Welcome to the world of Stevens! First he's going to make you want to smack him (all that convoluted syntax...) and then he's going to make you sad...Post comments here for the first third of the book.
Stevens is quite the butler. From the first couple of pages, I can see that Stevens is very polite, reserved and sophisticated. He’s very dedicated to his job that his occupation is his life. It’s like he has no social life whatsoever. He’s confined behind the wall of Darlington Hall, never really explores the beautiful countryside of his country (p.4). Apparently, the only clothes he wears are hand-me-downs such as the “number of splendid suits, kindly passed on to me over the years by Lord Darlington himself…” (p.10). Thus, Stevens only knows how to wear suits; he has no clue what a normal person would wear for an outing. Stevens has such great respect of his occupation that he’s reluctant “to change too much of the old ways” (p.7). That is why Stevens’ life seems quite pathetic in some ways. Technology is becoming advanced nowadays so that it reduces more “professional hands”, including Stevens and other servants. I guess that Stevens can’t really face this situation because he’s been a butler in all his life. His own father was also a butler. On pages 33-34, Stevens gives us a convoluted explanation about the “dignity” of “great butlers”. I could almost feel myself smacking Stevens on the head for being too haughty. Stevens feels that dignity is something someone can strive for in one’s career. He considers that an example would be his old man who is the “embodiment of dignity.” I believe that it’s wonderful for a son to have his own father as a role model. However, Stevens doesn’t realize until he sees with his own eyes that his father “the great butler” is falling. Stevens’ father is in his seventies’; he’s too old to accomplish all his butler duties anymore. It must have been annoying and embarrassing for Stevens when servants of lower status like Miss Kenton to criticize the errors of Stevens’ father. The whole scene from pages 56-59 is actually hilarious where Miss Kenton refuses to leave Stevens until he hears and sees what she has to say and show.
Stevens obviously takes pride of his country. He’s British himself. On page 28, he describes of England’s beautiful landscapes, which he read from only a magazine. He speaks of how the country’s beauty and greatness is superior to inferior countries such as America and Africa. I don’t think Stevens has seen enough of England to compare between America and Africa (countries that Stevens has never been through…) Nevertheless, Stevens has that superiority in the air around him. He takes it too seriously to joke around especially when his new American master “banters” to him (p.15-17). Stevens either doesn’t understand the joke or he doesn’t know how to react to the joke. I think that Stevens’ new American master is a swell guy. The problem here is that Stevens makes it difficult to communicate with his master (even though the master is a nice and funny man). I guess that Stevens just doesn’t understand certain “American ways”.
Okay, I just want to say one more thing. At around the same time I started reading this book, I was watching some reruns of The Nanny. The time and place is different between Stevens’ from the book and Niles’ from the TV series, but I thought it was interesting to compare those two butlers anyhow. I prefer Niles because he’s more of an awesome butler to have.
I do admit that the syntax of the book bothered me at first, but I've warmed up to the writing style a bit. I think it's charming to see someone so passionate about something, even if it is being a butler.
One of the things that struck me right off the bat was how the book is presented as a sort of stream of conscience. I feel as if there are two sides of Stevens. The first is, obviously, his life as a butler. He strives to be like his father: stoic, professional, and "great." However, this book, which, from my interpretation, seems to read like a diary or journal, presents a very different side of him. Stevens explores a freedom in his own thoughts and opinions that he doesn't necessarily get to experience in his everyday life. And yes, I said opinions. One of the most revealing things I found about Stevens’ tangents is that he has fairly strong opinions and judgments for someone whose job it is to simply take orders and not ask questions. This seems like an intentional contrast. I definitely think that, even within the first day of his journey, we are already seeing Stevens explore his human potential.
Not to say that Stevens isn’t human, but as the above person noted, Stevens’ refusal to acknowledge his father’s age as well as the first mentioned encounter with Miss Kenton (page 52) represent something more. It appears to me that Stevens has a deep seeded problem with emotional commitment and empathy. Perhaps this is a result of his profession, but I see the profession not just as a potential cause, but a result. As a butler, Stevens is always planning ahead, reflecting on the past, or taking orders. Never does he take the time to live in the moment. In doing so, Stevens allows himself to be separated from his emotions, but is that really so “great?” He allows himself to take comfort in doing his job well, but this is merely a replacement for the hole in Stevens’ heart (it’s not like his dad showed him much love).
My last point is just about the glimmer of hope we get of Stevens. Now, as we all know, journeys often symbolize self-discovery and growth. For Stevens, this comes in two ways: he is given time to reflect on his life and is being placed out of his normal environment (a place where his regular attire wouldn’t be suitable [no pun intended]). On page 25, the strange man encourages Stevens to walk up a path just to experience a beautiful view. First and foremost, Stevens states that after looking out from that spot, he “began for the first time to adopt a frame of mind appropriate for the journey before [him].” (26) However, what I considered to be the more important quote was 2 pages later, when he reflects on the day: “I find that what really remains with me from this first day’s travel is not Salisbury Cathedral, nor any of the other charming sights of this city, but rather that marvelous view encountered this morning of the rolling English countryside.” Not only does this quote basically contain the title of the story, but it is Stevens’ first sign that you can’t plan for everything and sometime you have live in the moment to experience “great” things.
(If you made it this far, I salute you. My post is finally done.)
I agree with Keith that the syntax was difficult at the beginning, but as I kept on reading, it became easier. At the beginning of the book, my impression on Stevens was he was too serious about his job as H-EST might have mentioned. Although Stevens does take extreme pride in his job and it's an individual effort, I also think it has to do with England and its culture. Stevens "did not take Mr.Farraday's suggestion seriously" because he regarded it as "just another instance of an American gentleman's unfamiliarity with what was not commonly done in England" (pg.4). The American culture is different from England's and that is one of the main messages the author is attempting to convey to us, is the clash of American and English culture. It's not as if he didn't get the joke or didn't want to partake in it, it's just the fact that he's not used to being joked around with or that kind of lenient American courtesy. I do agree with the fact that he doesn't know how to react to it because his former was English and he was a Lord, and I'm sure he didn't act like that with him. It's both a positive and a negative thing how seriously Stevens takes his job because on one hand he's very good at what he does, but on the other, he's missing out on being someone or something else besides being a butler. He basically makes it his whole life, not once in the book was it mentioned that he was interested in a lady or any types of music or anything besides his job. I didn't want to exactly scorn Stevens because he's the way he is because that's how he was engendered and his perception on certain things have a lot to do with his environment and what he's used to, so i can't blame him for that. Although that is entirely true, I did feel slightly annoyed when Mr.Farraday was making another one of his many attempts to have a friendly relationship with Stevens, but instead of him taking it in a light- hearted way, he compared him to his former employer, Lord Darlington saying how it was "an embarrassing situation Lord Darlington would never place an employee" (pg 14). Stevens was being ignorant and it seems as if he wasn't making an attempt back. Stevens almost has this enslaved mentality that he has to acquiesce to his employer's every need perfectly, and if he doesn't, then he did something wrong and he beats himself up about it. I get it that one has to do one's job with the utmost professionalism but one can't let one's profession define who one is and what one does with the rest of one's life. At first i didn't understand the point of the author writing about Stevens' father, but later on I understood that there was a moral to the story that both the speaker ant the author wanted his readers to understand. Stevens was describing how his father was when he was a butler, and how much "pride" he took in his work, and i ended up really liking the story. It's true that his father was an amazing butler and a proud one at that, but his father had his own time to be like that. I don't think his father should still be working at his age, because it becomes not a subject of pride, but of negligence. It's nice that Stevens looks up to his father, but he does not have to be like him, the sooner he realizes that, the better. I agree with Miss Kenton that his father probably did once possess " a magical power", but it's gone now, and there's really no necessity to restore it. I also liked the way Miss Kenton stood up for herself, she has to prove herself twice as hard because she's a woman, and that's exactly what she did.
I agree that the syntax was very difficult in the beginning, but the author shifts his writing into more of a reflective piece. I was much taken back by the way this book was written. I’ve never read a book that was based solely on a character’s memories. I found it interesting how Stevens was reminiscing on a part of his life, while another part of his life was occurring at the same time.
One thing that struck me was Stevens’ interest in becoming a “great” butler. He spends some time trying to figure out what actually made a “great” butler, but ended up referring to his father. In Stevens’ entire effort to become a “great” butler, I think that he truly wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father.
In regards to Stevens’ character, I find him very typical. In all types of media, butlers are assigned some type of wittiness that is definitely found in Stevens. I thought it was very hilarious that Stevens had to practice his wittiness that his lordship expected of him. I thought that Stevens’ character was very submissive to his lordships. In a way, Stevens did not have a reason to live besides to serve his lordships. I found that Stevens always tried to please his employer, whether it be defending him, or serving him. So far, I feel as though Stevens is hiding something from the audience in the way he talks about Lord Darlington. He states that people talk about him in a not so positive way, but he never goes into depth about what Darlington actually did. Even after Darlington died and the land was bought by Mr. Farraday, Stevens continues to display a sort of loyalty to Lord Darlington. So far, I think that there is more to Lord Darlington that Stevens does not display. Part of the loyalty Stevens shows to his masters contributes to his idea of being a “great” butler. It seems as though Stevens is in a frame of thought that it is his duty to fulfill all of the expectations of his master, and of his father. But, I think that Stevens holds these standards higher than anyone else.
I have to admit that when I read the first two pages of this book, the complex (and quite contemporarily British) sentence structure brought a tear to my eye, but it was something easy enough to adjust to. Actually, sometimes I found myself reading the fastest and most comprehensively when I'd read "with an accent" in my head. At times in the beginning of the story it was difficult to grasp the time period, seeing as the book is formatted as journal entries (as proposed by the chapter titles) with a million conjoined reflections bouncing from one example to another. Surely this is an excellent time period in which to place a story--the highly tumultuous period between World War I and World War II. Like everyone else has mentioned before me, Stevens' sheer "butlerocity," for lack of an actual term, is phenomenal. It is absolutely appalling that someone could live the way he does. The author uses the word "pantry" for his bedroom, and Miss Kenton comes in with flowers early on in the story so as to brighten it up a little bit (thereby hinting on is dreariness)to which Stevens declines vehemently. What does that say about his character? He is droll, and even worse, he’s contentedly dull. It could just be me, but it is simply appalling that anyone could be so subservient and to a certain extent, out of their own life entirely. Stevens, his staff, and their employer are essentially amounting up to one person living in a gigantic house. The wealthy employer handles the executive instructions and social planning, while the others, though technically individuals, ensure that the “brain” of the household is fed and kept comfortable, completely shirking their own lives. All of these efforts on the part of around 25 people amount to the life of one fairly rich and extremely dedicated mother. The thing that is most representative of Stevens’ outlandishly formal personality, I believe, is the dialogue between him and the other characters. For instance, that same time when Miss Kenton comes into his room bearing flowers, their conversation is so passive-aggressively “pleasant” that it’s nearly enough to make one sick. The formalities they employ and discuss, like those regarding the proper manner of how Miss Kenton should address Mr. Stevens Senior as such rather than by his Christian name William, are indicative of an unbelievably professional atmosphere. It’s a wonder these people don’t kill each other after living in such dry, formal circumstances after a while! Perhaps this behavior strikes me as intolerable simply because I am not the kind of person who is likely to just sit there when being ostracized. Perhaps it is a cultural thing, as Stevens describes to his new American employer Mr. Farraday. One thing is for sure, I can tell that whatever the reason behind Stevens’ stark professionalism and utter pride in his job, he is not so enthusiastic to find that the times have changed around him. He consistently complains about how things are not as they used to be, that the days of glory for the old houses of the English gentlemen have past. I have a feeling that this general scorn for the new “generation of professionals” will be the impetus for more than one flashback.
