I’m going to try to make my post less ridiculously large than my last one. Here I go.
First and foremost, how heartbreaking was the scene on page 97 where Stevens chooses work over his dying father? It’s just another sign of how Stevens uses his job as a coping method to avoid being personal. However, I find it very revealing that the success of Darlington’s meeting seems inversely related to Stevens’ father’s health. As the meeting grows more for the benefit of Darlington, Stevens’ father’s health degenerates. Finally, as the meeting comes to a conclusion, his father dies. I think this was a sort of “deciding moment” in Stevens’ life and he chose to make work his highest priority. This can be seen later on when he uses his position as a butler to avoid taking a stance on the righteousness of firing the two Jewish maids.
I feel as if Stevens and Miss Kenton’s positions on the two Jewish girls represent the general opinions of Jews around the times leading up to and during World War II. While neither of the two (Stevens or Kenton) could really do anything, Kenton believed that feeling bad for the girls made all the difference. Similarly, many people around the world denied what was happening to the Jews. These people were looked down on by those who acknowledged the cruelties, even if neither group could do anything.
My final point is about the scene around page 124 where the visitors are questioning how authentic Darlington Hall is and Mr. Farraday assures Stevens that the house is an authentic, old English house. My question, then, is why the name remains Darlington Hall. If it is that old, then surely the house existed before Darlington’s time, but Stevens doesn’t consider it Farraday Hall. I think this contributes to Stevens’ bias towards Darlington, which I feel can be seen in his refuting any negative comments that have been said about Darlington. This may be a way of Stevens justifying the fact that Darlington potentially contributed to World War II by saying he was a man of good character.
Here’s one last thing I was hoping future posters could help me with. I know that there must be some significance to hands. When Stevens’ father is dying, he looks at his hands (97), when he actually dies, Miss Kenton looks at her hands (106), and when the two Jewish girls are fired, Miss Kenton again looks at her hands (157). I can’t for the life of me put together what this means, but I feel like there must be something significant to it. My only guess is that hands are often associated with work, and in each case, the person seems to be having a moment of revelation that this career is perhaps not the most humane. That what these people have sown is not necessarily what they hoped to get out of life.
I’m sorry. I did an awful job of condensing my thoughts. =[
One of the things that stood out to me in the book is the shift of Miss Kenton and Stevens' relationship. It changed when Stevens' father was remarkably ill and Stevens didn't have time to attend to him, so Miss Kenton offered to "attend to your father. I shall show Dr Meredith up and notify if he has anything noteworthy to stay"(pg 93). Miss Kenton and Stevens' relationship wasn't the best because of their job and the level of professionalism they showed. When it came to personal matters, Miss Kenton put that aside and decided to change her ways of her only talking to Stevens' through notes, and actually talked to him and help put with his father. She showed Stevens that sometimes there are things one should put before work and whatever pride or level of professionalism one had,I'm sure that had an impact on Stevens, but as usual he didn't let it be known. It was a complete change ans shift in their relationship and it introduces a new perspective on the book and foreshadows their relationship in the near future. On page 103 I liked the speech Lord Darlington gave concerning Mr. Lewis and the debate between Professionalism and amateurism. When Mr. Lewis was speaking and he said they were all "naive dreamers" (pg 102), i agreed because I thought at the time he was being realistic. It's true, we'd all like to change the world, but there are certain things that simply can't be done. But then on page 103, when Lord Darlington rebutted that what Mr.Lewis might "describe as amateurism, sir, is what I think most of us here still prefer to call "honor", I felt confused, I didn't know which side to be on anymore. Lord Darlington presented a good argument about having honor, and if some things cannot be done, they don't "cheat" or "manipulate", they keep the dirty truths to themselves because they have honor. Keith mentioned earlier how Stevens chose work over his father to avoid putting in his sentiments, and I felt the same way too, but then Stevens confessed to Miss Kenton that his father would have wanted him to continue with his work, and not gone back to see him. I saw why he did it and I believed him because earlier in the book he was talking about his father and his pride.He was telling the story of when his brother died, his father went on working and he even worked for the general that might have been responsible for his son's death. He did it proudly and hid his emotions, he did not let that get in the way of his work. Stevens followed in his footsteps by doing exactly what his father did, he let him die and continued with his work. It's a question of pride and honor, he exemplified his father with pride, and by doing his job, he was honoring him and his name. In the novel Stevens spoke of his coming of age as a butler because of that conference in March in 1923, but his true coming of age as a normal individual was on (pg.130)when he made an effort to be witty with the local people, and after he cared enough to observe himself about it. He was seeing things in a new way and was making an effort to come out of that careless and strictly professional facade he puts on.
Now that the book is coming together, I can see so many symbols and themes in the story. Of course, one of the main themes already mentioned was Stevens’ use of work in order to avoid the difficulties of developing a close relationship with his lord, Miss Kenton, and even his father. One scene that struck me was the scene when Stevens was reminiscing about Miss Kenton looking out at Stevens’ father as if “he hoped to find some precious jewel he had dropped there.” Stevens brings up this scene numerous times within the book, and Miss Kenton even mentions it in the letter she writes to Stevens. I thought it was interesting that his father was looking for something that appeared to be lost. It was even more intriguing how his father kept his eyes on the floor distinctly looking for some kind of clue or an answer. This feeling of lost-ness reminded me of Stevens’ situation. He is on a road trip to find Miss Kenton, but does not know what he is actually going to do. In a way, Stevens is somewhat lost himself and on that road trip to look for a clue or an answer, just like his father.
