: a confidential butler, who takes pride in his job. But he goes out to reveal a mistake; to relieve himself of an agonizing emotion that is taking over him (perhaps a mistake that happened with Miss Kenton…?)
In the “How to Read” Foster says that tall buildings symbolize male sexuality and landscape symbolizes female sexuality. Does this mean that when Stevens comments on “the English landscape seen at its best” (44) and says that “when one encounters them, one simply knows one is in the presence of greatness” of England, he’s really commenting on the women? I was hoping to find him in some kind of terrible un-butler like situation, but I believe I’m over reading the text… However, I do agree with Katie when she says that the landscape reminds her of Stevens because it “lacks drama.” So true!
Commenting on Dario’s idea of “the butler in each of us”… I hadn’t pictured it that way, but the way you explained it does make sense. So, when we are submissive and respond to authority that would make us Mr. Stevens, and when we rebelled that would make us Miss Kenton (because she obviously left Stevens to pursue her own desires in life)? On the other hand, we are not servants or forced to be submissive. We do it to be respectful and polite. Stevens did it because it was his living, his means of getting bread and a roof over his head… he HAD to do it… Oh yes.. I’m really hoping for some rain in this book so that I can put my professor reading skills to work! Hahaha
This site will be the summer resource for students in Mr. Gallagher and Ms. Clapp's AP Literature courses. You'll come here to discuss summer reading, college searches and applications, and literary topics in general.
47 comments:
Yay, first post!
In reading the begging of The Remains of The Day, the first thing that struck me was the way that the narrator speaks. He is supposed to be a buttler, no? I know in movies we see buttlers with english accents and sophistication, yet a buttler truly is a servant. Especially now that he has a new "employer", it is easy to see almost that through his sohistication he seems to be a class above his employer's.
Around page 29 is the first time that there is reference to the title. Here, "the remains of the day" is the most memorable occurence of the day: the scenery. The narrator goes on to talk about the definition of beauty. He describes beatuty as something that "knows its own beauty, of its own greatness, and feels no need to shout it." and I completely agree. It's funny what he goes on to say at the end of that paragraph. He uses that definition to prove that sights offered "in such places as Africa and America" are actually not beatiful. This also reminds me of the way he talks of his employer. Stevens seems to be judgmental and disapproving against anything not from Great Britain. Good patriotism but really prejudicial.
Finally, I want to talk about his discussion of dignity. Like him, I disagree with Mr. Graham and say that dignity is not like beauty, becasue i believe dignity is something that one can strive for. I think one way of describing it would be just as having self-respect, self-appreciation, and believing in one self. i was reading this as I was on the train and saw a woman get in who was a baby-sitter. She had to be the most undignified person I had ever seen. She was dressed very poorly in a public place, was yelling at her kids, and was just hard to be around. I believe this is only because she has truly lost herself. She does not believe that she is worth looking nice, worth the respect of the people, etc. and that is what makes the difference with the was Stevens behaves. He is concerned with is physical appearence, and conserned with being well-rounded academically and socially.
Sorry, that was long. ~Kevin Vasquez
My very first impressions of Stevens were that of a polite, restrained, and highly matter-of-fact man. Ishiguro wastes no time in letting us know that his occupation as a butler, is more then just a job to him, it is in fact his life. He has lived so many years in the confines of the walls of Darlington Hall that when presented the opportunity by Mr. Farraday to “see around this beautiful country” (4), he responds by saying that “It has been my privilege to see the best of England over the years, sir, within these very walls” (4). The dedication to his job and his employer leaves him at a disadvantage of knowledge of the outside world. He only learns of the different landscapes and regions of Britain through Mrs. Symons’s, The Wonders of England. Also the trip he takes reminds me of the “quest” described by Foster in How to Read Literature Like a Professor. Going by the guidelines of what is defined to be a quest, the quester is obviously Stevens, the place to go is to visit Miss Kenton, the reason to go is to try to seek her services due to the shortage of staff at Darlington Hall, and the challenges and real reason to go has yet to be revealed. As predictions, I believe that the trip he undertakes will lead him to discover truth about the Lord Darlington he so highly praises, to develop a relationship with Miss Kenton, and also to learn of life outside of that of a butler.
In my opinion, Stevens’s overly analytical personality with respect to his job is a bit pathetic. His life has been so consumed with creating “staff plans”, organizing events, and keeping flaws to the minimum that I question whether he has had time to develop a social life. I wonder if he has ever been in love, (Miss Kenton perhaps?). Though he is the narrator of the novel, he reveals little about his emotions, maintaining what he deems as “dignity”. I find that Stevens has yet to reveal his true self to us, under the self controlled exterior, there must be a man of emotions.
I agree with Kevin in saying that his sophistication in speech and manner surpasses that of his employer. Even though much time seems to have passed in his days as a butler, Stevens cannot adjust to the changes in relationship between employer and employee. I find it both funny and awkward that he tries to “smile appropriately” every time Mr. Farraday jokes with him.
One last thing, I was wonder how close to the facts are the history described by Stevens, or is everything made up? (i.e. Lord Darlington, the conference to discuss the Treaty of Versailles, ect)
wondering*
Hey fellow AP Lits!
Hope you're enjoying this book, I am!
First, to respond to kavsgojsw1's comment about Stevens's judgments (his second paragraph), I think Ishiguro created Stevens not just as a person, but as a symbol that stands for something greater. In this perspective, it seems that Stevens stands for dignity and the tradition of honor of pre-World War I Great Britain. I say this because I have noticed that Stevens often nostalgically alludes to "Lord Darlington's day" and has a great respect for dignity, as kavsgojsw1 had indicated earlier.
On a personal level, Stevens is judgmental and loyal to his own beliefs. But when projected on a bigger scale like a symbol, Stevens seems to be ultimately struggling with changing times. For example, he can't seem to cope with Mr Farraday and his jokes (15), and he disapproves of the "unprofessionality" of the coming generation of butlers (35).
This theme of changing times and antagonisms between the old and the new is repeated throughout the book. Mr Lewis in the closing pages of this chapter becomes the public enemy through the eyes of our narrator Stevens, and he just happens to be from America. And America, as he states, is a place of "professionalism" while Europe is a place of "decent, honest, well-meaning" naivety (102). Undoubtedly this is a clash between the New and the Old.
Lastly, to respond to jlam09 about whether these events are based on a true story, I doubt it. Ishiguro thought of this and provides a good cover-up by saying that the people who attended came "off the record," probably meaning that this was a "vacation" and "gathering of old friends" rather than serious discussions about the future of a country.
P.S.: I liked the example kavsgojsw1 brought up about the baby-sitter--it really hit his point home.
My first thoughts on this novel were all about the narrator's way of life. He is very much confined inside the walls of Darlington Hall as jlam09 had said. He doesn't know much of anything around him. With every topic that seems to be brought up in discussion, he somehow relates it back to Darlington Hall. Stevens has his mind set on what his trip is for (to see Miss Kenton) that he really doesn't take the time to be himself.