I agree with the observations above regarding Steven's character. Initially, I got the impression that he was meek and pathetic as he described how being in Mr. Farraday’s Shadow brought him satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment as a butler. This I believe is all attributed to how Stevens aspires to leave behind a legacy as successful as his father’s. Unfortunately, in England the better you are as a butler the more apathetic and hollow you become; this is demonstrated through the stories that Stevens recalls about his father, particularly the one about the army general whose misguidance led to Stevens’ older brother’s death. When Stevens father found out that he had to wait on him, he decided that he would dutifully cater to the man’s needs and not express feelings of displeasure and anger. This tale embodies Stevens’ personal philosophy regarding dignity, and how “the great butlers are great by virtue of their ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost.” This ideology has permeated his entire life and his hindered his ability to develop relationships as evidenced by his interaction with Ms. Keaton and his father. Poor Keaton was taken aback when she approached Stevens and offered to “bring in some more cuttings (52),” for the room, however Stevens curtly responded by saying “I am happy to have distractions kept to a minimum (52).” Even if this guy is among other butlers he still retains his sense of professionalism. This professional identity that he has created makes him unapproachable, pretentious and almost void of any emotions. Furthermore, Stevens is so immersed into his job, that he fails to realize that his father, who like Stevens has been nothing but a butler for his entire life, is becoming to old to perform simple tasks around the house which Ms. Keaton shows him. Whilst discharging his father, he leaves the brick wall of butlery up as he talks to him. Additionally, “there was no trace of emotion” on Stevens Senior!! However, he is going on a JOURNEY, and when someone decides to JOURNEY, they will arrive enlightened by the end of their JOURNEY. And I think early on you begin to notice differences in his character. Once he leaves the neighborhood where he made “various excursions for one professional reason or another,” he begins to “feel a sense of alarm,” where he “was perhaps not on the correct road at all, but speeding off in totally the wrong direction into a wilderness.” Also, author begins to the use the setting as a way to explore the man’s transformation. The forest that he traverses through isn’t his conventional clean cut garden, it is free of rigidness and offers expression and freedom; which I think Steven’s will ultimately attain as he has been forced to begin establishing a line between his job and life.
When I first started this novel I was forced to face the evils of the dreaded syntax that went along with the British society. As time went on reading became less of a uphill battle and became more feasible. Kellie and I have a commonality in the aspect that we have never read a work of literature that was based solely on the memory of a character while commentary is administered at the same time.
I agree with H-EST about the perception of Stevens’ character. A quote that is a clear example of his dedication is how Stevens talks about how it was his “privilege to see that best of England over the years…within these very walls” (p.4). I can see why you think that he was a pathetic tendency about him. At first I felt the same about him but as I read I felt some sympathy for him. It could be inferred that his whole world revolves around Darlington Hall by his reaction toward Mr. Farraday’s suggestion. He almost seems resistant to take time off. Stevens’ obsession of being a “great” butler will surely drive him insane if he doesn’t find a sense of normalcy between the two. As I reader I found that quite odd because one would think he would be relieved to take some time off from Darlington Hall.
I also agree with Sandy and how she thought there was a clash between British and American society. The British people have always been said to be proper, refined, and eloquent. Stevens lack of interest for Mr.Farraday’s banter comes from the way Darlington Hall was run for so many years. Stevens only wishes to exhibit the tendencies of a “great butler” and not of a companion. Mr. Farraday does not understand how enveloped that Stevens is to his occupation. The funny thing is that I highly doubt that Stevens would ever mention his feelings to Mr.Farraday. He solely chooses to add internal commentary.
When it comes to his occupation, Stevens is so dedicated and meticulous that he cannot stand his own mistakes on account of the staff. In my opinion, I did not think that butler’s would hold the occupation to such high standards. Does this behavior normally happen in the British society? Stevens’ is likely to push his own feelings and thoughts to the back of his mind for the sake of professionalism like his father often did. His father was a butler that exhibited all the qualities that Stevens wished to uphold back at the Darlington Hall. For some reason this takes me back to the first chapter of “How to Read Like A Professor”. Mr. Farraday may have sent Stevens on a mini vacation, but I think his path will lead him somewhere different. Does any one else feel the same about the whole quest/quester situation?
So far I just think that I am waiting for something big to happen. Hopefully part two some sort of excitement. It seems as though Ishiguro likes to drive the same amount of information until the audience completely understands the just of the situation.
I agree with everyone that the syntax was very difficult. At some point I was ready to give up because I never read a book starting like that. It took me time to finally past that. But anyways to start with, Stevens takes “pride” in his work. I like that very much you don’t see that now these days. What bother me is that I don’t think Stevens really care about anything else but been a “ Great Butler” He took two page to talk , or to define what a great Butler is like he said in the text not “who is a Great Butler, but what is a great butler? “My father not only manifests, but comes close to being the personification itself, of what the Hayes society terms ‘dignity’ in keeping with his position”. That show that one of the great Butler to him would be his dad and his very proud to say that and also shows that he wants to follow his dad footstep. Something that stand out to me is when he said “ We English have an important advantage over foreigners in this respect and it is for this reason that when you think of a great butler, he is bound , almost by definition, to be an Englishman.” I thought he was taking this a little far, saying that you could only find a great butler only in England. First of all has he ever met or work with other butler that’s not from England? Well that never occur in my mind that the best or great butler would be or his bound to be Englishmen. I think everyone has a definition of what a great butler is? It’s like he trying to say people that came from other countries are not as “Great butler” as the Englishmen, but the question is how does he knows? As I continue to read the story Stevens introduce us to Miss Kenton. I believe he was a little too uptight talking about his father,” My father is a figure of unusual distinction from whom you may learn a wealth of things were you prepared to be more observant.” I understand that his dad is one of the best butlers, or he has pride in his work. I feel like the way Stevens was talking to Miss Kenton was a just a little bit rude. After having that little talk, Miss Kenton make sure that every little mistake that Stevens dad has done, he report it to Stevens or show it to him . I feel like the only reason Miss Kenton did that was to show him that first of all everybody mistakes and second doesn’t matter how much pride you have in your work, there’s a time or limit a person work is done. Yes we would remember the great works that Mr. Stevens use to do but it’s time for him to retired. Like Sandy said Mr. Stevens had his own time, now it’s time for someone else to step up to the plates.
I agree with what’s been said before, based on how Stevens carry himself as a person. He’s extremely serious, and it seems like how to be a great butler’s the focus of his life. I thought it was weird how he was worried over little mishaps that took place that weren’t noticed by anyone except for him. It seems like he doesn’t know how to react to certain things in his life unless it has to do with his job. I think he has problems connecting with other people, like the way he talks to Miss Kenton, or how he doesn’t really have a relationship with his father anymore. I find it interesting how his dad is his idea of the definition of a great butler, but the way he treats his father doesn’t really reflect that. I think that he was having a difficult time coping with his father’s illness, because that would mean that his father’s no longer that great butler. Being a butler’s his life. He’s never really been anywhere before unless it had to do with him traveling with his employer. I disagree with what Sandy said. I do think that he’s trying to have that relationship with Mr. Farraday. It’s just that, this type of task was not expected of him before. So no w he feels uncomfortable and out of place, because he’s never had to be witty before. I just think he takes life too seriously, like how hard he has to think to try to come up with an answer to what’s being said to him, because he wants to get it right.
Personally the syntax was a little different, but I did not find it bothering at all. It was actually quite enjoyable, as David mentioned, that reading "with an accent" in my head does help and also helps set the mood a little.
We all know that Stevens is very serious about his job as a butler. Everything he does has to be on a professional level, even meeting others, such as Miss Kenton. I have noticed that Miss Kenton has tried to become more than just professional relationship, but more of that as a close friend, but Stevens merely ignores it and insists that they stay professional at all times. I feel that by doing so, Stevens is missing out on a large part of life. He is worrying too much about his duties as a butler, to the fact that he continues to take on this role even during the times that he is alone. It is said that even when in his parlor, he acts as if he is still working. I go agree with some of the previous posters, I believe Keith said that Stevens is actually showing a lot of character himself now through these narrated memories. Not only does he form and share his opinions with us, he also continues to give new ideas, or predictions of what might have possible happen if he did something a little different. I think in doing so during this trip he is going on, gives him a chance to breathe and express himself truly without having to feel that he needs to continue with his butler role.
About his father, and dignity, is seems as though he takes dignity way too seriously, and maybe a better word that he is looking for is professionalism and not dignity. How he describes it, it merely says that the butlers should always stay professional and act their roles without question. They must put their duties first, above all personal reasons, but isn't that what professionalism is, to be able to stay professional during the worst times?
Another thing, although Miss Kenton and Stevens seem to have a "forced" friendship, or I guess a very straight forward relationship, I believe that something will happen to it in the end. She, I feel, is actually mentioned more than any other character. Every story has to have Miss Kenton in it, and his trip is also to ask Miss Kenton to return to Darlington Hall. This is more than just a regular relationship, she must be a very important character in understanding Stevens.
Many of you have mentioned the syntax. I'll give my take on it. When I read books, I let the story flow over me and get a general sense of what's happening. Five pages in and I had no idea what they were talking about. The main problem was the writing. It didn't feel like someone was talking to me. Rather, it felt like someone writing a very polite speech, almost a report. People don't use words like "liable" "befall" and "trivial" in everyday language. So I hammered down and concentrated. Fourty pages in and I only get about half the story. Maybe 3/4.
I don't understand how Ishiguro managed to make the exitinig world of butlery into something so dry. Head butlers are supposed to face with impossible situations every day. If the cook burns dinner just before the guests arrive, the head butler will surely make amends. Instead Stevens is an emotionless bore. All that ever concerns him are his duties and butlery. He is able to see the most beautiful view of a good part of England and he sums it up in one tiny paragraph. A paragraph four times smaller than its surrounding peers. He "heartily recommends" a series of geography books. The only word to describe him would be "butler".
Enough complaining. On to literature.
I suspect Stevens feels a tad superior to his boss. He always speaks in the proper English manner while Mr Farraday speaks colloquially. Note that Stevens always quotes Mr Farraday's "foot the bill for the gas". While Mr Farraday wants a small cozy household, Stevens insists on a traditional setup and stands aloof. Cultural I suppose.
I really liked the tiger story. It has that butler flair. If there's a problem, he'll solve it.
My impressions of the book so far? I still want to smack him.
When I first began reading, I constantly kept putting off the novel, merely reading a few pages a day because of the convoluted syntax. However, as I gained more interest, it became much easier to read and I felt that the syntax was more enjoyable. The syntax allowed the author to provide a different perspective on a butler’s life to make it more interesting to the audience.