Another thing that stood out to me was the different scenery that Stevens witnessed in the beginning of his road trip. Although he was not very far from Darlington Hall, everything seemed very different to him. The way it was described, it seemed as though Stevens hadn’t walked out of that building for years. This landscape and scenery of the English land portrays something out of Stevens’ ordinary lifestyle. It is something beyond the building he cleans everyday, which might signify Stevens’ attempt of change, or adventure outside of what he is usually given.
Another reoccurring action was Miss Kenton’s threat to leave Darlington Hall. After the leave of the two Jewish girls, Miss Kenton was so angry, that she continued to threaten Stevens of her leave. Even when Stevens would joke around, she would still continue to threaten him of her leave. I think that this continuation of her threats showed how she really felt about being a housekeeper. Though Miss Kenton wanted to remain professional, and not waste her life as the new girl had in running away and getting married, Miss Kenton really was not satisfied in her job, and used the two Jewish girls as an opportunity to reveal these feelings.
I completely agree with Keith, the scene on page 97 when Stevens chooses to keep working serving the men in the conference over seeing his dying father for the last time was utterly painful to read. A little bit to Stevens’ defense, I don’t think he really made all that much of an impulsive or cowardly choice to keep working, in fact I think he is right in feeling proud of his ability to keep working even through such an emotionally tumultuous time. I don’t believe it was, as Keith put it a “coping” mechanism for his father’s death, but rather a conscious realization of what his father himself would have done. In proceeding to work while he knew his father was dying upstairs, Stevens was making his father proud by absorbing himself in his prestigious position as butler of Darlington Hall. Suffice it to say, some of the dialogue between them was most unfriendly as it is, and I’m sure it is difficult for Stevens to see his father in any light other than how the reader sees him: as an extremely professional individual who kept his career as close to heart as it could get. Stevens is absolutely justified in feeling proud of his actions that night, and such actions give the reader a lot to ponder about in terms of character development. With that anecdote in mind it’s quite clear that Stevens is just about as dedicated as they come.
Motivation? Certainly someone in Stevens’ position has to have some astoundingly powerful reason for giving up their entire life in service to someone. Thanks to his astuteness, Stevens has outlined his feelings as to this particular matter. For him, it seems, it is that “someone” which makes all the difference. He states that “it was the aspiration of all those of us with professional ambition to work our way as close to this hub as we were each of us capable…A ‘great’ butler can only be, surely, one who can point to his years of service and say that he has applied his talents to serving a great gentleman – and through the latter, to serving humanity.” (115-117) So, to Stevens, serving under Lord Darlington was rewarding because he feels that through some bizarre transitive property of service, he was assisting the world. I guess that is about the only logic that would make anyone in his profession feel any sort of purpose in their lives. They are so thoroughly (and I guess one could say happily) entrenched in the idea that their own ideas should be counted out, that they believe that by serving dinner and cleaning houses that they are effectually putting their mark on the world. I hate to break it to them, but if there’s any mark at all in doing that, it certainly is not a large one. If Stevens is fine with being behind the curtain of someone else’s life and not have one of his own, so be it.
I just came back from China and ready to finish my blogging. Thank goodness for post-its on notes!
First, I would like to comment about Stevens and his father’s death. As both Keith and Sandy mentioned earlier, Stevens chose over his “butler duty” over his father. It’s very sad, but I don’t think that Stevens was avoiding being too personal. In the first part of the book, Stevens had not demonstrated any emotions because he didn’t know how to react in the first place. Throughout his life, Stevens focused on his father’s principles of being a great butler. So like Sandy said, Stevens continued working to honor his father. However, I noticed how two people at the party were able to see beyond Stevens’ composure. On page 105, Lord Darlington detected tears from Stevens’ eyes. For someone “professional” like Stevens, crying doesn’t seem to be on the list. I think this shows that Stevens is still human even if he chooses over his work.
Second, I find that Miss Kenton is continuously displaying her emotions while working. When Miss Kenton and Stevens first met, Stevens was very criticizing of Miss Kenton’s professional behaviors. Back then, Stevens looked at Miss Kenton as a servant of lower class. On page 158, Miss Kenton agrees with Stevens of being too personal. Miss Kenton had only wanted to help the poor girl Lisa. Lisa’s references seemed suspicious, but Miss Kenton decided to give her a chance. At the end, Lisa ran away with one of the footmen. Lisa didn’t even say thank you to Miss Kenton for teaching her as a housemaid. Can love be so strong that a person would throw his real career away? Somehow I think this scene showed that Miss Kenton truly does love her profession. At this time, Miss Kenton is not married, and works as a housekeeper at the great Darlington Hall. Nevertheless, Miss Kenton might also picture herself in Lisa’s shoes and think of love and marriage. There has to be something more out there than just working as a housekeeper everyday. Miss Kenton has those these feelings clustered in her mind that Stevens don’t even notice. Stevens can only see the fault of what Miss Kenton has done by her kindness and determination for helping Lisa.