I really wanted to comment on the fact that we were not given much information on Steven's past life, before Darlington Hall that is. We know all about how he has worked at the Hall for many years and knew Lord Darlington himself. Yet, we really do not know much about Steven's OWN personality. It is as if his personality lies within the walls of Darlington Hall only.
I do agree with kavsgojsw1 on the topic of dignity. Stevens always makes sure he looks proper and uses the correct language when associating with others. I still think that he really bases himself way too much on being correct in society, and not enough on getting to know his inner self and actually being his own person. I really just think he doesn't feel comfortable with real relationships with other people. He feels very uncomfortable around people and isn't too sure how to act. That is where the idea of dignity comes into place. He knows how he is supposed to act around people considering his standings. That is all he bases his personality on. I find it kind of aggravating that he isn't his own person in a way.
My prediction on the following parts of the novel is a bit undecided. In a way i feel as if Stevens won't actually find Miss Kenton but will learn a greater lesson instead. I also feel as if maybe he won't change and will stay conformed with society. He may just find Miss Kenton and say exactly what he needed to and that is that. I would really like to see other people's idea of how they think the novel will end.
Hey guys & gals again.
The reason for Stevens's lack of emotional display seems to be more of a cultural thing. From what I know of England, the people there have a deep sense and respect of honor and royalty.
The respect for dignity and the emphasis of honor seem to be expressed, in the profession of a butler, by being emotionally in control. I think that's the key word--to be in control and to have emotional mastery over oneself. By being in control of personal matters, that is a display of how professional a butler is. And it goes without saying that Stevens wishes to be the ideal butler.
So, basically, Stevens is like a useful stone wall because useful stone walls are considered good in English standards.
By the way, does anyone see anything interesting about Mr Carinal and Mrs Mortimer? Mr Cardinal has a good line about nature and Mrs Mortimer brings a curious thing to Mr Stevens Sr.'s death--especially with her unusually appropriate name and timing.
In the start of the novel, The Remains of the Day,the story's supposed antagonist displays several points where he is unsure fo his comments as well as his own narration.The author would utilize this style of writing for the rest of the story when the character exhibits unassertive behavior towards his persons' thinking and choice of words. the tone of the speaker in this story would be described as "submissive" as well as subordinate as a woman in most cases when he is to speak of his employer in a commending choice of diction in this example : "But then I do not mean to imple anything derogatory towards Mr.Farraday; he is after all, an American gentleman and his ways are completely different."(14)
Hi guys!
After reading everyone's comments I would like to agree that Stevens appears to be a very polite and restrained person. He is so concerned with maintaining his dignity that he does not express his feelings or thoughts. Like jlam09 indicated, being a butler is more than a job to Stevens, it is his life. I also like how Kevien referred to Stevens as a stone wall .
Question- Does anyone think that the writing so far seems extremely descriptive? I think that Ishiguro gave Stevens a very meticulous voice in this book ( perhaps to better display Stevens' decorousness).
How is everyone's summer so far?
rainy?
I know.
Anyway, when I was first introduced to Stevens, it was immediately made known that his whole life revolved around his career. All his memories had to do with being a butler, his father was a butler, and the reason he gives for going on the journey in the first place was for the benefit of Darlington Hall's Staff.
I can't help but notice that the "journey" closely relates to "How To Read Literature Like a Professor" and his theories on a character taking "a journey". Perhaps he is going on this journey to find himself? self discovery??
I have a hunch that during this journey, Stevens might begin to, for the first time in his life, drift away from his work, and focus on something other than his master and Darlington Hall. I have yet to meet Miss Keaton, but perhaps she will be his new focus?
until next blog.
peace...
Responding to Kevin Vasquez's comment: I completely agree that Stevens' tone and atittiude threw off the audience for a wild ride. I was, too, shocked by Stevens, knowing he is a butler. Yet, he looks at his profession as something other than serving people. He's very confident and proud at being a butler. Stevens almost seems conceited to a point, in my opinion. For example, he would give excuses for why mistakes and errors occurred in his staff plan, suggesting that it was partly due to a nearly impossible task being asked of him by Mr. Farraday.
Also, adding to gypsyloo's comment about Stevens possibly embarking on a journey. The author definitely seems to suggest so. He's directing Stevens to take the trip to WEST country. From reading East of Eden, I know that the West stands for a new beginning, a rebirth (correct me, anyone, if I am wrong). And take notice that Stevens began changing his idea of thinking (staff plan, asking for an additional staff member) just before he embarks on this trip; this could be foreshadowing a different identity Stevens will take on due to this trip West.
One more thing! Stevens meet an old man on this journey; this old man advices him to see the country from a higher altitude before he gets too old and it becomes too late. What could this possibly foreshadow/ symbolize?
It definitely plays on the fact that Mr. Farraday suggests Stevens do the same. However, Stevens is convinced he has more of the land than his employer believes.
What could that scene with the old man suggest?
Yes! I caught the foreshadowing in the old man's comment to Stevens as well. When he says, "you'll be sorry if you don't take a walk up there. And you never know. A couple more years and it might be too late...Better go on up while you still can" (25). This comment foreshadows or perhaps reveals what may happen if Stevens doesn't get out more often and live outside of his job as a butler. But Stevens does decide to take the journey up the hill and I think that tells us that this is his first step into "broadening his horizons".
Steven's persona plays a crucial role in the development of the book. His dignified nature remains in stark contrast to the "bantering" of his employer Mr. Farraday. A chasm between these two characters is established, as mentioned by Kevien. Stevens appears to be struggling with the ever shifting atmosphere following WWI. I wouldn't necessarily conclude however that he is more dignified and/or sophisticated than his employer. Rather, the very social climates of their upbringings differ. Farraday is a younger man who grew up in the United States, which, according to Stevens is characterized by a "sort of bantering...[which] no doubt, is a sign of a good, friendly understanding between employer and employee" (14). Stevens however, matured in an environment with expections of unmitigated decorum. Ishiguro suggests that Steven is unable or unwilling to cope with these such changes, especially evident in his frequent (and perhaps nostalgic) musings of Lord Darlington.
It is this very propriety that seemed to have damaged Stevens' ability to maintain relationships. In particular, I wish to note his dealings with Miss Kenton. He seems particularly enamored over her, recollecting minute details about their past exchanges- that, like jlam09 suggests, may be love? Yet, his role as butler seemed to thwart any possibility of a relationship not only because he spoke disapprovingly of such inner household relationships but because of his caustic reprimands.
Kris10 astutely observed that the reader is given few details concerning Stevens' personal life. Perhaps this was Ishiguro's direct intent. As others mentioned, Stevens remains disconnected from distracting emotions in order to retain dignity. As he himself says, "They [butlers] wear their professionalism as a decent gentleman will wear his suit: he will not let ruffians or circumstance tear it off him in the public gaze.." (42). By providing few details concerning past life- Stevens remains wholly dignified not pillared down by extraneous emotions.
To conclude, the old man seems to simply represent the possibility of remorse and missed opportunities. Although Stevens displayed a carpe diem attitude in this instance, his resistance to accepting the old man's proposal initially suggests he is not normally open to new experiences or "broadening his horizons" as Courtney noted.
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 Versails 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.