From beginning of the novel, I noticed that Ishiguro employs a framed structure. He constantly switches between past and present memories to describe Stevens’ life as a butler and to develop his character. My first impression of Stevens was that he is very boastful and holds high standards for a butler. He believes that in this generation “finding recruits of a satisfactory standard is no easy task” (p.6). Also, Stevens spends a considerable amount of time defining the term “dignity”. He believes that merely being a “competent butler” does not attribute to the qualities of a “great butler”. Instead, in his opinion, a “great butler” is someone who is possesses “a dignity in keeping with his position”. Furthermore, he makes it a point to distinguish between other butlers and his father to demonstrate how his father “was the embodiment of dignity”(p.34). In this instance, I feel Stevens is being biased towards his father’s case. Though, his father has committed many errors as a butler, Stevens’ regards them as “trivial”. He chooses to ignore them and continues to follow his father’s lead to obtain the title of a “great butler”. For example, the dialogue between Miss Kenton about the Chinamen and their “incorrect positions” reveals that perhaps Mr. Stevens senior is not as “great” as Stevens describes. This moment serves as realization for Stevens because he learns that his father is slowly losing the legacy that Stevens takes pride in. As a result, their relationship loses its essence and Stevens begins to isolate himself from his father now that they do not share any similarities as butlers. To Stevens, his profession holds more significance than anything else, which I feel is somewhat pathetic.
Also, I found the scene between Miss Kenton and Stevens to be particularly entertaining because as David pointed out earlier, it demonstrates their passive-aggressive relationship. Both of them in a sense are quite similar. Despite Miss Kenton’s cheerful and lively personality, she is as determined as Stevens to carry out her duties proficiently. She does not like to be questioned about her abilities and “[takes] her work very seriously”. I think this relationship will prove to be meaningful later on. The journey that Stevens undertakes to recruit Miss Kenton will help transform him into a better human being. We can already see Stevens changing his perspective when he states, “that what really remains with me from this first day’s travel is not Salisbury Cathedral, nor any of the other charming sights of this city, but rather that marvellous view encountered this morning of the rolling English countryside” (p.28).
It will be interesting to see what happens in the second part of the book when Stevens actually meets Miss Kenton.
I did (like everyone else!) find this book at the beggining hard to read and am very glad it got easier. But I do like how the author chose to start the book, he doesn’t write about the main character (i.e a run down of his life, in order) specifically in the beginning like other novels but you as the reader nonetheless already get a sense of him because of his views on all the other character and his quirky insights. I agree with H-Est I wanted to smack Stevens in the head also for being so pompous. His whole life is revolved around him being a butler and as such he can't fathom why anyone would want to dream of fall in love, leave their position or even dream at all. Something so emotionally simple that he cant understand says a lot about his character. That and the conversation he had with his father about him relieving his duties. He didn't grow up with a father who showered him with love, not to say his father didn't love him. Although Stevens did not discuss his childhood, It seems to me like his dad raised his son to be a butler; cold, polite and efficient. It's like he has no room in his life to just dream. But he did stand up for his father to Ms.Keaton like he was in denial and I thought that was unusually emotional of him, but even that was said as politly as possible. It wasn’t until His Lordship brought it up that Stevens began to consider it. He makes note of the starkness of his father's bedroom but his office was the same way. All Steven's father ever had in his life was his duty and now that he's getting too old to do it, but doesn’t want to admit it. He hold on to his job (even tho his son gave him a demotion) as hard as he can. He's not the distinguished butler he used to be and he can't really claim to have any sort of relationship with his son. Stevens just a younger version of his father.
When he kept talking about how there could be no real butlers anywhere else except England I thought a little of the poem "White Man's Burden". By him implying that no one could control themselves like the English could, it reminded me of the condescending and ignorant tone of that poem. The way he described everyone “foreign” as “a man who will at the slightest provocation, tear off his suit and his shirt and run about screaming" implies that he feels as if foreigners differences make them savages. He's never been out of England and has no real understanding of what really lies outside the halls of Darrington Hall yet he assumes to know that Englishmen are the best. I don’t dislike Stevens, I just found the connection between the poem and the way he views foreigners similar.
A man who is relentless in his occupation, filled with undying passion for his country, and seemingly endowed with an undying determination to achieve his goals, Stevens is unlike any character I have come across in my readings. Apart from the style of writing (which took a bit to get used to, but nonetheless quite enjoyable), The Remains of the Day was actually a pleasant surprise (at least throughout the first 110 pages).
After readiig this portion of the book, I believe the following quote is quite the accurate description as to why Stevens behaves in the manner he does; " 'dignity' has to do crucially with a butler's ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits...they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming, or vexing." (Ishiguro 42-43). This code of honor, so to speak, proves to be EXTREMELY true during the international conference held at Darlington Hall, during which Stevens' father has what proves to be a fatal stroke. Stevens' father, a renowned butler himself, always kept his job in mind, asking Stevens if all was still proceeding smoothly in the conference even as he lay on his deathbed. Furthermore, as Stevens attends to Monsieur Lupont's foot (huge sissy), Miss Kenton delivers the terrifying news to him; his father succumbed to the stroke and his body lay lifeless in his tiny room in the attic. You would think Stevens would go see his father, but keep in mind the above quote about "dignity" when Stevens gives the following response to Miss Kenton's question, "Will you come up and see him?" (106); "Im very busy just now, Miss Kenton. In a little while perhaps" (106). I'm not sure how to react to that, but that must be some sense of dignity to do what he did.
Now, back to the actual present time (in the book, anyway), where Stevens is on a trip to try and recruit the now Ms. Benn (formerly Miss Kenton) back to Darlington Hall. He seems to be on a "quest" (chapter 1 of How To Read) and I am actually quite interested to see how that develops. We have not seen much of the present, as most of the novel has been his memories and journal entries. However, while sitting on a hill he does mention "field upon field rolling off into the far distance" (26). In How to Read, it is mentioned that rolling landscapes are representative of female sexuality. Could this mean that at the end of this quest there will be some kind of romance between Stevens and Miss Kenton? Addtionally, a hint of what seems to be anticipation was dropped when Stevens said that "her marriage is finally come to an end" (48). It should be pretty interesting to see what happens there, especially at their age!
And who could forget Miss Kenton? A fiery spirited and classy young lady (in the journal entries), she is definitely a very good foil to Stevens aura of superiority. Although she is not quite as devoted to her work as Stevens is to his, Miss Kenton is nonetheless mentioned as "the perfect solution to the problem besetting us [the staff] at Darlington Hall" (49). I truly look forward to her reunion with Stevens and I also hope just a little bit that a budding romance comes to fruition upon their reunion.
What I noticed in the first chapter, apart from the lengthy words that Stevens likes to use, is the lack of dialogue. Instead, Stevens narrates the scenes with some phrases here and there. Phrases are nice, but I wanted to see what Mr. Farraday’s bantering sounded like in full. ‘foot the bill for the gas’ and ‘give it a go with four’ don’t make enough sense alone to satisfy my needs. What I basically wanted was something more to compare Mr. Farraday’s dialect to Stevens to get a sense of what “normal” people talked like. And Ms. Kenton doesn’t really help (in one of Stevens’ flashbacks) because she speaks just like him. But at least there is more dialogue after the prologue. Stevens feels that a true butler needs to have dignity. I can’t really explain it as well as he does but it takes an extreme amount of discipline and a strong ability to hide emotions. I personally don’t like how proud he is in saying this because he takes it way too serious. I find it both sad and humorous at how serious he takes butlering. I wouldn’t be proud of a father who, for four days, serves a man who was responsible for killing someone in the family. It all seems really foolish to hold so much pride in being a ‘butler’ when a mere ‘manservant’ does the same job. Stevens never mentions anything about quality of the actual work done, it’s all about the image of being a butler to him. This is similar to women who want to be “beautiful” these days (yes this is from last year’s beauty unit) because Stevens is destroying his human nature to fit a certain image (kind of a bad comparison, but I hope you get it).
I agree with Keith that this book reads like a diary/journal. That was my first impression too. Like everyone else, I agree that the syntax is very complex. However, I have taken a liking to it and don’t find it hard to read or to understand at all. I find it interesting and like David and Belinda, it is fun to read it with an accent.
Sandy – I like your view about the clashes between American and English from the scene of Stevens and Lord Darlington. Armir – I see where you are coming from with the comparison to beauty and yes, I got what you are talking about. Stevens is trying to fit a ‘great’ butler image, and in doing so, he forgot who he is, a human being.
Going back to the syntax that everyone found hard to get accustomed to, I find that it is appropriate for the book. One, we are reading journal entries from an English butler. Two, it shows Stevens’ nature, as someone ‘dull’ (as mentioned by David). The way Stevens speaks, even his thoughts are very put together and ‘perfect.’ It is also void of emotion. Everything about him is miserable like his ‘pantry’ is miserable and boring. It goes to show that Stevens is trapped within his job. Even though he sounds like he’s proud of his job and like it, when we strip away the syntax and the tone, he’s a miserable man. I mean, he’s never been outside of “these very walls” of Lord Darlington’s mansion. He talks about his dad, not about love but about what a great butler his dad was. All he does is worry about is his job and not himself. He’s in his middle age (I think) and he doesn’t have that ‘significant other.’ His view about marriage is that it interferes with work. How sad is that?
Other than that, I believe that his trip is his ‘quest’ (from How to Read Like a Professor). In the end, he will learn more about himself once he returned. Also, his view of his job will also change as well as his view of the world. So far, what I understand is that the people who he talks to are all other butlers and his master. His view of the world is very narrow and his trip will widen that view. Even though he is a butler and his master treats him nicely, to me he is like a slave. A slave to his own job.
So far, I am enjoying the book and the language is intriguing. It’s different and it’s nice to read in a different style once in a while. And I don't want to smack him but I do feel sorry for him.
My first thoughts throughout reading the beginnning of this book is that, well one it's really difficult for me to bear the language, and two I just kind of see this book as the boring life of a butler who takes a road trip. I have finished it though so I know it's more than that, but it was really hard to get beyond that point. I think Stevens is incredibly dedicated to his work and it's interesting to read about some of the experiences he dealt with regarding his masters. I also really like Miss Kenton, I think she is a really head-strong character and I like the way she deals with Stevens. Going back to what I said about Stevens' dedication, as the book goes on I think that he is just absorbed by his duties and the pride he has in his father that he can't admit what is really going on. I did notice that he always just keeps moving. He never seems to stop, or think about how something effects him, or take enjoyment out of his life. The road trip is the first thing he has done for himself in a long time. I did find humor in the book though, on page 82 when Lord Darlington asks him to relay the 'facts of life' to his godson. I can almost feel the anguish Stevens feels at that request. When I read the conversation Stevens has with Mr Cardinal, I found it clever. Luckily, he didn't have to go into much depth because his godson, at twenty-three years old, already knew all about it. I hoped so, for he is after all, engaged.
Chloe just took the words right out of my mouth. During the prelude, I had no idea what Stevens was talking about. I had to reread each paragraph and try to make sense of what it’s about. The format of the writing is just so polite, and reserve that I just want to smack him. I had to force myself to finish the prelude, let’s just say I wasn’t looking forward to chapter 1.