Lastly, Stevens is just doing his butler duty for not discussing about his old employers. Apparently, it’s not ‘customary’ also known as ‘not part of the butler rules’. At first, I thought that Stevens was either saving face or protecting his former employer when other people start talking nonsense about Lord Darlington. Now I see that Stevens is very much proud of Lord Darlington. Stevens isn’t much into long unpleasant conversations that involves someone he admires.
I think what all of us have touched upon so far is the relationship between Ms. Kenton and Stevens. Both of these characters have led lives of servitude, however what begins to separate and define them is their sense of humanity and compassion, or in Stevens case a lack thereof. This becomes increasingly evident when Stevens’ father falls deathly ill, and as you guys pointed out, Stevens attends to his father’s illness as if he were waiting another one of the guests at the Darlington house. Upon asking if he was a good father to him, Stevens’ disregarded his father, as he was “extremely busy.” At this point I was frustrated with our blind narrator, Ms. Kenton who has actually retained her sense of humanity throughout the years offers to care for his father. Surprisingly, Stevens’ actually displays shreds of emotion, when his father passes away, and a guest during the conference points out that he was crying (105). Furthermore, the memory ends with him announcing that that night “constituted a turning point in [his] professional career,” and recalls that night “with a large sense of triumph.” Clearly this man is so immersed with his job that he uses it as a coping mechanism in order to deal with his father death, and is trying the paint that night as vividly as possible in order to cover the pain that he felt. Instances like this where instead of continuing to fulfill her occupation, Kenton decides to do what is right, whereas Stevens deals with his job first is a motif throughout this novel. Keith mentioned the Jewish girls who were fired by Lord Darlington because of the animosity towards the Jewish population during this time period, and how Kenton strongly disagreed with Stevens and Darlington’s poor decision. Kenton believed that the girls’ resignation “would be simply wrong,” and Stevens’ curtly responds explaining that their job doesn’t have any room for their “sentiments.” Stevens needs a reality check, it appears that he will do anything in order to fulfill his occupation. Additionally, Helen brought up a good point regarding Kenton, and how she almost seemed bitter when Lisa ran off with the footmen, and how she desires to run away but something is holding her back. Also, after she fires the Jewish girls, her and Stevens have a conversation about how she wanted to resign after that situation. Ultimately, she didn’t end up running as she attributed it to “cowardice (152).” But what was interesting was how she didn’t really didn’t know where to go and did not have anyone to go too. So for future posters, do you think that the reason Stevens continues to live as a butler is because in reality he is unable to do anything else? Another topic that you guys brought up was the conference at Darlington Hall, particularly the argument during the closing ceremony that pitted Mr. Lewis against the entire congregation. During this period in time America takes over as a global superpower and begins to act in its own distinctive manner, that some people like Dupont and Darlington would consider crude and disrespectful. I thought this argument demonstrated that the world was not ready for the change in culture and politics that America would administer. Lewis attacks Dupont and Darlington and labels them as “naïve dreamers (102)” and he claims that; “international affairs today are no longer for gentlemen amateurs.” Darlington retorts by explaining that that is “honour,” and that Lewis’, and America’s approach as professional. I thought that was a metaphor for Stevens’ journey and how like lord Darlington he will be attacked for his professionalism and may eventually succumb to change like Europe eventually did during this time period.
For some reason reading part two proved to be a little difficult to pulling literary meaning from but I shall try to by best everyone so please bear with me.
The first scene that I was brought attention to was when Miss Kenton kept bringing the errors of Mr. William Stevens. Since Stevens Senior is regarded as a world class butler Miss Kenton’s meddling would ultimately ruin his reputation. She simply remarks about things amiss in Darlington are indirect blows meant for Stevens Senior. The pedestal that Stevens’ keeps his father on is about to crumble if Miss Kenton has anything to do with it. Stevens tries to ignore the fact for some time until the pieces start to come together in his mind.
When Stevens brother died Stevens Senior decided to hide his true feelings for the sake of his occupation. The behavior that Stevens displays (choosing to work over tending to his dying father) does directly with his obsession of being a “great butler” of such high esteem like his father was in his past. To Stevens being emotional is deemed as unprofessional and not meant for the workplace. He is determined to keep his family issues separated from his profession at all times, even when results prove to be detrimental. I was able to make the same distinction that Sandy previously made. Miss Kenton and Stevens would often have opposing opinions over the productivity of Stevens Senior at Darlington Hall. When Stevens Senior had become seriously ill Stevens was unable to take care of him like he should have been able to. Surprisingly, Miss Kenton was the one to push for him to regard the situation of his father higher than his duties as a butler for once in his professional career. His constant work-a-holic behavior can be defined as a defense mechanism against the outside world. By working all the time he is able to protect himself and not have to deal with any other serious issues. The people that he should be able to trust: Miss Kenton, Lord Darlington, and his father are pushed to the back of his mind and are not considered for second thought.
When I read Stevens reactions I found it alarming that he was still too “busy” even though his father was basically on his death bed. Do you think that his father would be resentful of his actions? On the other hand, Stevens Senior could understand that the integrity of being a butler calls for some sacrifices in one’s lifetime. I initially thought that his father’s illness would be just the sign to pull Stevens from his restrained emotional behavior. Stevens does not life the terms of his father’s situation so he simply chooses to ignore it and busy himself so that he never really has to fully deal with it altogether. What are your thoughts about why Stevens chooses to act out this way? Will he ever be able to face his issues full on and feel some actual emotions?