When I consider Stevens' persona, a "chicken or egg" question comes to mind; is Stevens' lack of social ability due to his preoccupation with his job, or is he preoccupied with his job becuase he lacks social ability? (or perhaps he simply lacks the desire to interact socially?)
I think Stevens' extreme formality is best demonstrated in his recalled conversation with his father on pages 64-66. For example, Stevens adresses his father as "Father" rather than "you," even when speaking to him. Perhaps this is an attempt to impress his father, to whom he clearly aspires to be like; as Stevens stated earlier, his father did not speak eloquently or have a firm grasp of academic subjects.
Also, I agree with kevien that there are constant implications to Stevens' lack of willingness to move forward and accept change. Becuase of this, a particular statement he makes at the beginning of the novel-"there is no virtue at all in clinging as some due to tradition merely for its own sake" (7)-is becoming increasingly ironic.
Greetings.
I believe Stevens supposed passion for doing his job as best as he can, meaning to be as "dignified" as he can be, is questionable. He is very similar to Okonkwo of Things Fall Apart, in the sense that they both strive to achieve their idea of what men, like themselves, should be like. Okonkwo believes men should be powerful, and tries to present himself as such by growing yams (the plants of man) and having several wives. Stevens, on the other hand, believes that butlers should always stay professional. Stevens constantly discusses about his father, whom he believed to be the epitomy of "dignified", such as, "But then suddenly, following a particularly heinous insinuation against his employer, my father brought the car to an abrupt halt...The rear door of the car opened and my father was observed to be standing there, a few steps from the vehicle, gazing steadily into the interior." (39). As Emily says, Stevens tries to emulate his father, through his extreme formality. Throughout his constant emphasis of how being a great butler, which he tries to be, is "dignifying", I feel his tone becomes almost reassuring to himself. The job of a butler, in reality, is serving his employer, and from what Stevens describes, having to cage in emotions, as well as, making his employers first priority. In fact, the poor fellow missed seeing his father for the last time before he passed away. Thus, it appears he uses this idea of worth to allow him to have confidence in his role, much like how Okonkwo owns what considers makes males, men, in order to feel manly and powerful, himself.
As for Emily, it is in my opinion that Stevens lack of social ability is due to his preoccupation of his job, since doing his job is his greatest concern.
I'm really sorry if my imitation of Stevens syntax is horrible.
I began reading the prologue and not long did i realize that this story takes place in England and the narrator is a butler, Mr. Stevens. I notice his sophistication in the way he speaks (mainly because English in England is a little more formal than ours). I could tell right off the bat that Mr. Farraday, his employer isn't from England, but rather from the U.S.
Mr. Stevens seems, well, is, very dedicated to his work and wishes nothing more or less than to please Mr. Farraday in the uttermost possible way he can. I noticed this because when Mr. Farraday allows Mr. Stevens to go on a little vacation, Mr. Stevens seems reluctant at the opportunity. As I read on, I noticed that he's trying to be more like his father, "dignity" as he finds very essential for a "great butler". On page 35, Mr. Stevens recalls his father and says, "...he not only knew all there was to know about how to run a house, he did in his prime come to acquire that 'dignity in keeping with his position'." We can all see that dignity to him is one of those unwritten code that all great butlers must abide to.
I agree with kavsgojsw1 when he says that it is something you strive for. One cannot be born with dignity...especially because it even sounds ridiculous to say. As I mentioned before, Mr. Stevens Senior (Mr. Stevens' father) possessed a sense of dignity in himself. I think dignity is an interior trait and as one grows and develops into maturity, can be lead to self-discovery, which I think is how dignity is achieved.
The Remains of The Day wasn't the first book I read. Instead, I found it more helpful to read How To Read Literature Like A Professor by Thomas C. Foster. With all the new techniques I learned, I tried to put them to practice reading this book. As he goes out on the trip, his stated reason is to get away for a while and see the many places England has to offer. But, we all know even without reading ahead that there will be more to this mere "drive". As Foster explains, a trip can really be a quest, in which new discoveries are bound to happen, that being the actual reason.
I just wanted to pass on something that an AP kid before me told me: don't be afraid to ask for help. and then he/she (can't give it away) told me to go look at last year's blogs. so just to help you should totally check out www.clappsap.blogspot.com and check out our summer blogs from last year. See if your ideas are as original as they sound in your head :D
Well!
11:17 PM on July 13 going on into 12:27 AM on July 14- Can you say PROCRASTINATION?
Well, allow me to make a few excuses for myself- I read The Remains of the Day in it's entirety (gasp) and I was having trouble coming up with a suitable post worthy of keeping company with everyone else's posts. Also, I'm trying not to reveal spoilers. With that being said, allow me to move on to the meat of it.
Reading The Remains of the Day, I couldn't help but notice the "properly English" language that Stevens uses, both in terms of vocabulary and sentence structure, as many people here have previously mentioned. The author contrasts this with Stevens's new American employer's language, which is genial, affable, and...forgive me...American. The beginning chapters establish that Stevens is narrating in the first person. The author drops many hints that there was a history of service before Mr. Farraday even appeared on the scene- examples include "I have devised many staff plans over the years," (5) and "...recalling a time when I had a staff of..." (7). Stevens refers to "this age of electricity and modern heating systems," (7) and his difficulty of finding professionalism "almost impossible to find nowadays," (9-10)suggesting that he is a member of the "old guard" of professional domestic servants.
The "quest" nature of the road trip, as many here have pointed out, is, I think, evident. Stevens sets out from what is familiar to him on a "mission." Stevens spends precious little time talking about the actual road trip- the names of the villages that he encounters become almost irrelevent compared to the "backstory," or the "flashback" portion of the book.
Stevens ponders the notion of dignity while stopping in some (nameless) village. The author comes up with some rather entertaining anecdotes concerning his father and concerning other "great butlers," defining a "great" butler as one with "dignity." At the end, he establishes that his definition of "dignity" it tied with an ability to maintain professionalism in trying times, illustrated by Steven's examples of his father serving the General, and his father "chastising" a group of drunk men. Having read the entire book, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I know that "dignity" will shape the way that Stevens views his own accomplishments.
I found the dynamic between Stevens and Miss Kenton very interesting. Miss Kenton got worked up over several "trivial" occurances. Mr. Stevens Sr. seems to be at the center of their contentious arguments, one arguing for more respect for Mr. Stevens Sr., and the other defending her position, and trying to prove that Mr. Stevens Sr. is not fit for the job. They abandon this after "the fall." I find it interesting that their personalities should grate over seemingly minor issues.
Well, hopefully, I haven't bored you with my musings about the book. These remarks are, after all, musings off the cuff- unpolished in any way. Just a disclaimer...
Until the next post.
To reply to Courtney's question: "Does anyone think that the writing so far seems extremely descriptive?"
I'd agree with you there. As i read the novel i try to pick up on what Stevens is describing. For example the rain to myself symbolized when something upsetting was about to occur. I.E Stevens Sr.'s death.
Stevens also jumps around as he speaks; i didn't find it terrible just annoying because as i read about one event, he'd jump to a new event then I'd have to slap myself to figure out what he was previously talking about. The jumping was annoying but added to the novel because points he makes early in the novel, he comes back to later on.