However, as the story progress, it was easier to follow the storyline. Like Needlam, I thought it was very bias when Stevens ignore the mistakes that his father made. In his opinion his father was considered a “great” butler, he even mentions two occasions when his father show the qualities that a “great” butler must possess. Rather than choosing to accept those “trivial” mistakes his father made, Stevens choose to ignore them, because he can’t accept the fact that the father he used to admire is losing his touch. I thought it was funny when he tried to “contemplated departure via the French window” p. 58 so he can escape the confrontation between him and Miss Kenton. It’s obvious he wants to ignore the signs of his father losing his touch. It’s interesting to see how in this book Stevens wants to be the same as his father ‘to be a great butler”, however in Things Fall Apart, Okonowo wants to be the complete opposite of his father. One thing that’s similar is that fact that they’re both driven by their father.
I agree with Sandy and Ngoc, that there’s definitely a clash between cultures involve here. During his service to Lord Darlington Stevens never encountered any joking or teasing remarks, everything was professional and straightforward. That’s just the way the relationship between a butler and his Lord are. However, as his new employer is American, he likes to make jokes. It was so funny when Stevens attempted to try to reply to one of his Lords’ jokes one day during breakfast, but failed. After that failure, he was too embarrassed to make another attempt. I was just crackling up. It’s during these moments that kept me reading.
Regarding Miss Kenton I think Stevens have some special feelings for her. He kept on rereading the letters over and over again to try to decipher the meaning of them. He continues to say that nothing in the letter “mentions that Miss Kenton wants to come back to Darlington Hall” but despite that he still clings on to the hope that she wants to return. Stevens criticizes the servants when they leave their work because they want to get marry, but the only exception to that was Miss Kenton. Stevens said that even though Miss Kenton got married, while she was on the job she was “very professional” till the end. I wonder how the meeting between them will play out.
As most people pointed out, the syntax of the book is very hard to get by, but I found that the more I read it was easier to accept. The book has been very boring to be thus far. I understand that the background and character of Steven’s is being developed, but I think that the way the author chose to do it was a bit slow and proved strenuous to read through.
Steven’s has proved to be one of the most frustrating narrators I have endured in my readings, but also one of the most interesting. Steven’s has thrown himself into his profession as a butler and has completely abandoned every other aspects of life, such as having human relationships and friendships. His entire life revolves around striving to be a “great” butler. He presents himself as pompous, but I believe it is due to the fact that in his mind, the butler is the backbone of English society and is the only thing holding civilized life together.
It has already become evident that Steven’s does not accept his ideals being tested and this started being present in the relationship with his new employer. He does not see him as a proper employer, which he focuses on by saying it is due to the fact that he is American. The American style of life is completely opposite from what he believes the English way of life should continue to be. The changing of the times in England seems to be the biggest challenge for Steven’s. This idea continues when Miss Kenton entered the picture. Steven’s viewed his father as the ultimate butler and believed he would be able to continue to be until his death. Miss Kenton opposed this idea and made it very evident that his father had become lacking and needed less responsibility. This caused great stress between him and Miss Kenton due to the threat she had on his ideals.
Miss Kenton is slowly gaining importance in the novel and I can’t help but agree that there seems to be some feelings that cross the line of friendship on Steven’s part. It seems that Steven’s has come to view her as a equal and his constant mention of her makes me think that there could be a chance for something more than friendship. I am interested in seeing what develops, but I do hope the book becomes more eventful because I seem to being loosing focus.
I agree with previous posts in that the syntax was indeed somewhat difficult. However I did find that Stevens talks a lot and seems to be stuck in the past. Although I do realize that in this part of the book the character is still developing and we are still getting background information about him. However, I feel as though Stevens is too focused on his father and needs to realize that it is no longer possible to be the type of butler his father was. I also see that though Stevens claims to be from a different generation, he is trying to be too much like his father. Like when he tells the story of his father dying, I don't think it shows how great a butler he is, instead i think it shows how much he is trying to be like his father, except that he has given his life to being a butler and has not, stopped to actually live life. As for the subject of Miss Kenton, I feel as though her coming back is just his wishful thinking, I think he just wants her to come back so he can have things the way they used to be when Lord Darlington was still alive. Stevens thinks too much about work and not enough about himself as a person removed from work. I feel as though his life revolves around his job.
I have to say, I put this book off a lot. I think I read the beginning pages like six times this summer but once I got into the story, as everyone else of course, the book was not difficult to read at all.
At times I found Stevens to be a snob. Especially during that encounter when Ms. Kenton went to bring him flowers. Like really, he couldn’t even say thank you, just “excuse me but I enjoy my depressing room, and hello look at your self, you are not up to my standards. And let me tell you, you are clearly not as good as my emotionless father. And did I mention you have no manners.” Well, he didn’t say it like that but I thought he needed to lighten up a little. But then when Ms. Kenton fired back with all her frequent comments on the mistakes Stevens’ father was making, I thought that was being insensitive. It’s only natural that someone would want to be proud of their father. I think other than the love Stevens’ has for his profession I think he really loved his father. He seems pretty emotionless but when he often rants on a subject like his father or his profession, I think that shows how passionate he is about it.
Speaking of ranting, he always seems to go back to Ms. Kenton. I agree with Katherine’s assumption that there has to be something between Stevens and Ms. Kenton. When they worked together all they did was argue. That’s often what younger kids do when they like each other and they were definitely both being immature. If there isn’t anything between them, then I’m at least going to infer that they are fond of one another. Maybe not at this point in his flashbacks but later on. As Neelam pointed out, I think it will be interesting to see how it goes when he see’s Ms. Kenton.
Throughout the first day and the morning of the second day (what I assumed to be part one) Stevens gives us his opinion on what makes "greatness" and "dignity". As soon as his journey begins we are told exactly what he dignifies as great. He compares Britain’s countryside and the "breathtaking" scenes of Africa and America and declares that the British countryside is greater than the rest precisely because of its “lack of obvious drama or spectacle” (p28).This is a philosophy that seems to extend to his life and more specifically to his work. We all know that Stevens is a British butler, but perhaps we have not taken into consideration that during the time in which this novel took place a butler was nothing more than a servant and a servant was seen as a lesser being, and as such they were expected to ignore their own comfort in favor of that of their employer. I see this as the reason why in the prelude Stevens was so preoccupied with his lack of experience in “Bantering”. As he explains what greatness is he ties it with dignity so that a great man (or butler) should have dignity in order to be considered great. As an example of men with dignity he uses his father and three experiences in which dignity is demonstrated. To the reader this would seem as a son idolizing his father, but considering that the son has built his life around his father morals, the term idolizing falls a little short. Here I don’t think that Stevens is idolizing his father as much as his ideas, which aren’t even his father’s ideas but those of a mythic situation. In terms of his Butlers position Stevens boils down dignity to having “to do with a butlers ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits” (pg42), which in terms of the general population means that greatness comes with the dignity of keeping to ones duties despite the personal views that might be held by the individual. To me it seemed that Stevens was trying to build up to his intended subject of greatness. Lord Darlington. When Stevens speaks of him he does so in a reverent way and often uses duty as a reason for many of his actions. To Stevens this means that his employer was a great man, which contradicts what many people believed. Stevens here begins to give us example of how his Lord was indeed a great man.
This book reads like some sort of diary that he writes, but with full intent of sharing it with the world. In the beginning, he shows his almost robotic attempt to acknowledge Mr. Farraday's little inappropriate jokes. Because he is not used to the language and culture of American life, he needs to adjust accordingly. As his employer allows him to go on a trip around the country to “make use of a good break”, he believes it improper at first, but then takes advantage of Farraday “footing the bill for the gas.” On this trip, he begins to tell of what he sees, but then he becomes a little tangential in his story telling. He takes another look to Miss Kenton’s letters and goes into stories reminiscing about the times where his father and Miss Kenton both start work at Darlington Hall. It seems that their relationship, at the beginning, was really rocky. Neither of them were very fond of each other and they often had tension between the two of them. Now, I’d like to reference the first chapter of How to Read Literature like a Professor. The quest that Stevens is taking is through England, for the reasons of seeing England and convincing Miss Kenton to go back to Darlington Hall. Underlying reasons, it seems, could be taking Miss Kenton because he’s actually in love with her. Could that be possible? There’s still another two thirds of the book to try to figure that out.
So many people have already commented on the syntax so I will just say that I agree and that I had to look up a few terms.
Okay. First off, Mr. Stevens apparently does come across as being arrogant in the first pages in which he was introduced. He speaks so holily of the many attributes required for a house servant to merit the title of ‘great butler’. What I find really annoying about him is that he goes on to describe, in heavy length, these attributes and then finds the audacity to hint his duties to ones of a ‘great butler’. A specific instance involves their ability to maintain composure in their profession during work hours, something which Mr. Stevens has consistently devoted his time with. Whether from Mr. Farraday’s offer to ‘foot the bill for the gas’ or when Miss Kenton bears to him the ‘trivial’ errors of Mr. Stevens senior’s work around the Hall, the narrator is able to fall back to his “gentleman” qualities and not fall out of his quiet and kept-to-himself image. Although he never necessarily states that he is, himself, a ‘great butler’ it feels as though he wants us to believe that he is one; especially since he describes the ‘great difficulties’ of organizing an effective staff plan and the great meeting of the political figures later on. Does he want us to give him mucho props or something?
Also, he rants on about how, on a continental scale, the English population of butlers rises above the rest. He seems to refer that other nations harbor less-dedicated housekeepers as a reflection of their country. Whenever many of us visualize anyone that bears properness, we immediate refer to his/her origin as England. In our minds, we pathologically choose this country to serve as the basic premises of all those who project mannerful behavior. Since usually I over think even the utmost of trivial things, could Mr. Stevens be using this idea against us? Or Kazuo? Kazuo may want us to want to connect Mr. Stevens as a ‘great butler’ only to take it all away from him in the end? (if this makes any sense) These are indicators that Mr. Stevens may want the audience to look his way whenever we wish to see a physical manifestation of a ‘great butler’. Whether this is a bias way of projecting his pride in his homeland or for putting himself on towering platform, I find his words to be unreliable.
All in all, I think the narrator over exaggerates the profession of the butler. Today, we would view them as people who simply cleans the house, makes meals, and all those straightforward things that the residential owners fail to comply with on their own. However, Mr. Stevens speaks of butlering as if it was a sport, literally, with intense competition among each co-worker.
Right now it seems like Mr. Stevens is—like what my friends usually say jokingly towards one another—very selective about the reality he chooses to believe and live in. When he first spoke of his father with the utmost respect I thought it was common for a son to comment on the greatness of his father, especially given the circumstances of what his father had endured in the part working as a butler. But then Miss Kenton comes into the picture and tells Mr. Stevens, and myself, that Mr. Stevens senior’s work is not above par as once referred to by his son. Immediately I began to question the liability of the narrator, after all, this story is written in first person. The story is only told from one focal point, which means that the reader must look for any bias. I am sure that if it were Miss Kenton who had fallen on her way to the summerhouse then Mr. Stevens would have blamed her directly for her lack of poise instead of blaming the stones for his father’s sake.
I still think it is hilarious how roles were reversed and, instead of Miss Kenton checking up on Mr. Edwards senior’s work, the narrator checked up on Miss Kenton’s work only to victim to her ruthless response.
What I am wondering now is why isn’t Miss Kenton working at Darlington Hall anymore and how Mr. Stevens will attempt to get her to come back.
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.