I agree with Kellie, I believe that Stevens is using his work to avoid creating relationships with others. Even though having relationships seems to make him uncomfortable, I thought that the way he treated his fathers’ illness and death was cold and cruel. It was so wrong for him to just leave his father during his last moments to go serve people who probably didn’t appreciate him that much. You can see how difficult it is for him to deal with his emotions when he ran out of the room when his father tried to talk to him. Even though the situation seems dire, because of how uncomfortable he felt dealing with his emotions he told his father “I’m afraid we’re extremely busy now, but we can talk in the morning.”(pg 97) and left the room, and went back to serving, like nothing drastic is taking place. I thought that the way he reacted to his fathers’ death was really interesting. He went on, and kept working like nothing happened. However he started crying without even noticing. I don’t really know what to make of that but I thought it was interesting. On page 105 it says ‘I laughed and taking out a handkerchief, quickly wiped my face. “I’m very sorry, sir. The strains of a hard day.”’ I thought that he was using all that pride and greatness stuff to keep from dealing with his father’s death. Like how he compared his actions, to that man in the story his father told him. It’s one thing that he kept on working, but he could’ve at least taken a moment to say goodbye. After years of living, Stevens is finally going out onto the world, doing something that doesn’t revolve around his work. He’s feels happy, seeing all these new sights taking a new turn in life. I think that Stevens is just trying to protect himself when he keeps denying ever working for Lord Darlington, or ever having been in the house during other times. He would feel soiled, since rumors are associated with Lord Darlington’s name. So he denies it. But he does disagree with what’s being dais because he knew that Lord Darlington was a great man.
As I continue reading the second part of the book, I think that Stevens and Miss Kenton have a weird relationship, I feel like it awkward and childish especially when she said “ I would ask you to so through a messenger. Or else you may like to write a note and have it send to me “ page 80. Come on they are two adults and they worked in the same place. They need to put their differences apart. When Miss.Kenton said if he needs to communicate with her, he needs to write a note, I thought that was ridiculous and funny at the same time. I understand where everyone is coming from. I was real mad that he chose works over his dad. Page 93 “for a while it seemed undesirable that I leave my father in such a condition, I did not really have a moment to spare.”I couldn’t believe that he just said that, unbelievable how can he say such things? His poor dad needs him more than ever and his paying more attention to work. As I continue reading I came to another conclusion, maybe the reason he didn’t really want to show his feelings but deep down he really wish he could be with his father and also I feel like his father would want him to continue working than paying attention to his sickness. Come to think about it that was one of the hardest day for him, I think that day would stay with him forever, he had a lot to do and a lot of things that happen that day. I believe his dad would be very proud of what he has done. Stevens only wants to follow his footstep and be the best butler he could be.
There was one thing that kept confusing me was when the guy ask him “you actually used to work for that Lord Darlington”. He responded “Oh, no I am employed by Mr. Jhon Farraday”page 120. I was kind of confused until Stevens went back to the day the Wakefield’s came to visit Lord Darlington house. Ms. Wakefields ask Stevens the same questions and he responds the same answer. Mr. Farraday asks him why he said that and he responded “That it is not customary in England for an employee to discuss his past employers.”
In my previous post, I commented on the idea of how Stevens is too engrossed in obtaining the title of a “great butler” and due to this reason, he disregards his relationship with his father. However, after reading the second part of the novel, I realized that I made a hasty generalization. When Stevens’ father is dying, we see Stevens expressing emotion for the first time in his life. For example, Stevens constantly states, that “I’m glad father is feeling so much better” (p.97). Even though, he is more preoccupied with Lord Darlington’s international meeting, he continues to show concern for his father. However, at this point, Stevens does not understand that his father is dying. I agree with previous posters that it was cruel to see Stevens abandon his father in his time of need. Nevertheless, we see that he continues his duties as a butler in order to make his father proud. Stevens feels that his “father would have wished [him] to carry on” despite the circumstances. In this instance, the audience is exposed to Stevens’ true character. Though he appears to be emotionless throughout the novel, we see him “crying” when he chooses to attend to his duties as a butler rather than serving his father. I disagree with the idea that Stevens was being negligent towards his father, he was merely trying to follow his father’s footsteps in order to become a “great butler”. Similarly, when Lord Darlington asks Stevens to fire the two Jewish maids, Stevens “[opposes] the idea of their dismissal” (p.148). He believes that it is wrong to fire the maids especially since they “had been perfectly satisfactory employees.” In this instance, Stevens is forced to act against his emotions in order to fulfill his job as a butler. He regrets carrying out the action and as Miss Kenton points out “pretends” to show no concern. Therefore, in order to remain professional at all times, Stevens’ is forced to maintain a façade.
Another aspect of the novel that I found particularly entertaining was when Stevens begins to practice the act of “bantering”. Stevens constantly dwells upon the fact that he is unable to please Mr. Farraday because he has no “witty retort” to his bantering. During his journey, Stevens attempts to form a “witticism” to the locals at the bar. However, he is “disappointed [that] it [has] not been better received” (p.130). This instance exemplifies how Stevens is incapable of relinquishing his professionalism. He is unable to let go of his formal and old-fashioned mindset. It comes to a point where Stevens cannot even carry an informal conversation with a person. His profession has had such profound influence on him that even when Stevens is on his vacation; he continues to act like a butler.