In day one of his journey, i picked up on the lines
"I'm telling you, sir, you'll be sorry if you don't take a walk up there. And you never know. A couple more years and it might be too late. Better go up while you still can."
p. 25
This quote proves rather significant to Stevens because he has quite the reserved manner, as you all have verified. And if he hadn't been told to go up that hill, he would never have ventured such a thing. Apart from his age being the key point of that quote, an assumption can also be made that because he has never been on a journey such as this, or even left Darlington Hall, seeing such a sight on one's first outing is significant.
Hi all,
I will try to keep this blog post shorter and answer Emily's question in her last blog and respond to it.
I think, like I said earlier, that Stevens was born into a life of buttering. He knows nothing outside of his profession because it has consumed his life. Stevens shows emotion on one basis: following his father’s death and has been taught by his profession that his feelings are insignificant. Right after his father’s death, Steven chooses not to see his father and says, “I’m very busy just now, Miss Kenton. In a little while perhaps” (106).
As to whether Stevens “lacks the desire” to be more social, I would argue that he does not because he clearly shows interest in Ms. Kenton. I think that he is simply afraid to take the risk of losing any professionalism.
I also agree with you that Stevens (Jr) is acting so nonchalantly in front of his father and in response to his father’s death to make Stevens (Sr) proud.
Also, I would really appreciate it if anyone could comment on my idea of “the butler in each of us!”
Thanks for reading!
Oh jeez, why did I pick last minute to do everything? If Dario can take a minute to excuse himself, then so can I; lack of time. I have to juggle visiting my mom in the hospital, work, reading, and maintaining a household on my own at the age of 16, it is a bit of a task. So, if my comments lack substance and content forgive me.
On "The Remains of the Day" I am bit surprised to see how you've all reacted towards Stevens. I mean, sure he's a bit anal about everything, and does put his job up there with his God and his mother, but still, really? What I am trying arduously to say is that I saw Steven as a butler. Nothing more, I mean he wants to please his employer, and up until that point he had done it in a manner than involved precise action. I mean, its not like he calls him master or anything, it is only his employer.
What I did find pathetic was his inability to move on. I remember that somewhere at the VERY beginning of the book he was deciding whether or not to even go on his journey, and looked in a like 70 year old book. Now, he reinforced his decision to do so by saying that surely the landscape hadn't changed since then, but come on. I am sure he had stumbled upon a tourist's book in his time being there. Still, Stevens is so boring to me, that this did not surprise me. Yes, I find him boring. He is so uptight that it actually bothers me. As I am reading I start to see the world in his eyes, and almost choke from his tie that surely is too tight.
All of this does leave me to one question, is Stevens really uptight, or are Americans just very, what's the word, un-classy?
I actually liked this book, which is really weird since school assigned books usually bore me.
Okay. The first thing I realized while reading this book, was the English. Stevens speaks with in a sophisticated tone. Like Kavsgojsw1 mentioned, Stevens is but a servant in the household, but butlers are portrayed as classy. What I also noticed was the difference in the English language. For example, "Mr. and Ms." as used in the text, both are missing the periods. I guess its not that important, but I felt like pointing that out.
I agree with jlam, when she mentioned it being pathetic that Stevens's whole life revolves around his "job". In the reading, he talks about his father, who was also a butler. The way butlers are portrayed makes me think that butlers barely have time for their own lives. They seem to focus on their employers. I would imagine it be quite difficult to be a family- man and butler.
During Day One of his trip, he meets a man on the road, telling him of the beautiful scene up a hill, I had the same question as mary, "Does this foreshadow anything?" Also, his habit of never being able to sleep in an unfamiliar bed, is this important to the rest of his trip, seeing how he has to get up early and drive all day?
His father, the way he talks about him, especially through the story of the butler and the tiger, while he was talking about dignity, he had mentioned that arguments that people grow to obtain it. He also mentioned that his father had gained it, in his eyes, proving that shows that Stevens really admires him. Stevens speaks highly of Miss Kenton, too. Although their relationship was a little shaky in the beginning, involving Mr Steven senior, they have seem share a special connection through Darlington Hall.
Reading the back of the book, where it says "graver doubts about his own faith in the man he served." At this point, I predict that Miss Kenton and him will both discover that Lord Darlington has done something very disagreeable in the eyes of the English.
Ehh I'm the latest one. I got to work on not procrastinating. Although, I remember Ms. Clapp saying something like "You guys can blog until 10:00 AM on the 16th." =]
I also wanted to ask. Is it only because Mr Farraday is American that he does not wish to have a large staff?
I have a feeling Mr Farraday and Stevens will develop a close relationship after Stevens decides to converse in a way that he is not used to.
Haha Mario, mimicing my mimic of Stevens... double removed! Anyway, sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy Stevens- I think Stevens's is a pretty entertaining character, but we all have our vices... just kidding -to asnwer your question: in my humble opinion, I believe that Stevens is a bit unnaturally profesional and formal and not that Americans are "un-classy."
To respond to lilleenewen I think that Mr. Faraday decided that he did not need to keep such a large staff because he does not host as many parties as Lord Darlington did. That is also why they closed part of the Darlington Hall.
Hello everyone, I hope your summer is going well. After reading through all of these blogs so far, I can see many of my thoughts regarding Stevens have generally been brought up here.
To begin: unlike Kavsgojsw1, I did not find it difficult to see Stevens as a butler. I guess I had always had the perception that being a butler wasn’t necessarily a “servant’s” job per say, and I had always believed that butler’s required a certain something special to be able to do their jobs so professionally. Stevens definitely goes out on a limb to show us that to be a butler is indeed, a job that requires great “dignity” or what I like to call pure dedication (the whole butler/tiger story found on pages 36-37, along with the description of his father’s “dignity” on pages 37-42). I think this is a significant point because Stevens has obviously surrounded himself with all aspects of his job and it is easier to understand his character if we see why he has done so (to achieve this dignity).
Next: I am going to try to combine a whole bunch of speculations made by you previous bloggers to make my point on what I think the symbolic message of this book may be about. To start, I also read How to Read Literature Like A Professor and viewed Steven’s journey as something very similar to jlam09’s observation of it being a quest. I would also like to combine this idea with Mary’s connection about the traveling west and the idea of a rebirth or new life and kevien’s view of Stevens being symbolic with his constant nostalgic references. I believe that Stevens may not actually be a symbol, but rather his thoughts that are provoked by the thought of this journey and the actual journey itself, may symbolize a battle of new customs vs. older ones.
The most obvious example of this would be the comparison of the new employer vs. the old employer. I would like to add in here that the fact that the new employer is American seems significant because America is the “New World” after all. Anyway, Stevens seems to look at Mr. Farraday as sort of a new age in his employment, comparing his life with Farraday to that of his older life with Darlington. He seems to create the idea that the older age seemed to be more of an intimate, honorable one, (the many servants of Darlington vs. the four of Farraday). Stevens even goes as far to say, “… in Lord Darlington’s days… it was possible to develop a good understanding with visiting colleagues” (17), implying that this isn’t the case under Farraday, creating a less intimate atmosphere among workers in this newer age.