26 comments:
Stevens is quite the butler. From the first couple of pages, I can see that Stevens is very polite, reserved and sophisticated. He’s very dedicated to his job that his occupation is his life. It’s like he has no social life whatsoever. He’s confined behind the wall of Darlington Hall, never really explores the beautiful countryside of his country (p.4). Apparently, the only clothes he wears are hand-me-downs such as the “number of splendid suits, kindly passed on to me over the years by Lord Darlington himself…” (p.10). Thus, Stevens only knows how to wear suits; he has no clue what a normal person would wear for an outing. Stevens has such great respect of his occupation that he’s reluctant “to change too much of the old ways” (p.7). That is why Stevens’ life seems quite pathetic in some ways. Technology is becoming advanced nowadays so that it reduces more “professional hands”, including Stevens and other servants. I guess that Stevens can’t really face this situation because he’s been a butler in all his life. His own father was also a butler. On pages 33-34, Stevens gives us a convoluted explanation about the “dignity” of “great butlers”. I could almost feel myself smacking Stevens on the head for being too haughty. Stevens feels that dignity is something someone can strive for in one’s career. He considers that an example would be his old man who is the “embodiment of dignity.” I believe that it’s wonderful for a son to have his own father as a role model. However, Stevens doesn’t realize until he sees with his own eyes that his father “the great butler” is falling. Stevens’ father is in his seventies’; he’s too old to accomplish all his butler duties anymore. It must have been annoying and embarrassing for Stevens when servants of lower status like Miss Kenton to criticize the errors of Stevens’ father. The whole scene from pages 56-59 is actually hilarious where Miss Kenton refuses to leave Stevens until he hears and sees what she has to say and show.
Stevens obviously takes pride of his country. He’s British himself. On page 28, he describes of England’s beautiful landscapes, which he read from only a magazine. He speaks of how the country’s beauty and greatness is superior to inferior countries such as America and Africa. I don’t think Stevens has seen enough of England to compare between America and Africa (countries that Stevens has never been through…) Nevertheless, Stevens has that superiority in the air around him. He takes it too seriously to joke around especially when his new American master “banters” to him (p.15-17). Stevens either doesn’t understand the joke or he doesn’t know how to react to the joke. I think that Stevens’ new American master is a swell guy. The problem here is that Stevens makes it difficult to communicate with his master (even though the master is a nice and funny man). I guess that Stevens just doesn’t understand certain “American ways”.
Okay, I just want to say one more thing. At around the same time I started reading this book, I was watching some reruns of The Nanny. The time and place is different between Stevens’ from the book and Niles’ from the TV series, but I thought it was interesting to compare those two butlers anyhow. I prefer Niles because he’s more of an awesome butler to have.
(I apologize in advance for my massive post)
I do admit that the syntax of the book bothered me at first, but I've warmed up to the writing style a bit. I think it's charming to see someone so passionate about something, even if it is being a butler.
One of the things that struck me right off the bat was how the book is presented as a sort of stream of conscience. I feel as if there are two sides of Stevens. The first is, obviously, his life as a butler. He strives to be like his father: stoic, professional, and "great." However, this book, which, from my interpretation, seems to read like a diary or journal, presents a very different side of him. Stevens explores a freedom in his own thoughts and opinions that he doesn't necessarily get to experience in his everyday life. And yes, I said opinions. One of the most revealing things I found about Stevens’ tangents is that he has fairly strong opinions and judgments for someone whose job it is to simply take orders and not ask questions. This seems like an intentional contrast. I definitely think that, even within the first day of his journey, we are already seeing Stevens explore his human potential.
Not to say that Stevens isn’t human, but as the above person noted, Stevens’ refusal to acknowledge his father’s age as well as the first mentioned encounter with Miss Kenton (page 52) represent something more. It appears to me that Stevens has a deep seeded problem with emotional commitment and empathy. Perhaps this is a result of his profession, but I see the profession not just as a potential cause, but a result. As a butler, Stevens is always planning ahead, reflecting on the past, or taking orders. Never does he take the time to live in the moment. In doing so, Stevens allows himself to be separated from his emotions, but is that really so “great?” He allows himself to take comfort in doing his job well, but this is merely a replacement for the hole in Stevens’ heart (it’s not like his dad showed him much love).
My last point is just about the glimmer of hope we get of Stevens. Now, as we all know, journeys often symbolize self-discovery and growth. For Stevens, this comes in two ways: he is given time to reflect on his life and is being placed out of his normal environment (a place where his regular attire wouldn’t be suitable [no pun intended]). On page 25, the strange man encourages Stevens to walk up a path just to experience a beautiful view. First and foremost, Stevens states that after looking out from that spot, he “began for the first time to adopt a frame of mind appropriate for the journey before [him].” (26) However, what I considered to be the more important quote was 2 pages later, when he reflects on the day: “I find that what really remains with me from this first day’s travel is not Salisbury Cathedral, nor any of the other charming sights of this city, but rather that marvelous view encountered this morning of the rolling English countryside.” Not only does this quote basically contain the title of the story, but it is Stevens’ first sign that you can’t plan for everything and sometime you have live in the moment to experience “great” things.
(If you made it this far, I salute you. My post is finally done.)
I agree with Keith that the syntax was difficult at the beginning, but as I kept on reading, it became easier. At the beginning of the book, my impression on Stevens was he was too serious about his job as H-EST might have mentioned. Although Stevens does take extreme pride in his job and it's an individual effort, I also think it has to do with England and its culture. Stevens "did not take Mr.Farraday's suggestion seriously" because he regarded it as "just another instance of an American gentleman's unfamiliarity with what was not commonly done in England" (pg.4). The American culture is different from England's and that is one of the main messages the author is attempting to convey to us, is the clash of American and English culture. It's not as if he didn't get the joke or didn't want to partake in it, it's just the fact that he's not used to being joked around with or that kind of lenient American courtesy. I do agree with the fact that he doesn't know how to react to it because his former was English and he was a Lord, and I'm sure he didn't act like that with him. It's both a positive and a negative thing how seriously Stevens takes his job because on one hand he's very good at what he does, but on the other, he's missing out on being someone or something else besides being a butler. He basically makes it his whole life, not once in the book was it mentioned that he was interested in a lady or any types of music or anything besides his job. I didn't want to exactly scorn Stevens because he's the way he is because that's how he was engendered and his perception on certain things have a lot to do with his environment and what he's used to, so i can't blame him for that. Although that is entirely true, I did feel slightly annoyed when Mr.Farraday was making another one of his many attempts to have a friendly relationship with Stevens, but instead of him taking it in a light- hearted way, he compared him to his former employer, Lord Darlington saying how it was "an embarrassing situation Lord Darlington would never place an employee" (pg 14). Stevens was being ignorant and it seems as if he wasn't making an attempt back.
Stevens almost has this enslaved mentality that he has to acquiesce to his employer's every need perfectly, and if he doesn't, then he did something wrong and he beats himself up about it. I get it that one has to do one's job with the utmost professionalism but one can't let one's profession define who one is and what one does with the rest of one's life. At first i didn't understand the point of the author writing about Stevens' father, but later on I understood that there was a moral to the story that both the speaker ant the author wanted his readers to understand. Stevens was describing how his father was when he was a butler, and how much "pride" he took in his work, and i ended up really liking the story. It's true that his father was an amazing butler and a proud one at that, but his father had his own time to be like that. I don't think his father should still be working at his age, because it becomes not a subject of pride, but of negligence. It's nice that Stevens looks up to his father, but he does not have to be like him, the sooner he realizes that, the better. I agree with Miss Kenton that his father probably did once possess " a magical power", but it's gone now, and there's really no necessity to restore it. I also liked the way Miss Kenton stood up for herself, she has to prove herself twice as hard because she's a woman, and that's exactly what she did.
I agree that the syntax was very difficult in the beginning, but the author shifts his writing into more of a reflective piece. I was much taken back by the way this book was written. I’ve never read a book that was based solely on a character’s memories. I found it interesting how Stevens was reminiscing on a part of his life, while another part of his life was occurring at the same time.
One thing that struck me was Stevens’ interest in becoming a “great” butler. He spends some time trying to figure out what actually made a “great” butler, but ended up referring to his father. In Stevens’ entire effort to become a “great” butler, I think that he truly wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father.
In regards to Stevens’ character, I find him very typical. In all types of media, butlers are assigned some type of wittiness that is definitely found in Stevens. I thought it was very hilarious that Stevens had to practice his wittiness that his lordship expected of him. I thought that Stevens’ character was very submissive to his lordships. In a way, Stevens did not have a reason to live besides to serve his lordships. I found that Stevens always tried to please his employer, whether it be defending him, or serving him. So far, I feel as though Stevens is hiding something from the audience in the way he talks about Lord Darlington. He states that people talk about him in a not so positive way, but he never goes into depth about what Darlington actually did. Even after Darlington died and the land was bought by Mr. Farraday, Stevens continues to display a sort of loyalty to Lord Darlington. So far, I think that there is more to Lord Darlington that Stevens does not display. Part of the loyalty Stevens shows to his masters contributes to his idea of being a “great” butler. It seems as though Stevens is in a frame of thought that it is his duty to fulfill all of the expectations of his master, and of his father. But, I think that Stevens holds these standards higher than anyone else.
I have to admit that when I read the first two pages of this book, the complex (and quite contemporarily British) sentence structure brought a tear to my eye, but it was something easy enough to adjust to. Actually, sometimes I found myself reading the fastest and most comprehensively when I'd read "with an accent" in my head.
At times in the beginning of the story it was difficult to grasp the time period, seeing as the book is formatted as journal entries (as proposed by the chapter titles) with a million conjoined reflections bouncing from one example to another. Surely this is an excellent time period in which to place a story--the highly tumultuous period between World War I and World War II.
Like everyone else has mentioned before me, Stevens' sheer "butlerocity," for lack of an actual term, is phenomenal. It is absolutely appalling that someone could live the way he does. The author uses the word "pantry" for his bedroom, and Miss Kenton comes in with flowers early on in the story so as to brighten it up a little bit (thereby hinting on is dreariness)to which Stevens declines vehemently. What does that say about his character? He is droll, and even worse, he’s contentedly dull. It could just be me, but it is simply appalling that anyone could be so subservient and to a certain extent, out of their own life entirely. Stevens, his staff, and their employer are essentially amounting up to one person living in a gigantic house. The wealthy employer handles the executive instructions and social planning, while the others, though technically individuals, ensure that the “brain” of the household is fed and kept comfortable, completely shirking their own lives. All of these efforts on the part of around 25 people amount to the life of one fairly rich and extremely dedicated mother.
The thing that is most representative of Stevens’ outlandishly formal personality, I believe, is the dialogue between him and the other characters. For instance, that same time when Miss Kenton comes into his room bearing flowers, their conversation is so passive-aggressively “pleasant” that it’s nearly enough to make one sick. The formalities they employ and discuss, like those regarding the proper manner of how Miss Kenton should address Mr. Stevens Senior as such rather than by his Christian name William, are indicative of an unbelievably professional atmosphere. It’s a wonder these people don’t kill each other after living in such dry, formal circumstances after a while!