Finally, I would like to end on the note that I feel Stevens is hiding something from the audience. His dismissal of the fact that he served Lord Darlington seems to hold more significance than Stevens concludes as an unwillingness to encounter the “unpleasant” remarks made toward him. For future posters, why do you think if Stevens is so proud of having served Lord Darlington that he chooses to never relay his feelings to anyone else?
As many mentioned before, I also believe that Stevens is using his services as a butler as an excuse for the events in life that he wants to avoid, concerning his father, but also his relationships with Miss Kenton. It is clear that Stevens should not have left his father on his death bed, but at that moment, I feel that Stevens almost wanted to prove to his father that, he is or will be just as great of a butler as his father was, this being my conclusion from him mentioning that on this particular day, he might have even shown some "dignity."
To answer Ayuob's question, I feel that Stevens is staying there because he has no other place to go, partly because he knows nothing else other than his career as a butler. His father was an amazing butler, his brother is already dead, and I don't recall it ever mentioning anything about the mother, therefore, it only seems possible that he has no where else to go. But partly, I don't think he wants to go anywhere else. Stevens takes his job so seriously that at times, he seems even stuck up in his writing, although this is suppose to be a journal, his descriptions of the events or the feelings he has shows that he is very proud of them, to the point that it seems boasting.
That scene of Stevens' father's death that everyone mentioned also touched me, but in a different way. My thought was "Now here is the image of the perfect butler." He was able to juggle the meeting, the emptying glasses, Mr. Dupont's "emergency", the talk with Mr. Cardinal, and his father's dwindling health. His father is counting on him just as everyone is counting on him. Mr. Darlington was counting on him to give perfect service in the name of Darlington Hall so that powerful leaders of different countries don't argue. Mr. Cardinal is counting on him to mature, to become an adult. And he was able to manage it all. Amazing. If we want to read into it, Stevens had to choose between his father's legacy or his rapidly deteriorateing body.
We have already established that this trip is a quest. (Because EVERY trip is a quest) Notice that at every stop, Stevens also goes into a flashback. He always remarks on the beauty of that particular place, so I assume that his memories are always fond, even if there was sad news. His horse broke down, to be fixed by a fellow knight. There seems to have been no dangers on the road, but there were on memory lane. A question: Is Mrs. Keaton the princess at the end of the road or the evil knight?
Mr. Lewis calls everyone a "naive dreamer". He also praises "professionalism". The last thing is that he is the American. I think this view on America is an accurate representation of how others see America. Full of themselves,self righteous, the World Police. It is ironic because at the time, America is only just rising as a world power, a seat England has held for decades. For the former to call the latter an amatuer... Almost makes you want to hate Mr. Lewis, until you realize he's American.
Somehow I can’t help but feel that Stevens’ father did not have his son’s butlering (that's probably not a word but I'm going to use it) in mind when he was on his deathbed on page 97. Sure he said he was proud of him, and I’m sure he meant it, but I felt like the comment that followed burdened him more – ‘I hope I’ve been a good father to you. I suppose I haven’t.’ But Stevens doesn’t notice any meaning behind it and puts off the conversation for the next day so he can go do his job (and also do what he believes would make his father proud). I was looking forward to the second part of that conversation, but it never came and his father dies, leaving the conversation unfinished and anything Stevens’ father had on his mind untold. However, Stevens perceives it as if his father’s last words were “go be a great butler.” His devotion to being a butler seems to blind him when it comes to his personal issues.
The next two chapters go back to the present for while, where Stevens denies that he worked for Darlington to some batman, and then confesses to the audience that it wasn’t the first time. By the end of page 126, it sounds like Stevens is trying to convince himself, let alone us, that he was proud to have worked for the man. He also reveals that there are bad rumors about Darlington going around (he also assures us they are untrue, but I’m not so sure about that). He did side with the Germans a lot so there might have been something that the English would have thought improper about him.
As for Miss Kenton, I agree with Gaelle, his relationship with her seems weird and childish. If Stevens wasn’t on his way visiting her right now I would have thought they didn’t really like each other. But because their relationship did seem really childish, I also think that their relationship at the time of the flashback was more than just friendship, or at least Miss Kenton wanted it to be. But of course Stevens was too preoccupied with the curtains and chores to notice anything. Maybe he’ll find a romantic connection on this quest (as Chloe stated) of his.
Alright, so it is pretty obvious here that Stevens is somewhat of a novice when he tries to deal with personal relationhips. His work is literally his LIFE, and it seems as if nothing will ever come before it. Hey, he continued to work in the midst of his father's death, and with considerable composure at that.
However...he does seem to make an attempt (although feeble) at being a functional person in a middle class society when he cracked a joke about "Old Bob" (the landlord of the inn he was currently lodged at) and his habits regarding his late night "hammering away"; "A local variation of the cock crow, no doubt" (130). I may not be an Englishman but I have to say (and I'm sure the other men in the bar agree, judging from their reactions), that Stevens' joke was not funny at all. However, when compared to his usual sense of humor or overall ability to be kidded around with, this wisecrack represents rather significant progress in Stevens as a person. However, Stevens decide to overanalyze his actions (as usual) and go on to make excuses why his joke did not go over that well with the fellows in the bar; "..one is given very little time to asses its various possible repercussions before one is called to give voice to it, and one gravely risks uttering all manner of unsuitable things..." (131). Stevens just can't accept the idea that not everything he does is "first-rate."