Also…stretching a little, perhaps Lord Darlington’s name has something to do with the comparison. First of all, it has the word Darling in it, a term for endearment. Second of all, Stevens calls him “Lord” rather than “Mr.”. Besides that fact that it could be simple English terminology vs. American, I also believe that Stevens calling him lord represent a more intimate relationship between butler and employer and symbolizes a more bonded relationship, rather than the awkward one seen between him and Farraday.
Another comparison seen with the new America vs. the old Europe idea is seen with the likes of Mr. Lewis, an American who appears to be cold hearted with his manipulation of the “honourable” Europeans, attempting to set things straight with Germany. I believe he even calls them “amateurs”.
Also, one more thing… to go along with the whole new vs. old comparison, I found it awkward for Stevens (a very meticulous man) to not name his two younger workers, who he refers to as “the girls” (9). What makes it more awkward is that he names the older employee, Mrs Clements, who had been working at the Darlington Mansion for years. Perhaps this could also represent a lack of connection of some sort with the newer world compared to the older. I know I am probably stretching things but hey… just laying some thoughts out there.
Now, in a death defying attempt to imitate the syntax of Mr. Stevens, please welcome, ladys and gentlemen, Mr. Daniel Pimentel!!!
When I first came to notice a line of text written by Miss Kenton to our gentlemen, Mr. Stevens, I quickly noted to myself that one must remember this line, in case it should happen to reappear later in our tale. The line, of course, was in regards to Mr. Stevens' father, "as though he hoped to find some precious jewel he had dropped there." (67) This particular observation seemed to catch one's interest as the statement continued to appear throughout Mr Stevens' recollection of his employment under Lord Darlington. Perhaps I should first introduce the occasion to which the former statement came into existence. Miss Kenton had utilized this statement to describe Mr. Stevens' father who continuely returned to te location where he suffered a terrible fall. The importance of this statement is that Mr. Stevens Senior has appeared to have lost something of great importance to him, this most likely being his dignity as a great butler. I believe that this statement indeed meant to symbolize some idea relatively similar to the idea just now described. I hope that others have taken note of this repeating theme as well.
Alright, try not to ate me too much, I did horrible I know...but hey I'm not an english butler!
Later!
hey everyone its carla
To mario's response my initial reaction towards Stevens was that he seemed to be so caring and a bit anal about his work because its a way for him to avoid his own inner conflicts. I feel if anyone were to ask stevens his opinion about himself his first response would be "i am a buttler" but the thing is that is a job description not who he is. His job has become routine and he cant hide behind it. So when Mr.Farraday suggests he should venture out on his own he almost laughed to himself but it seemed as though he was avoiding the fact that he is not self aware he is not truly sure who he is and to be asked to venture out with out his employer and being just stevens the man and not stevens the buttler was frightining to stevens because he would have to face a life with out the shelter hes always had from taking care of some one elses life.
My comment to Carla's reaction on Steven;s is quiet the same. I feel that he does hide behind all his work to hide the way he can truly be. Steven's is butler we get that but he let his job take over his life completely. However, his father being a butler as well, it never occurred to me that his father could have been the seem way. An example that would show Steven's complete obsession with work would be when his father passes away. On the night of his fathers death there seems to be a big gathering at Darlington Hall and instead of excusing himself from the party and being with his father for his remaining minutes, he did not. Instead he remained at the party as planned. I believe that Steven;s is really in need of this tip to reflect on how everything been treating him and to realize many things about himself.
While reading The Remains of the Day the character Stevens, appears to be a very interesting character because although he is very kind and respectful, at times, he seems to be very reserved and distant. Lilleenewen mentioned how Stevens speaks in a more sophisticated tone than other characters and I too noticed his tendencies. Before Kazuo revealed to the readers that Stevens was a butler, I expected him to be someone who held a higher position at Darlington Hall due to his proper tone. However, I think his use of language and his actions are denoted by his cultural surroundings and could be more understood by British people. For instance, Stevens comments on how confused he becomes when his employer, Mr. Farraday, makes jokes and how he usually does not know what is “required of [him] on those occasions” (15) and in instances such as those, ones cultural background really helps a person understand how to react in those situations. Seeing as how Mr. Farraday is an American and Stevens is British, in American culture it is more acceptable to have a light hearted relationship ones boss, where as in the British culture, an employer tends to have more of a disciplined relationship with his employer. At the same time, the awkwardness and confusion that comes with Stevens and Mr. Farrday’s interactions adds a sense of humor to the book, especially after Mr. Farraday makes a number of jokes and Stevens said he did not know if he “was expected to laugh heartily; or indeed, reciprocated with some remark of [his] own.” (15)
Kazuo also makes it very clear how important Stevens views his job and the large amount of pride he takes in making sure everything is going smoothly. The amount of effort and time Stevens invests into his job causes me to think that he is trying to hide from other things and/or cover up his true emotions. As Babaloo commented, Stevens allows his job to consume his entire life, restricting him from enjoying the present beauty of his country rather than just the historical artifacts he sees every day from working at Darlington Hall. Even though he has embarked on this trip and he now has the opportunity to experience many different things, he constantly thinks about his job. He even delayed his departure by one hour because he felt that “with Mrs. Clements and the girls also gone for the week,” he supposed he was “very conscious of the fact that once [he] parted, Darlington Hall would stand empty for probably the first time this century.” (23) In addition, as he laid awake on the second morning of his trip, he contemplated the ideas Miss Kenton brought up in her message and all of the ways in which he could improve the staff plan.
Although I feel that Stevens’s ways of centering his life on his job is a little eccentric, his desire to constantly work builds upon his dedication and pride he has in serving the higher officials of his country. His desire to work nonstop can be driven by his aspiration to become a “great butler” (42) and to have dignity in his job. Stevens defines dignity as “a butler’s ability not to abandon their professional being he inhabits” (42) and he defines a great butler as his “ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost; they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming or vexing.” (42-43). In all, Stevens appears to be overly consumed with his work, but he may or may not be reaching for goals that are highly respected in his country such as dignity and greatness. However, just as the character Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart by Achebe strived to achieve the highest titles in his clan, his desires eventually destroyed him. Having goals are crucial in literature because it gives characters something to work for and to have pride in, but if a character works too much, he will miss out on many amazing opportunities. Hopefully through Stevens’s trip he will be able to realize that there is more to life than serving others and it is essential for him to focus more on his own life and to allow himself to seize every chance he has to enjoy it.
I see Stevens as a very respectable character as well. Right from the start of the book all he talks about is work and his boss. His personality shows when he asks the question "What makes a great buttler" and closely examine it himself. All he thinks about is being a buttler than when he leaves Darlington Hall he feels very uneasy. We can also see he wants to follow in his dad's footsteps of being able to fufill his job regardless of the situation.
We can all easily see he has a very small view in the world outside of work and this journy outside of everything he has been thinking of will change his life.