Perhaps this behavior strikes me as intolerable simply because I am not the kind of person who is likely to just sit there when being ostracized. Perhaps it is a cultural thing, as Stevens describes to his new American employer Mr. Farraday. One thing is for sure, I can tell that whatever the reason behind Stevens’ stark professionalism and utter pride in his job, he is not so enthusiastic to find that the times have changed around him. He consistently complains about how things are not as they used to be, that the days of glory for the old houses of the English gentlemen have past. I have a feeling that this general scorn for the new “generation of professionals” will be the impetus for more than one flashback.
I agree with the observations above regarding Steven's character. Initially, I got the impression that he was meek and pathetic as he described how being in Mr. Farraday’s Shadow brought him satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment as a butler. This I believe is all attributed to how Stevens aspires to leave behind a legacy as successful as his father’s.
Unfortunately, in England the better you are as a butler the more apathetic and hollow you become; this is demonstrated through the stories that Stevens recalls about his father, particularly the one about the army general whose misguidance led to Stevens’ older brother’s death. When Stevens father found out that he had to wait on him, he decided that he would dutifully cater to the man’s needs and not express feelings of displeasure and anger. This tale embodies Stevens’ personal philosophy regarding dignity, and how “the great butlers are great by virtue of their ability to inhabit their professional role and inhabit it to the utmost.”
This ideology has permeated his entire life and his hindered his ability to develop relationships as evidenced by his interaction with Ms. Keaton and his father. Poor Keaton was taken aback when she approached Stevens and offered to “bring in some more cuttings (52),” for the room, however Stevens curtly responded by saying “I am happy to have distractions kept to a minimum (52).” Even if this guy is among other butlers he still retains his sense of professionalism. This professional identity that he has created makes him unapproachable, pretentious and almost void of any emotions.
Furthermore, Stevens is so immersed into his job, that he fails to realize that his father, who like Stevens has been nothing but a butler for his entire life, is becoming to old to perform simple tasks around the house which Ms. Keaton shows him. Whilst discharging his father, he leaves the brick wall of butlery up as he talks to him. Additionally, “there was no trace of emotion” on Stevens Senior!!
However, he is going on a JOURNEY, and when someone decides to JOURNEY, they will arrive enlightened by the end of their JOURNEY. And I think early on you begin to notice differences in his character. Once he leaves the neighborhood where he made “various excursions for one professional reason or another,” he begins to “feel a sense of alarm,” where he “was perhaps not on the correct road at all, but speeding off in totally the wrong direction into a wilderness.” Also, author begins to the use the setting as a way to explore the man’s transformation. The forest that he traverses through isn’t his conventional clean cut garden, it is free of rigidness and offers expression and freedom; which I think Steven’s will ultimately attain as he has been forced to begin establishing a line between his job and life.
When I first started this novel I was forced to face the evils of the dreaded syntax that went along with the British society. As time went on reading became less of a uphill battle and became more feasible. Kellie and I have a commonality in the aspect that we have never read a work of literature that was based solely on the memory of a character while commentary is administered at the same time.
I agree with H-EST about the perception of Stevens’ character. A quote that is a clear example of his dedication is how Stevens talks about how it was his “privilege to see that best of England over the years…within these very walls” (p.4). I can see why you think that he was a pathetic tendency about him. At first I felt the same about him but as I read I felt some sympathy for him. It could be inferred that his whole world revolves around Darlington Hall by his reaction toward Mr. Farraday’s suggestion. He almost seems resistant to take time off. Stevens’ obsession of being a “great” butler will surely drive him insane if he doesn’t find a sense of normalcy between the two. As I reader I found that quite odd because one would think he would be relieved to take some time off from Darlington Hall.
I also agree with Sandy and how she thought there was a clash between British and American society. The British people have always been said to be proper, refined, and eloquent. Stevens lack of interest for Mr.Farraday’s banter comes from the way Darlington Hall was run for so many years. Stevens only wishes to exhibit the tendencies of a “great butler” and not of a companion. Mr. Farraday does not understand how enveloped that Stevens is to his occupation. The funny thing is that I highly doubt that Stevens would ever mention his feelings to Mr.Farraday. He solely chooses to add internal commentary.
When it comes to his occupation, Stevens is so dedicated and meticulous that he cannot stand his own mistakes on account of the staff. In my opinion, I did not think that butler’s would hold the occupation to such high standards. Does this behavior normally happen in the British society? Stevens’ is likely to push his own feelings and thoughts to the back of his mind for the sake of professionalism like his father often did. His father was a butler that exhibited all the qualities that Stevens wished to uphold back at the Darlington Hall. For some reason this takes me back to the first chapter of “How to Read Like A Professor”. Mr. Farraday may have sent Stevens on a mini vacation, but I think his path will lead him somewhere different. Does any one else feel the same about the whole quest/quester situation?
So far I just think that I am waiting for something big to happen. Hopefully part two some sort of excitement. It seems as though Ishiguro likes to drive the same amount of information until the audience completely understands the just of the situation.
I agree with everyone that the syntax was very difficult. At some point I was ready to give up because I never read a book starting like that. It took me time to finally past that. But anyways to start with, Stevens takes “pride” in his work. I like that very much you don’t see that now these days. What bother me is that I don’t think Stevens really care about anything else but been a “ Great Butler” He took two page to talk , or to define what a great Butler is like he said in the text not “who is a Great Butler, but what is a great butler? “My father not only manifests, but comes close to being the personification itself, of what the Hayes society terms ‘dignity’ in keeping with his position”. That show that one of the great Butler to him would be his dad and his very proud to say that and also shows that he wants to follow his dad footstep.
Something that stand out to me is when he said “ We English have an important advantage over foreigners in this respect and it is for this reason that when you think of a great butler, he is bound , almost by definition, to be an Englishman.” I thought he was taking this a little far, saying that you could only find a great butler only in England. First of all has he ever met or work with other butler that’s not from England? Well that never occur in my mind that the best or great butler would be or his bound to be Englishmen. I think everyone has a definition of what a great butler is? It’s like he trying to say people that came from other countries are not as “Great butler” as the Englishmen, but the question is how does he knows?
As I continue to read the story Stevens introduce us to Miss Kenton. I believe he was a little too uptight talking about his father,” My father is a figure of unusual distinction from whom you may learn a wealth of things were you prepared to be more observant.” I understand that his dad is one of the best butlers, or he has pride in his work. I feel like the way Stevens was talking to Miss Kenton was a just a little bit rude. After having that little talk, Miss Kenton make sure that every little mistake that Stevens dad has done, he report it to Stevens or show it to him . I feel like the only reason Miss Kenton did that was to show him that first of all everybody mistakes and second doesn’t matter how much pride you have in your work, there’s a time or limit a person work is done. Yes we would remember the great works that Mr. Stevens use to do but it’s time for him to retired. Like Sandy said Mr. Stevens had his own time, now it’s time for someone else to step up to the plates.
I agree with what’s been said before, based on how Stevens carry himself as a person. He’s extremely serious, and it seems like how to be a great butler’s the focus of his life. I thought it was weird how he was worried over little mishaps that took place that weren’t noticed by anyone except for him. It seems like he doesn’t know how to react to certain things in his life unless it has to do with his job.
I think he has problems connecting with other people, like the way he talks to Miss Kenton, or how he doesn’t really have a relationship with his father anymore. I find it interesting how his dad is his idea of the definition of a great butler, but the way he treats his father doesn’t really reflect that. I think that he was having a difficult time coping with his father’s illness, because that would mean that his father’s no longer that great butler.
Being a butler’s his life. He’s never really been anywhere before unless it had to do with him traveling with his employer. I disagree with what Sandy said. I do think that he’s trying to have that relationship with Mr. Farraday. It’s just that, this type of task was not expected of him before. So no w he feels uncomfortable and out of place, because he’s never had to be witty before. I just think he takes life too seriously, like how hard he has to think to try to come up with an answer to what’s being said to him, because he wants to get it right.
Personally the syntax was a little different, but I did not find it bothering at all. It was actually quite enjoyable, as David mentioned, that reading "with an accent" in my head does help and also helps set the mood a little.
We all know that Stevens is very serious about his job as a butler. Everything he does has to be on a professional level, even meeting others, such as Miss Kenton. I have noticed that Miss Kenton has tried to become more than just professional relationship, but more of that as a close friend, but Stevens merely ignores it and insists that they stay professional at all times. I feel that by doing so, Stevens is missing out on a large part of life. He is worrying too much about his duties as a butler, to the fact that he continues to take on this role even during the times that he is alone. It is said that even when in his parlor, he acts as if he is still working. I go agree with some of the previous posters, I believe Keith said that Stevens is actually showing a lot of character himself now through these narrated memories. Not only does he form and share his opinions with us, he also continues to give new ideas, or predictions of what might have possible happen if he did something a little different. I think in doing so during this trip he is going on, gives him a chance to breathe and express himself truly without having to feel that he needs to continue with his butler role.
About his father, and dignity, is seems as though he takes dignity way too seriously, and maybe a better word that he is looking for is professionalism and not dignity. How he describes it, it merely says that the butlers should always stay professional and act their roles without question. They must put their duties first, above all personal reasons, but isn't that what professionalism is, to be able to stay professional during the worst times?
Another thing, although Miss Kenton and Stevens seem to have a "forced" friendship, or I guess a very straight forward relationship, I believe that something will happen to it in the end. She, I feel, is actually mentioned more than any other character. Every story has to have Miss Kenton in it, and his trip is also to ask Miss Kenton to return to Darlington Hall. This is more than just a regular relationship, she must be a very important character in understanding Stevens.
Many of you have mentioned the syntax. I'll give my take on it. When I read books, I let the story flow over me and get a general sense of what's happening. Five pages in and I had no idea what they were talking about. The main problem was the writing. It didn't feel like someone was talking to me. Rather, it felt like someone writing a very polite speech, almost a report. People don't use words like "liable" "befall" and "trivial" in everyday language. So I hammered down and concentrated. Fourty pages in and I only get about half the story. Maybe 3/4.
I don't understand how Ishiguro managed to make the exitinig world of butlery into something so dry. Head butlers are supposed to face with impossible situations every day. If the cook burns dinner just before the guests arrive, the head butler will surely make amends. Instead Stevens is an emotionless bore. All that ever concerns him are his duties and butlery. He is able to see the most beautiful view of a good part of England and he sums it up in one tiny paragraph. A paragraph four times smaller than its surrounding peers. He "heartily recommends" a series of geography books. The only word to describe him would be "butler".
Enough complaining. On to literature.
I suspect Stevens feels a tad superior to his boss. He always speaks in the proper English manner while Mr Farraday speaks colloquially. Note that Stevens always quotes Mr Farraday's "foot the bill for the gas". While Mr Farraday wants a small cozy household, Stevens insists on a traditional setup and stands aloof. Cultural I suppose.
I really liked the tiger story. It has that butler flair. If there's a problem, he'll solve it.
My impressions of the book so far? I still want to smack him.
When I first began reading, I constantly kept putting off the novel, merely reading a few pages a day because of the convoluted syntax. However, as I gained more interest, it became much easier to read and I felt that the syntax was more enjoyable. The syntax allowed the author to provide a different perspective on a butler’s life to make it more interesting to the audience.