Another topic of interest would be the whole situaton regarding the dismissal of the two Jewish maids and the different stances that Stevens and Miss Kenton both took. Kellie made a good point by saying that Miss Kenton's behavior (rather extreme behavior) after the Jewish maids were fired and after Lisa eloped may very well have been just a way to vent her true feelings. A companion of Stevens' said something to effect of Miss Kenton being frustrated because she is ending her prime years to marry and such, but she is stuck being a housemaid. to furter this point, Stevens also mentioned that Miss Kenton also began "taking full advantage" of her days off to go see an old friend (a male) in the city that she always spoke rather highly of. There is obviously something afoot here, and I look forward to seeing how Stevens and his "quest" come to a conclusion.
As I continued reading, I began to notice, as many other people posted, that Stevens does use his job as a coping method. As long as he keeps working, he won't have to think about anything. It's the reason why he really doesn't have much of a life. I also like that many components are thrown into this book all once. There's Stevens' trip that is going on, but there's also the flashbacks he has with Miss Kenton, and even the political aspect of that era. It's a lot to sift through, but it does come together in the end. I agree with what some of the others had said about the death of Stevens' father. From the beginning when his father was introduced, I saw that everything about their relationship was all professional. Even when his father came to work with him he never once had a loving moment with him or talked to him in a manner that was more than just emplyee to employee. So I was not surprised that Stevens did not stay with his father, he is very used to not having to deal with emotional situations that he would have just been an awkward presence in the room even despite the fact that it was his dad. On a different note, the interaction that he has on page 120 with the stranger who helped him with his car was intriguing to me. Stevens skirted around the man's curiosity as to Lord Darlington's character. I understood after further reading that it was a foreshadowing event to Darlington's fate. Also I wanted to add on to what I had said in my last blog about how I like Miss Kenton's character. I like the sharp contrast between her and Stevens. I like how she is open and strong and is not afraid to show emotion and opinion in her work. As the book progresses, their relationship strengthens and they're able to joke and be much more comfortable in each others' presence. One more point I wanted to add is from page 164. This is all of Stevens' thoughts as to what caused the change in their relationship after they had gotten more close. He says, "Why it was she came to my pantry I cannot remember with certainty. I have a feeling she may have come bearing a vase of flowers to 'brighten things up', but then again..." This statement of his makes me think of him as a little boy with not much sense as to loving interactions between men and women. Based on what Miss Kenton did, she had feelings for Stevens and was trying to show that; however, it's clear the Stevens has no idea that that is what she was trying to do. He is a tad oblivious.
I was wondering when we would finally see the flaws in Mr. Darlington, that Stevens is trying so hard to deny to himself. Writing it like a journal and not a novel, I felt that it was easier to see most of Stevens omissions and denials. He tries to convince himself that the firing of the Jewish maids was okay, although he never quite agrees with it but nonetheless he does it. He reasons to himself that the understanding of this situation is above his head andas such his lordship must know what he is talking about in firing the Jewish maids. But what I found interesting was that even tho he didn’t agree with his boss he never let Ms. Keeton know that. It was like he never let down his “perfect butler” persona. He doesn't try to at least console her a little bit by expressing his own opinions. He even downsizes the "incidents" as something trivial and not at all a personality flaw in his employer. He wants to convince himself so much that "his talents to serving a great gentlemen--and through the latter, to serving humanity" (117) that he will not admit to there ever being anythign wrong with Mr. Darlington because that would mean a) that he was just like his father's generation b) that he has made no contrubution to the bettering of English society or humanity but has actually hindered it by serving and following in this gentlemen or c) none of the above. Why do you think he's trying to convince himself so much that Mr. Darlington is a great gentlemen?
He is so repressed he doesn't even want to admit that him and Ms. Keeton are friend. He keeps referring to the friendly banter as a way to relieve the tension of the day. He even gets upset with her and stop t he meetings when she shows the least bit of resistance of having them, is he so insecure that he can’t even admit that Ms. Keeton and him are friends?
I thought it was very interesting the talk about slaves and diginity on page 186. Some people may view Stevens as nothing more than a glorified slave. He has the similar mentality of one, blindly obeying his master and when he doesn't quite agree just chalks it up to his master being smarter and better than he is, and just being happy to get a chance to serve someone so great. I am not saying that Stevens is a slave just found that interesting.
The townspeople thought he was a gentlemen not a gentlemen's gentlemen and he lets them continue to believe that. It makes me wonder if Stevens ever aspired to be more, it would seem that all he’s trying to do at the end of this chapter and this whole trip is to convince himself that he was content with being a butler to Mr. Darlington?