Ok, well after reading through all of the comments i wanted to start by commenting on what emily said about the chicken or the egg concerning if "Stevens' lack of social ability [was] due to his preoccupation with his job, or is he preoccupied with his job becuase he lacks social ability"
I think that Stevens is preoccupied with his job because he lacks social ability. I feel that Stevens was raised with Butler traditions so he learned to be proper loyal and respectful. Stevens father was a butler that embodied the definition of dignity and Stevens aspired to be just like 'Father', so Stevens learned directly from him. I think that he does not know how to join in witty banter with Mr. Farraday because conversations between Stevens and his father do not show interaction of a normal father/son relationship.
Another thing I wanted to comment on was Miss Kenton and Stevens' feelings for her. When Stevens talks about the letter he recieved from her, he keeps mentioning that she is secretly saying that she wants to come back to Darlington Hall. I wanted to foreshadow that Stevens may be in love with Miss Kenton but cant show his true feelings like some of the other blogs have said. Miss Kenton was the only person who really pushed Stevens' buttons and tried to make him enjoy other things besides his job by bringing flowers to him to brighten up his room.
I think Miss Kenton is the symbol of the quote that others have brough up "you'll be sorry if you don't take a walk up there. And you never know. A couple more years and it might be too late...Better go on up while you still can" (25) Stevens needs to visit Miss Kenton and try to bring her back to Darlington Hall because if he doesn't he will regret not being with the person he appreciates most.
I must admit that this book is my favorite out of all of the summer books, and I am quite puzzled why. I find myself becoming extremely involved in this novel, even (dare I say it?) wanting to read more. I greatly enjoy the language used in this novel. It isn't as simple as modern-day English, but it isn't as complex as something written by Shakespeare. I find the "proper English" style of speaking interesting, and I enjoy reading books written in this manner. Perhaps this is why I enjoy the book? I don't even really know myself.
Having said that, there are a couple points of discussion I would like to bring up. I found the description of the English countryside to be phenomenal, particularly the analysis presented on page 28. I find it extremely interesting from a philosophical point of view, and being that philosophy is one of my major areas of interest, I enjoyed the analysis greatly. Steven's explains that the English countryside is so magnificent because it "lack[s]... obvious drama or spectacle" and simply IS beautiful. For me, what comes to mind is the comparison of two locations that I have visited in my travels, namely the White Mountains in New Hampshire and Niagara Falls in Canada. It made sense to me, because even though Niagara Falls is an extremely beautiful sight, I personally find the mountains to be far more beautiful and sublime. I think it's because the mountain merely IS beautiful, while the waterfall must perform an action to make it beautiful (the water falling over a ledge). I'm not sure. I just like the explanation, haha.
Finally, I would like to disagree with a few of the statements presented by my fellow students. I have observed that some people view Stevens as "concieted", or that he has "lost himself" in service to others. I feel that Steven's devotion to his job and commitment to the requirements of that job to show that he has risen to a higher level of self-mastery than a normal person. The high level of dignity, self-discipline, and resiliance displayed by Stevens during the conference hosted by Lord Darlington shows, in my opinon, that he has not lost himself in his work but conversely greatly deepened his control over his own mind and person. Knowing that the outcome of the conference could potentially have influence on global affairs, Steven's suppressed his grief over his dead father in order to see that the conference still ran smoothly. Yes, it is true that he suppressed his basic emotional instinct to stop everything he was doing to go grieve his father's passing, but this kind of self-control was executed willingly in order to serve a higher purpose. Which brings me to my next point. How can a man who would ignore his own feelings for the sake of others even be considered as a conceited man? Yes, he spoke often of his own accomplishments in the butlering profession, however I am a firm believer that credit must be given where credit is due. Being a butler, his profession is to serve others and make life easier for them. How can someone who acts like this be construed in any way as a conceited individual? His life is spent serving others for the sake of service. And he does so with the highest levels of devotion and self-control.
I have to agree with Matt that I hold this book more favorably above the other two we have read this summer. The book is much easier to get into, and captured my interest much faster than "Things..." and "One Hundred...".
Ishiguro succeeds in bringing Stevens the butler to life for me; the very proper, English syntax and mood that the dialect sets helps me imagine Stevens sitting across from me in a chair, telling the story orally in a neatly pressed suit with an entertaining British accent.
I also agree with Matt that Stevens isn't a conceited man, just deeply involved and dedicated in his work. In today's society, he would suffice as the definition of a "workaholic." This brings me to my question of the relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton, a former member of the staff. Ishiguro describes Miss Kenton accusing Stevens's father of making minor, faulty errors within the household, which does not sit well with Stevens. While she claimed "'...there are many duties your father should now be relieved of.'" (59) I suspect that there was a greater motive to the confrontation than Miss Kenton's concern for Stevens's father, and how his old age was affecting the household. The frank, curse, accusations were also aimed to affect Stevens emotionally, which they did. As some students commented earlier on Stevens lack of emotion, I believe Miss Kenton attempted to draw emotion out of the butler, in this case targeting his father's old age and weakness.
Howdy everyone!
To start off I'd like to agree with some of you that this book is read much quicker than the other two. When I compare the narrator's voice to that of the narrators of the otehr two novels, I find that this narrator, Stevens, sounds a lot more cold and straighforward. In One Hundred Years Of Solitude the narrator would be so expressive and almost romantic in his way of describing characters and situations. I am not saying that this story isn't descriptive, infact, I do have a clear picture of the characters and the situations. In response to Courtney's question, I don't think it is the most descriptive of the novel we read, but it is descriptive in its own cold and removed way.
Someone already mentioned (I think it was Kevin) that Stevens' tone comes from being English. Well it is true that the English are notorious for being more reserved and less able to express their emotions but I am not sure that is exactly the reason for Stevens' behavior. Moving on to Emily's question (mad props emily, that was a sick question) I think that Stevens' lack of social ability is due to his preoccupation with his job. Stevens' is so obesssed with being "a great butler" that he rambles on about dignity and devotes all of himself to his job. He is so socially awkard that eventually Miss Kenton wants as little to do with him as possible and only communicates to him through a messenger or notes.
As everyone else has already mentioned, Stevens has an interesting way of speaking. Some of you are not fans of Stevens but I definitly am. I love his need to be so proper with his comples sentences and I also love how the man has a drifting mind. He starts off telling us about a trip somewhere then goes off on a tangent about his father being a great butler, and in the end goes back to his trip. I have a friend (no names) who can't stay focused on one story and I kind of like that about Stevens.
There is something, however that I do not like about the character. I understand that Stevens needs to remain focused on keeping things in order during the conference, but it just bothers me how he shows no emotions towards his dying father. As shown on page 97 and other pages, Stevens' father tries to say his goodbyes to his son and Stevens pays little attention. Instead he seems to deal with the situation by avoiding it. Another passage that upset me a bit was on page 106 where Stevens' father dies and it seems like Miss Kenton is more affected by it that Stevens himself. In fact, Stevens continues to tend to the guests while Miss Kenton shuts the eyes of Stevens Senior. Stevens mentions that he remains calm and focused on his job to make his father proud but I am sure everyone would understand if he stopped to tend to his father for a while.