From beginning of the novel, I noticed that Ishiguro employs a framed structure. He constantly switches between past and present memories to describe Stevens’ life as a butler and to develop his character. My first impression of Stevens was that he is very boastful and holds high standards for a butler. He believes that in this generation “finding recruits of a satisfactory standard is no easy task” (p.6). Also, Stevens spends a considerable amount of time defining the term “dignity”. He believes that merely being a “competent butler” does not attribute to the qualities of a “great butler”. Instead, in his opinion, a “great butler” is someone who is possesses “a dignity in keeping with his position”. Furthermore, he makes it a point to distinguish between other butlers and his father to demonstrate how his father “was the embodiment of dignity”(p.34). In this instance, I feel Stevens is being biased towards his father’s case. Though, his father has committed many errors as a butler, Stevens’ regards them as “trivial”. He chooses to ignore them and continues to follow his father’s lead to obtain the title of a “great butler”. For example, the dialogue between Miss Kenton about the Chinamen and their “incorrect positions” reveals that perhaps Mr. Stevens senior is not as “great” as Stevens describes. This moment serves as realization for Stevens because he learns that his father is slowly losing the legacy that Stevens takes pride in. As a result, their relationship loses its essence and Stevens begins to isolate himself from his father now that they do not share any similarities as butlers. To Stevens, his profession holds more significance than anything else, which I feel is somewhat pathetic.
Also, I found the scene between Miss Kenton and Stevens to be particularly entertaining because as David pointed out earlier, it demonstrates their passive-aggressive relationship. Both of them in a sense are quite similar. Despite Miss Kenton’s cheerful and lively personality, she is as determined as Stevens to carry out her duties proficiently. She does not like to be questioned about her abilities and “[takes] her work very seriously”. I think this relationship will prove to be meaningful later on. The journey that Stevens undertakes to recruit Miss Kenton will help transform him into a better human being. We can already see Stevens changing his perspective when he states, “that what really remains with me from this first day’s travel is not Salisbury Cathedral, nor any of the other charming sights of this city, but rather that marvellous view encountered this morning of the rolling English countryside” (p.28).
It will be interesting to see what happens in the second part of the book when Stevens actually meets Miss Kenton.
I did (like everyone else!) find this book at the beggining hard to read and am very glad it got easier. But I do like how the author chose to start the book, he
doesn’t write about the main character (i.e a run down of his life, in order) specifically in the beginning like other novels but you as the reader nonetheless already get a sense of him because of his views on all the other character and his quirky insights. I agree with H-Est I wanted to smack Stevens in the head also for being so pompous. His whole life is revolved around him being a butler and as such he can't fathom why anyone would want to dream of fall in love, leave their position or even dream at all. Something so emotionally simple that he cant understand says a lot about his character. That and the conversation he had with his father about him relieving his duties. He didn't grow up with a father who showered him with love, not to say his father didn't love him. Although Stevens did not discuss his childhood, It seems to me like his dad raised his son to be a butler; cold, polite and efficient. It's like he has no room in his life to just dream. But he did stand up for his father to Ms.Keaton like he was in denial and I thought that was unusually emotional of him, but even that was said as politly as possible. It wasn’t until His Lordship brought it up that Stevens began to consider it. He makes note of the starkness of his father's bedroom but his office was the same way. All Steven's father ever had in his life was his duty and now that he's getting too old to do it, but doesn’t want to admit it. He hold on to his job (even tho his son gave him a demotion) as hard as he can. He's not the distinguished butler he used to be and he can't really claim to have any sort of relationship with his son. Stevens just a younger version of his father.
When he kept talking about how there could be no real butlers anywhere else except England I thought a little of the poem "White Man's
Burden". By him implying that no one could control themselves like the English could, it reminded me of the condescending and ignorant tone of that poem. The way he described everyone “foreign” as “a man who will at the slightest provocation, tear off his suit and his shirt and run about screaming" implies that he feels as if foreigners differences make them savages. He's never been out of England and has no real understanding of what really
lies outside the halls of Darrington Hall yet he assumes to know that Englishmen are the best. I don’t dislike Stevens, I just found the connection between the poem and the way he views foreigners similar.
I definitely like Niles better than Stevens. :)
A man who is relentless in his occupation, filled with undying passion for his country, and seemingly endowed with an undying determination to achieve his goals, Stevens is unlike any character I have come across in my readings. Apart from the style of writing (which took a bit to get used to, but nonetheless quite enjoyable), The Remains of the Day was actually a pleasant surprise (at least throughout the first 110 pages).
After readiig this portion of the book, I believe the following quote is quite the accurate description as to why Stevens behaves in the manner he does; " 'dignity' has to do crucially with a butler's ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits...they will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming, or vexing." (Ishiguro 42-43). This code of honor, so to speak, proves to be EXTREMELY true during the international conference held at Darlington Hall, during which Stevens' father has what proves to be a fatal stroke. Stevens' father, a renowned butler himself, always kept his job in mind, asking Stevens if all was still proceeding smoothly in the conference even as he lay on his deathbed. Furthermore, as Stevens attends to Monsieur Lupont's foot (huge sissy), Miss Kenton delivers the terrifying news to him; his father succumbed to the stroke and his body lay lifeless in his tiny room in the attic. You would think Stevens would go see his father, but keep in mind the above quote about "dignity" when Stevens gives the following response to Miss Kenton's question, "Will you come up and see him?" (106); "Im very busy just now, Miss Kenton. In a little while perhaps" (106). I'm not sure how to react to that, but that must be some sense of dignity to do what he did.
Now, back to the actual present time (in the book, anyway), where Stevens is on a trip to try and recruit the now Ms. Benn (formerly Miss Kenton) back to Darlington Hall. He seems to be on a "quest" (chapter 1 of How To Read) and I am actually quite interested to see how that develops. We have not seen much of the present, as most of the novel has been his memories and journal entries. However, while sitting on a hill he does mention "field upon field rolling off into the far distance" (26). In How to Read, it is mentioned that rolling landscapes are representative of female sexuality. Could this mean that at the end of this quest there will be some kind of romance between Stevens and Miss Kenton? Addtionally, a hint of what seems to be anticipation was dropped when Stevens said that "her marriage is finally come to an end" (48). It should be pretty interesting to see what happens there, especially at their age!
And who could forget Miss Kenton? A fiery spirited and classy young lady (in the journal entries), she is definitely a very good foil to Stevens aura of superiority. Although she is not quite as devoted to her work as Stevens is to his, Miss Kenton is nonetheless mentioned as "the perfect solution to the problem besetting us [the staff] at Darlington Hall" (49). I truly look forward to her reunion with Stevens and I also hope just a little bit that a budding romance comes to fruition upon their reunion.
What I noticed in the first chapter, apart from the lengthy words that Stevens likes to use, is the lack of dialogue. Instead, Stevens narrates the scenes with some phrases here and there. Phrases are nice, but I wanted to see what Mr. Farraday’s bantering sounded like in full. ‘foot the bill for the gas’ and ‘give it a go with four’ don’t make enough sense alone to satisfy my needs. What I basically wanted was something more to compare Mr. Farraday’s dialect to Stevens to get a sense of what “normal” people talked like. And Ms. Kenton doesn’t really help (in one of Stevens’ flashbacks) because she speaks just like him. But at least there is more dialogue after the prologue.
Stevens feels that a true butler needs to have dignity. I can’t really explain it as well as he does but it takes an extreme amount of discipline and a strong ability to hide emotions. I personally don’t like how proud he is in saying this because he takes it way too serious. I find it both sad and humorous at how serious he takes butlering. I wouldn’t be proud of a father who, for four days, serves a man who was responsible for killing someone in the family. It all seems really foolish to hold so much pride in being a ‘butler’ when a mere ‘manservant’ does the same job. Stevens never mentions anything about quality of the actual work done, it’s all about the image of being a butler to him. This is similar to women who want to be “beautiful” these days (yes this is from last year’s beauty unit) because Stevens is destroying his human nature to fit a certain image (kind of a bad comparison, but I hope you get it).
I agree with Keith that this book reads like a diary/journal. That was my first impression too. Like everyone else, I agree that the syntax is very complex. However, I have taken a liking to it and don’t find it hard to read or to understand at all. I find it interesting and like David and Belinda, it is fun to read it with an accent.
Sandy – I like your view about the clashes between American and English from the scene of Stevens and Lord Darlington.
Armir – I see where you are coming from with the comparison to beauty and yes, I got what you are talking about. Stevens is trying to fit a ‘great’ butler image, and in doing so, he forgot who he is, a human being.
Going back to the syntax that everyone found hard to get accustomed to, I find that it is appropriate for the book. One, we are reading journal entries from an English butler. Two, it shows Stevens’ nature, as someone ‘dull’ (as mentioned by David). The way Stevens speaks, even his thoughts are very put together and ‘perfect.’ It is also void of emotion. Everything about him is miserable like his ‘pantry’ is miserable and boring. It goes to show that Stevens is trapped within his job. Even though he sounds like he’s proud of his job and like it, when we strip away the syntax and the tone, he’s a miserable man. I mean, he’s never been outside of “these very walls” of Lord Darlington’s mansion. He talks about his dad, not about love but about what a great butler his dad was. All he does is worry about is his job and not himself. He’s in his middle age (I think) and he doesn’t have that ‘significant other.’ His view about marriage is that it interferes with work. How sad is that?
Other than that, I believe that his trip is his ‘quest’ (from How to Read Like a Professor). In the end, he will learn more about himself once he returned. Also, his view of his job will also change as well as his view of the world. So far, what I understand is that the people who he talks to are all other butlers and his master. His view of the world is very narrow and his trip will widen that view. Even though he is a butler and his master treats him nicely, to me he is like a slave. A slave to his own job.
So far, I am enjoying the book and the language is intriguing. It’s different and it’s nice to read in a different style once in a while. And I don't want to smack him but I do feel sorry for him.
My first thoughts throughout reading the beginnning of this book is that, well one it's really difficult for me to bear the language, and two I just kind of see this book as the boring life of a butler who takes a road trip. I have finished it though so I know it's more than that, but it was really hard to get beyond that point.
I think Stevens is incredibly dedicated to his work and it's interesting to read about some of the experiences he dealt with regarding his masters. I also really like Miss Kenton, I think she is a really head-strong character and I like the way she deals with Stevens.
Going back to what I said about Stevens' dedication, as the book goes on I think that he is just absorbed by his duties and the pride he has in his father that he can't admit what is really going on. I did notice that he always just keeps moving. He never seems to stop, or think about how something effects him, or take enjoyment out of his life. The road trip is the first thing he has done for himself in a long time.
I did find humor in the book though, on page 82 when Lord Darlington asks him to relay the 'facts of life' to his godson. I can almost feel the anguish Stevens feels at that request. When I read the conversation Stevens has with Mr Cardinal, I found it clever. Luckily, he didn't have to go into much depth because his godson, at twenty-three years old, already knew all about it. I hoped so, for he is after all, engaged.
Chloe just took the words right out of my mouth. During the prelude, I had no idea what Stevens was talking about. I had to reread each paragraph and try to make sense of what it’s about. The format of the writing is just so polite, and reserve that I just want to smack him. I had to force myself to finish the prelude, let’s just say I wasn’t looking forward to chapter 1.