I agree with Keith, David, and Ayoub that Stevens uses his job as a coping mechanism. Lord Darlington notices that Stevens “look|s| as though |he’s| crying” (105) which show a humane part of Stevens. Before, I categorized Stevens as a robot but I take it back now. He does have emotions according to his reaction to his father’s death and as well to his thought of firing the two Jewish housemaids. On the surface, like other readers have mentions, Steven’s neglecting of his father’s deteriorating condition seems awful and mean. However, we are reading in ‘our’ eyes when we sees this. Like Chloe said, he’s just being a ‘great’ butler. In Stevens’ eyes, he’s actually honoring his father by carrying out his duties like his father did when Stevens’ brother lost his life during a battle needlessly. Both Stevens’ and his father’s life revolve around being a butler and they both strive to be a ‘great’ butler, and in continuing their work in the most stressful of time, they prove that they have the aspects to be a ‘great’ butler.
This leads to Ayoub’s question – “do you think that the reason Stevens continues to live as a butler is because in reality he is unable to do anything else?” I agree with Belinda that Stevens has no other place to go. Like Miss Kenton, being a butler is his life, he knows nothing else. His inadequacies to live any other way is his oblivious to the Ford’s condition, he didn’t know that he ran out of fluid for his radiator and another time, he didn’t even realize that he ran out of gas. All of his thoughts, even though he’s driving around England, go back to his job. Physically, he’s moving away from the mansion but his mind is back at Darlington’s Hall. He’s trapped there. Even Miss Kenton sees this, when she mentions that his “room resembles a prison cell.” It is a prison cell. Like I mentioned earlier in my post for part 1, he is imprisoned by his job. It’s also evident when he tries to make a ‘witty’ come back and the people didn’t get it. As of right now, Stevens is living in his own bubble. He is devoid of any kind of relationships outside of his work and devoid of any kind of affection toward other people, even for himself (evident through his drab room or ‘pantry’). Even though he is a trip is mind is still back at Darlington Hall. His head is always work, work, work. He doesn’t pay attention or know anything else. For example, he doesn’t realize that the water for the radiator ran out or worse, that he ran out of gas. This leads back to his father searching the steps "as though he hoped to find some precious jewel he had dropped there." The jewel, for both the father and the son, is affection, relationship, and life. They are devoid of the ‘jewel’ as shown through their acts of being ‘great’ butlers, they give off no emotions when something tragic happens to the people they love. Stevens’ father realizes this but it was too late for him, he is already 72, but it’s not too late for Stevens. As I mentioned in the previous blog of part 1, Stevens is on is “QUEST,” and at the end of the quest, he will realize the things that he lost in his life, such as love. Right now, he is just an ice block. He is devoid of emotions, which is evident through his tone and syntax. Even though he shed a few tears, the tone when he described his father’s passing is no more than as he recalled a regular event. As Miss Kenton noticed, Stevens ‘pretend’ (154). He puts on a façade, part of this façade is the way he speaks. Compared to Miss Kenton and other people he meets on his trip, his way of talking is peculiar not only to us readers but them. But in the end, he will lose this façade as he find his ‘jewel.’
In regard to Keith’s question about the hand, I don’t think there’s any larger meaning. I think it signifies nervousness and the fear of speaking one’s thought. I look at my hands too when I am unable to find the right word or the courage to speak. On all of those occasions that you mentioned, they all were trying to say something but nervous or doesn’t want to say so, therefore, they look at their hands.
I never gave any thought as why Stevens continue to stay at Darlington Hall after so many years until you guys pointed it out. It’s out of fear. All his life, the only thing that kept him going was the thought of achieving this “dignity” this “greatness” that he hoped to obtain. To abandon this profession means abandoning all that he’s worked for. All his life, he’s devoted to Darlington Hall, there’s no world outside of that hall. Just like how when he first set out on his journey he was awed by the surrounding and the unfamiliar territory. Even though he had lived so many years in Darlington, he’s never actually set a foot outside its surrounding land.
It was really painful to read during that whole scene when Stevens abandons his father to look after the conference. I mean his father was about to die, but he still put all his effort into the smoothness of the household. From the way he acts and talk’s readers had no clue that he’s suffering inside without the comments made by Lord Darlington and the other guests. Lord Darlington even mentions as if “[Stevens] have been crying.” Despite running back and forth and masking his emotions, readers can gather from those comments that his dad’s illness did affect him, that he’s not as emotional as we think he was. He tries to mask his emotions from the guests, and to us readers. That in my opinion shows that he’s not a reliable narrator. If he can hide his emotions so well, what else is he hiding from us readers? I do give him credit for not bursting out when M.Dupont kept on bothering him to tend on his feet. I wanted to kick that Frenchman because he was so annoying. Despite him being the honorable guest, his attitude just sucks. I think from that section of the reading Stevens was trying to achieve that “dignity” he wanted. To ensure that the smoothness of the hall is maintained, despite the suffering of his father, he absorbed himself into his work. When he finally did achieve that in the end of that chapter he achieved a “degree of dignity worthy of someone like Mr.Marshal.” p.110l
Stevens is to say the least, emotionally detached. After so many years of serving others he has lost touch with himself. His goal of being a “great butler” consists of him serving others so that they can make a difference. Personally, I’ve found that Stevens is attempting to live through others. His goals are not entirely his own, they are undeniably linked to others’. Stevens believes if one “can point to his years of service and say that he has applied his talents to serving a great gentleman-and through the latter, to serving humanity”, which is extremely far fetched. Essentially, Stevens is claiming that since he has dedicated his life to a person and their goals, he should thus be able to borrow their success as they have borrowed his services. Saying that those who take care of the household duties are remotely aiding humanity is ridiculous. Stevens has lived in his lords’ shadows for years, instead of creating his own name by doing something it is as if he is borrowing someone else’s. Whether or not Stevens’s father would have wanted him to continue working, Stevens would have. He takes his work extremely seriously and there is nothing personal about it. When working (all the time), emotions are to be put a side and as such he doesn’t have a choice he must not get distracted. Claiming that work was the one and only reason he was not at his father’s side when he died, would not be accurate. I would say that Stevens did not want to get in touch with his emotions, which seeing his father would evoke. Instead, Stevens chooses to stay “strong” and have a sense of pride and work through his father’s death. Even when he referred to his father previously, he had done so by calling him “father” and nothing more endearing, just father, as everyone else would know him (“so and so’s father”) .