I understand that to Stevens dignity and being a great butler are important but to me, loyalty to family are a lot more important. I'd rather be a good son than a good butler any day. Family comes first.
Hello everyone.
Okay, so reading everyone's posts, I definitely find them all interesting.
First off, I like how the book intertwines Stevens’s life as a butler with the political events that take place. The reader sees everything from a Butler's point of view--which is different, since they cannot see/hear everything that takes place.
I personally find all of this political stuff taking place at the large Darlington Hall to add hints of mystery and suspense to the book. All of the representatives have different intentions and are secretive--never revealing their true intentions it seems. The reader does not really know who's who--but as I said, only knows as much as Stevens does, and he has formed his opinions through his own observations; you never really know what is going to happen next.
Speaking about the same subject as c-rod--At first I found Stevens to be pretty cold hearted not to go see his dead father, but he just has different principles. He runs his life and daily actions with the principle of "'dignity'"(43): "They wear their professionalism as a decent gentleman will wear his suit: he will not let ruffians or circumstance tear it off him in the public gaze; he will discard it when, and only when, he wills to do so, and this will invariably be when he is entirely alone"(43). He feels that his duty in life--his priority--is to be a person of dignity, in which he himself defines as one who does not share his emotions with the world, but rather keeps his professional cover until he is by himself.
Question--I am going back and forth with the whole purpose of this book--is it to focus on Stevens himself, his life as a butler, and his possible relationship with Miss Kenton, or is it to focus on the political representatives and Lord Darlington’s involvement in historical events, etc.
At the begginning of The Remains of The Day, Stevens seems to be somewhat of a serious, nervous man. Right away when Mr. Farraday made "some sort of joke" (15), he at first didn't understand that a joke was being made, and when he did he didn't particualrly know how to respond well. He even says him self that he "never could be sure what was required" (15) of him in those instances. He even refers to time with Mr. Farrday as "uncomfortable minutes" (19). This shows his awkwardness with people. I think he in nature is just a shy man, and is socially awkward. I think he may hide in the big home he is incharge of because he doesn't have to verbally interact. He can show his tenderness and caring for the home without have to actually communicate with it. Another example would be the encounter with the "local fellow" (25). When the young man talks to him he doesn't understand the humor he is triyng to make. He even finds it offensive. I hope along this trip however he will become more open and be less socially challenged.
Although I said that he was socially challenged, I have one character who some what contradicts that. This affection he has for Ms. Kenton. He even says he will have to write to her. This example shows that he just be more of a shy man than actually socially awkward. However I still believe his social awkwardness is his main motive for his obsession over his job as a butler.
His views on "dignity" shows that he is a hardworking man. Instead of just being born with it like Mr. Grahman implies, Stevens suggest dignity "is something one can meaningfully strive for throughout one's career" (33). He does not believe in just pure luck instead that he can make a name for himself. It seems here that that is what he strives for on a daily basis. That dignity, that rare butler form. He takes such great pride in his work. You can even see this kind of behavoir today. Where someone will devote themselves to work and therefore have an excuse to not be soically active. I believe he hides behind this job.
This is the reason i believe he devotes his whole life to being a butler. Mr. Farrday has to pretty much push him out the door, for a vacation. At the thought of leaving Stevens even goes in to some sort of panic. Fretting over who will do what and how many people are actaully needed to do the job correctly.
It's interesting to read all of the other blogs and when I was thinking of these as I read the book, it's funny to see how this sounded much more original in my head!
Mr. Stevens in the beginning of the novel comes off as a very serious man who is very dedicated to his profession as others have mentioned here. That dedication leaves little room for anything else and even as he says that he's lived in England his whole life, he hasn't seen much of it, because of his dedication to his job and that he doesn't travel much. I completely agree with valleygirl in that he is shy, but I think he's a bit more socially awkward than shy as she stated that he is more shy than awkward.
His dedication to his job leaves little room for pursuit of relationships or anything else in general and in the beginning when he speaks of Ms. Kenton he sounds almost affectionate towards her. I was very curious as I read on because I thought that they might have possibly had an intimate relationship. But I found that to be increasingly unlikely as the book went on because of how I perceive him as a socially awkward person and that he wouldn't allow himself those freedoms.
Also in the beginning when Mr. Farraday suggests that Stevens take a trip and begins to joke with him, he comes off as too sophisticated a character. His dedication to his job would have left him this way as he conducted his job as a butler in the utmost refined manner possible. His awkwardness shows through in the very beginning when Mr.Farraday tries to 'banter' with him and Stevens seems at a loss of what to do;just as he seems out of place in the new world.
Stevens attitude throughout the book regarding English customs shows that he is trying to preserve the old English ways. Mr.Farraday represents the new English society that is changing, primarily because he is American. Stevens represents the old English ways and he seems very reluctant to let go of them; I think because he doesn't seem to fit in with the new world.
I also agree with Persian skies in that it's interesting to see a different point of view. It's interesting to see a butler's point of view on the political events that took place in Darlington Hall and what she said about him not being able to participate. I think that lends an objective opinion to the events occurring around him; since he views them through an objective opinion.
Well, that was my blog and quite a bit long, might have rambled a bit but those were the primary thoughts I had for the beginning of the book.
I find it strange that the main character is a butler. Like many have said, I believe Stevens is going on a journey. He has this idea in mind that he’ll see Miss Kenton and ask her about coming back and such matters, but what will really happen? I hope he becomes less stiff. Every story he tells is about keeping your emotions contained. The butler in India was very restrained when he saw the tiger, and Stevens definitely recalled that story with pride. Emotions are like a very negative thing for him.
The relationship between Stevens and Mr. Farraday is a very strange one. I couldn’t exactly tell what Mr. Farraday thinks of Stevens, but I suppose he must like him since he was sending him on the trip and paying for expenses. The only reason I was confused is just how they joke. When Stevens tried to joke back, Mr. F was super confused. I just wasn’t sure if he was really confused, or if he was more like why are you joking with me?
I agree that Stevens might have a bit of a crush on Miss Kenton. He still calls her MISS Kenton (maybe trying to block out the thoughts that she’s married?) and he also makes excuses for her it seems. He said in one breath that he was bothered when people left for marriage, but in the next breath he claimed that he was not bothered by Miss Kenton’s leave for she was always very professional. Is that reading too far into it, or does that make sense?
I don't really agree with Nivele or Valleygirl's idea that Stevens is akward or shy. As in Things Fall Apart, there is a clashing of cultures. Mr. Farraday is American and Stevens is English. It's a bit ironic that the English man is serving the American one, but that's still how it is. And in the scene where Stevens attempts to joke around with Mr. Farraday, it is difficult for Stevens because the humor is different. I went to England this summer, and I could say something I thought was really funny, and my English cousins would sit there looking at me. So I can understand why he felt so uncomfortable in saying anything.
I do think there is a reason why Mr. Farraday let Stevens go on the trip. I think he is completely untraditional, unlike Stevens. Mr. Farraday will joke around about Stevens's love interest, his butler. Stevensn was caught off guard which is why he was completely embarassed.