However, as the story progress, it was easier to follow the storyline. Like Needlam, I thought it was very bias when Stevens ignore the mistakes that his father made. In his opinion his father was considered a “great” butler, he even mentions two occasions when his father show the qualities that a “great” butler must possess. Rather than choosing to accept those “trivial” mistakes his father made, Stevens choose to ignore them, because he can’t accept the fact that the father he used to admire is losing his touch. I thought it was funny when he tried to “contemplated departure via the French window” p. 58 so he can escape the confrontation between him and Miss Kenton. It’s obvious he wants to ignore the signs of his father losing his touch. It’s interesting to see how in this book Stevens wants to be the same as his father ‘to be a great butler”, however in Things Fall Apart, Okonowo wants to be the complete opposite of his father. One thing that’s similar is that fact that they’re both driven by their father.
I agree with Sandy and Ngoc, that there’s definitely a clash between cultures involve here. During his service to Lord Darlington Stevens never encountered any joking or teasing remarks, everything was professional and straightforward. That’s just the way the relationship between a butler and his Lord are. However, as his new employer is American, he likes to make jokes. It was so funny when Stevens attempted to try to reply to one of his Lords’ jokes one day during breakfast, but failed. After that failure, he was too embarrassed to make another attempt. I was just crackling up. It’s during these moments that kept me reading.
Regarding Miss Kenton I think Stevens have some special feelings for her. He kept on rereading the letters over and over again to try to decipher the meaning of them. He continues to say that nothing in the letter “mentions that Miss Kenton wants to come back to Darlington Hall” but despite that he still clings on to the hope that she wants to return. Stevens criticizes the servants when they leave their work because they want to get marry, but the only exception to that was Miss Kenton. Stevens said that even though Miss Kenton got married, while she was on the job she was “very professional” till the end. I wonder how the meeting between them will play out.
As most people pointed out, the syntax of the book is very hard to get by, but I found that the more I read it was easier to accept. The book has been very boring to be thus far. I understand that the background and character of Steven’s is being developed, but I think that the way the author chose to do it was a bit slow and proved strenuous to read through.
Steven’s has proved to be one of the most frustrating narrators I have endured in my readings, but also one of the most interesting. Steven’s has thrown himself into his profession as a butler and has completely abandoned every other aspects of life, such as having human relationships and friendships. His entire life revolves around striving to be a “great” butler. He presents himself as pompous, but I believe it is due to the fact that in his mind, the butler is the backbone of English society and is the only thing holding civilized life together.
It has already become evident that Steven’s does not accept his ideals being tested and this started being present in the relationship with his new employer. He does not see him as a proper employer, which he focuses on by saying it is due to the fact that he is American. The American style of life is completely opposite from what he believes the English way of life should continue to be. The changing of the times in England seems to be the biggest challenge for Steven’s. This idea continues when Miss Kenton entered the picture. Steven’s viewed his father as the ultimate butler and believed he would be able to continue to be until his death. Miss Kenton opposed this idea and made it very evident that his father had become lacking and needed less responsibility. This caused great stress between him and Miss Kenton due to the threat she had on his ideals.
Miss Kenton is slowly gaining importance in the novel and I can’t help but agree that there seems to be some feelings that cross the line of friendship on Steven’s part. It seems that Steven’s has come to view her as a equal and his constant mention of her makes me think that there could be a chance for something more than friendship. I am interested in seeing what develops, but I do hope the book becomes more eventful because I seem to being loosing focus.
I agree with previous posts in that the syntax was indeed somewhat difficult. However I did find that Stevens talks a lot and seems to be stuck in the past. Although I do realize that in this part of the book the character is still developing and we are still getting background information about him. However, I feel as though Stevens is too focused on his father and needs to realize that it is no longer possible to be the type of butler his father was. I also see that though Stevens claims to be from a different generation, he is trying to be too much like his father. Like when he tells the story of his father dying, I don't think it shows how great a butler he is, instead i think it shows how much he is trying to be like his father, except that he has given his life to being a butler and has not, stopped to actually live life.
As for the subject of Miss Kenton, I feel as though her coming back is just his wishful thinking, I think he just wants her to come back so he can have things the way they used to be when Lord Darlington was still alive. Stevens thinks too much about work and not enough about himself as a person removed from work. I feel as though his life revolves around his job.
I have to say, I put this book off a lot. I think I read the beginning pages like six times this summer but once I got into the story, as everyone else of course, the book was not difficult to read at all.
At times I found Stevens to be a snob. Especially during that encounter when Ms. Kenton went to bring him flowers. Like really, he couldn’t even say thank you, just “excuse me but I enjoy my depressing room, and hello look at your self, you are not up to my standards. And let me tell you, you are clearly not as good as my emotionless father. And did I mention you have no manners.” Well, he didn’t say it like that but I thought he needed to lighten up a little. But then when Ms. Kenton fired back with all her frequent comments on the mistakes Stevens’ father was making, I thought that was being insensitive. It’s only natural that someone would want to be proud of their father. I think other than the love Stevens’ has for his profession I think he really loved his father. He seems pretty emotionless but when he often rants on a subject like his father or his profession, I think that shows how passionate he is about it.
Speaking of ranting, he always seems to go back to Ms. Kenton. I agree with Katherine’s assumption that there has to be something between Stevens and Ms. Kenton. When they worked together all they did was argue. That’s often what younger kids do when they like each other and they were definitely both being immature. If there isn’t anything between them, then I’m at least going to infer that they are fond of one another. Maybe not at this point in his flashbacks but later on. As Neelam pointed out, I think it will be interesting to see how it goes when he see’s Ms. Kenton.
Throughout the first day and the morning of the second day (what I assumed to be part one) Stevens gives us his opinion on what makes "greatness" and "dignity". As soon as his journey begins we are told exactly what he dignifies as great. He compares Britain’s countryside and the "breathtaking" scenes of Africa and America and declares that the British countryside is greater than the rest precisely because of its “lack of obvious drama or spectacle” (p28).This is a philosophy that seems to extend to his life and more specifically to his work. We all know that Stevens is a British butler, but perhaps we have not taken into consideration that during the time in which this novel took place a butler was nothing more than a servant and a servant was seen as a lesser being, and as such they were expected to ignore their own comfort in favor of that of their employer. I see this as the reason why in the prelude Stevens was so preoccupied with his lack of experience in “Bantering”. As he explains what greatness is he ties it with dignity so that a great man (or butler) should have dignity in order to be considered great. As an example of men with dignity he uses his father and three experiences in which dignity is demonstrated. To the reader this would seem as a son idolizing his father, but considering that the son has built his life around his father morals, the term idolizing falls a little short. Here I don’t think that Stevens is idolizing his father as much as his ideas, which aren’t even his father’s ideas but those of a mythic situation. In terms of his Butlers position Stevens boils down dignity to having “to do with a butlers ability not to abandon the professional being he inhabits” (pg42), which in terms of the general population means that greatness comes with the dignity of keeping to ones duties despite the personal views that might be held by the individual.
To me it seemed that Stevens was trying to build up to his intended subject of greatness. Lord Darlington. When Stevens speaks of him he does so in a reverent way and often uses duty as a reason for many of his actions. To Stevens this means that his employer was a great man, which contradicts what many people believed. Stevens here begins to give us example of how his Lord was indeed a great man.
This book reads like some sort of diary that he writes, but with full intent of sharing it with the world. In the beginning, he shows his almost robotic attempt to acknowledge Mr. Farraday's little inappropriate jokes. Because he is not used to the language and culture of American life, he needs to adjust accordingly. As his employer allows him to go on a trip around the country to “make use of a good break”, he believes it improper at first, but then takes advantage of Farraday “footing the bill for the gas.” On this trip, he begins to tell of what he sees, but then he becomes a little tangential in his story telling. He takes another look to Miss Kenton’s letters and goes into stories reminiscing about the times where his father and Miss Kenton both start work at Darlington Hall. It seems that their relationship, at the beginning, was really rocky. Neither of them were very fond of each other and they often had tension between the two of them. Now, I’d like to reference the first chapter of How to Read Literature like a Professor. The quest that Stevens is taking is through England, for the reasons of seeing England and convincing Miss Kenton to go back to Darlington Hall. Underlying reasons, it seems, could be taking Miss Kenton because he’s actually in love with her. Could that be possible? There’s still another two thirds of the book to try to figure that out.
So many people have already commented on the syntax so I will just say that I agree and that I had to look up a few terms.
Okay. First off, Mr. Stevens apparently does come across as being arrogant in the first pages in which he was introduced. He speaks so holily of the many attributes required for a house servant to merit the title of ‘great butler’. What I find really annoying about him is that he goes on to describe, in heavy length, these attributes and then finds the audacity to hint his duties to ones of a ‘great butler’. A specific instance involves their ability to maintain composure in their profession during work hours, something which Mr. Stevens has consistently devoted his time with. Whether from Mr. Farraday’s offer to ‘foot the bill for the gas’ or when Miss Kenton bears to him the ‘trivial’ errors of Mr. Stevens senior’s work around the Hall, the narrator is able to fall back to his “gentleman” qualities and not fall out of his quiet and kept-to-himself image. Although he never necessarily states that he is, himself, a ‘great butler’ it feels as though he wants us to believe that he is one; especially since he describes the ‘great difficulties’ of organizing an effective staff plan and the great meeting of the political figures later on. Does he want us to give him mucho props or something?
Also, he rants on about how, on a continental scale, the English population of butlers rises above the rest. He seems to refer that other nations harbor less-dedicated housekeepers as a reflection of their country. Whenever many of us visualize anyone that bears properness, we immediate refer to his/her origin as England. In our minds, we pathologically choose this country to serve as the basic premises of all those who project mannerful behavior. Since usually I over think even the utmost of trivial things, could Mr. Stevens be using this idea against us? Or Kazuo? Kazuo may want us to want to connect Mr. Stevens as a ‘great butler’ only to take it all away from him in the end? (if this makes any sense) These are indicators that Mr. Stevens may want the audience to look his way whenever we wish to see a physical manifestation of a ‘great butler’. Whether this is a bias way of projecting his pride in his homeland or for putting himself on towering platform, I find his words to be unreliable.
All in all, I think the narrator over exaggerates the profession of the butler. Today, we would view them as people who simply cleans the house, makes meals, and all those straightforward things that the residential owners fail to comply with on their own. However, Mr. Stevens speaks of butlering as if it was a sport, literally, with intense competition among each co-worker.
Right now it seems like Mr. Stevens is—like what my friends usually say jokingly towards one another—very selective about the reality he chooses to believe and live in. When he first spoke of his father with the utmost respect I thought it was common for a son to comment on the greatness of his father, especially given the circumstances of what his father had endured in the part working as a butler. But then Miss Kenton comes into the picture and tells Mr. Stevens, and myself, that Mr. Stevens senior’s work is not above par as once referred to by his son. Immediately I began to question the liability of the narrator, after all, this story is written in first person. The story is only told from one focal point, which means that the reader must look for any bias. I am sure that if it were Miss Kenton who had fallen on her way to the summerhouse then Mr. Stevens would have blamed her directly for her lack of poise instead of blaming the stones for his father’s sake.
I still think it is hilarious how roles were reversed and, instead of Miss Kenton checking up on Mr. Edwards senior’s work, the narrator checked up on Miss Kenton’s work only to victim to her ruthless response.
What I am wondering now is why isn’t Miss Kenton working at Darlington Hall anymore and how Mr. Stevens will attempt to get her to come back.
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