The landscape that Stevens saw reminds me of him. He describes it as retrained, dignified, lacking drama, calm, and great, qualities that decribe a traditional English butler. But I found it very ironic how that sight was so unfamiliar when it is only minutes away from his home. That shows how he truly is restrained in serving Mr. Farraday without ever showing emotion.
I would have to say that, aside from being a butler, Stevens seems to be more sophisticated than his "master," Mr. Farraday. Stevens exhibits the qualities any fine English butler strives to attain. Having Stevens alongside someone so "un-English" as Mr. Farraday, is humourous. Yet I read this book from a particular viewpoint. That is, I am not English, I would more closely associate with Mr. Farraday. I imagine that the way I percieved Stevens, poised to the point of being uncomfortable, would be very much the same as Mr. Farraday. Now, if I were an English reader, I may of looked at Stevens in a different light, maybe even, normal. Then, Mr. Farraday would be the one looked at strangley, with his "bantering."
What's the most noticeable when beginning this novel is the style and diction Steven uses to talk. This ties in with his view upon dignity (which I completely disagree with). Steven talks in a fashion where he speaks more on a general level than infusing his own thoughts and feelings in his speech. He seems to have no style of his own and speaks in more of a robotic/stereotypical butler manner. Already I can tell that Stevens sense and view of dignity that it's going to cause him so much trouble. Steven states that dignity means to never discard his professional persona, which then I predict would hinder him to make friends or even become intimate because he seems to use his profession to mask who he truly is.
I must say that while Steven’s manner of speech is impeccable, at times it does get tiring. He’s so serious all the time, would it hurt that much to lighten up a bit?
With that being said, it seems that Steven is rather serious about everything. I mean, his seriousness and self-restraint is in everything he sees; most beautiful and great landscape that he sees is great to him because of its qualities, it’s “lack of obvious drama…its sense of restraint” (28-29) With that being said, we also see how restricted Steven’s existence is; he had only been driving for 20 minutes, and yet he already found himself in uncharted territory, at least for him.
And oddly enough, Steven and Mr. Farraday’s relationship reminded me of a slightly off-kilter relationship between Batman and his butler Alfred. Alfred was British too, come to think of it. You had the American with the slightly witty banter, and the English butler who always managed to outsmart him. The only difference here is that Steven is much more uptight than Alfred ever was.
I must admit however, that although I knew butlers, especially “great” butlers, had to have the mask of confidence, and almost indifference, the way Stevens acted in his father’s death surprised me, but less than I thought I would be. Granted, his line about his father rather having him finish his duties before mourning him made sense, the fact that he followed it and only showed a smidge of emotion started me at first. I wasn’t sure about the age, considering his father was old, so I assumed he was in at least his early twenties. Despite that, I still expected more emotion, and yet at the same time expected less. It’s a total contradiction I realize, but I can’t quite explain it.
Never have I ever considered the butler profession to be so honorable, so respectful. A lot of people have recognized probably the most noticeable traits of our main character, Stevens. His diction is highly sophisticated, he holds highly intellectual conversations with the powerful people he serves, and he is highly condescending(but not directly) to those who are above Stevens. Another thing, Stevens glorifies his profession especially when he brings up the Hayes society. First of all, there is honor to be accepted into the Hayes society as a butler. However although it may be a great honor to belong to the Hayes society, when Stevens starts to define "prestige" it is almost as if he is trying to make Hayes society less important, be less of an honor. He sounds like bitter child who did not get what he wanted and trying to come up with justification that suits his own person.
Everyone turn to chapter 1 of How to Read Literature Like a Professor. Stevens begins a journey. So far, this journey is more than just a mini vacation, who'd a thought. It turns out, Stevens is not really the superior person he once was. In actuality, he did commit mistakes, and now he has come to self-realization! As mary said, from East of Eden which I have also read West does have a significant meaning relevant to the Bible. West symbolizes rebirth, a new beginning and already we see Stevens accomplishing a new self.
Mr. Stevens is very sophisticated in the way he talks and acts. I think he is hiding something from the audience to reveal it later. Kevin mentioned Mr. Stevens’ comment about the scenic landscape and how Steven saw it as beauty and calm. I think that Stevens is conceited more than anything. He sounds very confident in what he states and does, but he has a reason to. He’s worked for Lord Darlington for 30 years and Lord Darlington trusted him when he had meetings with powerful people. I agree with Carla when she says that he’s over concerned with his work because he’s avoiding inner conflicts. I believe Stevens is hiding a deep dark secret about Darlington from the audience. I also think that Miss Kenton is the opposite of Mr. Stevens, which is why they can work so well together, yet still get into so many silly fights. The fights however seem to symbolize that they do care for one another.
OMG Ms. Clapp.. "imitate his syntax" that's such a cruel and usual punishment!
(I believe I won't like this book too much.. it resembles the main character's syntax in "The Catcher and the Rye," but in a more sophisticated, elegant way. And I hated that book...)
Speaking of his syntax (which I would not be caught dead imitating), Mr. Stevens is excessively wordy in his way of speaking; not to mention that he always manages to get off topic. However, his very conservative ways go hand-in-hand with whom he really is. I can't accurately say who he is thus far in the book, but through his way of handling matters (emotionless to any comment or criticism made to him, direct, short-worded answers) I can tell that he is somewhat secretive and/or afraid or ashamed of a past event.
Another proof of his “secretive” past is how he is always attempting to define "What is dignity" and "What is a great butler." Through various examples of his father, he comes up with the definition of dignity and what it means to be a great butler: "And let me tell you this, 'dignity' has to do crucially with a butler's ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits... The great butlers are great by virtue of their ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost; they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming, or vexing." (42) With all the examples he gives of his father, the righteousness in his manner of speaking, and the way he is somehow superior to everyone I sense that he wants us to trust him so that he can confide in us that certain past event that changed him. The book "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" states that every journey is a quest to find oneself (except when it’s not…). Even though Stevens is going on a short vacation (aka the journey) I believe he's not out to find himself; he knows who he is: a confidential butler, who takes pride in his job. But he goes out to reveal a mistake; to relieve himself of an agonizing emotion that is taking over him (perhaps a mistake that happened with Miss Kenton…?)
In the “How to Read” Foster says that tall buildings symbolize male sexuality and landscape symbolizes female sexuality. Does this mean that when Stevens comments on “the English landscape seen at its best” (44) and says that “when one encounters them, one simply knows one is in the presence of greatness” of England, he’s really commenting on the women? I was hoping to find him in some kind of terrible un-butler like situation, but I believe I’m over reading the text… However, I do agree with Katie when she says that the landscape reminds her of Stevens because it “lacks drama.” So true!
Commenting on Dario’s idea of “the butler in each of us”… I hadn’t pictured it that way, but the way you explained it does make sense. So, when we are submissive and respond to authority that would make us Mr. Stevens, and when we rebelled that would make us Miss Kenton (because she obviously left Stevens to pursue her own desires in life)? On the other hand, we are not servants or forced to be submissive. We do it to be respectful and polite. Stevens did it because it was his living, his means of getting bread and a roof over his head… he HAD to do it…
Oh yes.. I’m really hoping for some rain in this book so that I can put my professor reading skills to work! Hahaha
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