I do agree that Stevens is emotionally detached. Whenever something goes wrong doesn't seem to react with normal emotions. In fact it seems as though he handles everything with a work-centric attitude.For example, when Lord Darlington wants him to fire the Jewish maids.Instead of being outraged or at least a little bit put off by the fact that his employer is wrongly discriminating against two individuals. He just treats it like it is nothing and that is alarming because he doesn't show any emotion whatsoever it's. My question is why? Why does he act this way? Is it because he is trying to be like his father? Or is it because he has nothing else to work for or interact with except for his job. I also see that he is beginning to see the faults and inconsistencies with his old employer Lord Darlington. As he continues to recount tales of Lord Darlington he begins to see that thing aren't as they seemed.
Starting out my post I think I must touch upon the reserved nature of Steven’s. I have to agree that it does seem to be a coping mechanism, but at the same time I think it stems from the fact that being a butler is all that Steven’s really knows. He was raised by his father who was a butler and threw himself right into the profession when he was the right age. It has been all he has known for so long and as Okonkwo threw himself into being the opposite of his father, Steven’s has thrown himself into being just like his father and dare I say an even more “great” butler.
The moment that stood out the most to me during this section of the book has to be the death of his father. As soon as he heard the news, Steven’s continued to work and put off dealing with the death until his duties were complete. It struck me most due to the fact that I became angered by Steven’s actions. I believe that it was the only way for him to deal with the death due to the fact that he has never been able to commit himself to human relations.
Chloe pointed it out the most correctly in saying that it is a quest and during this section I kept pondering how Steven’s would grow from it or how it would change him. His constant reflection on his past employer and his relationship with Miss Keeton seems to be the focus. Starting with Lord Darlington, I believe that is the one person he is the most confused about. Like Keith said, it seems that Steven’s is pondering exactly how involved Lord Darlington was with World War II, but while talking about what the Lord had done, he constantly shows the respect he had for him, stemming from his professional obligation to his past employer. As he continues to look back I believe he will further realize how much he actually disagreed with what his employer was doing and this in turn will challenge his ideals on being a butler.
I must touch upon the ever emerging dynamic between Steven’s and Miss Keeton. They seem to be direct opposites of one another and I believe that is why Steven’s is most drawn to her. She is a strong personality who is constantly challenging him and this in turn seems to have been the reason why he became so close to her. She is emotional and questions her duties to her employers, while on the other hand Steven’s would never think of doing either. Their relationship has become the most enjoyable thing for me.
Finally, bringing up Keith’s question about the significance of hands, I believe it stems from the importance they hold. Using their hands is what their lives revolve around. I honestly see Steven’s father as looking at his hand as a sign of regret. On his death bed he was questioning his life and how he had lived it and in my opinion he regretted only committing himself to being a butler instead of enjoying everything else he could have gotten out of life.
So I was reading through the posts and I noticed that there was a big shock when Stevens decides to keep on working rather than attend to his father’s side, but like David said I don’t believe that his actions are part of a coping mechanism. Instead I believed that it was just the natural reaction of a person who was raised for the position. This would be a case of nurture versus nature. No matter how much Stevens was conditioned for his position, at the end of the day he is still human, and it showed in his eyes that Lord Darlington pointed out to “look as though [he was] crying”(105). As it turns out his well earned dignity also went into his acceptance of “the wishes of his employer” (149) to fire the two Jewish girls despite it having had caused him “great concern”(153). Under his own principles this would makes him a “great” butler; a person devoid of “strong opinions” and thus a “loyal” servant (P200). Personally I think that dignity is a little of both Harry’s opinion and Stevenson’s. “You can’t have dignity if you’re a slave”(p186) and being a slave is having no opinion on whatever matter is is put forth, as Harry demonstrates with his speech about voting. If we add Stevenson’s idea to the definition though, it changes completely. Then a slave can have dignity if he strives to perfect himself through his duty. A big part of being dignified id to make your own opinions and to put them forth, but also to know when it is the time to push forward and when to concede defeat. Having dignity I think is mostly what Stevenson says. The reason I disagree with his whole definition is because he is using his definition to describe his position. In these parameters such a definition for dignity would apply to a Butler’s dignity. Like I said in my previous post, theses people lived in a different time with different ideals, and Harry’s ideas were perhaps a little more into the future, and not meant for the specific position of a Butler. If such a definition was put forth of his Lords dignity then I think Stevens would have agreed and added a few more ideas to the definition. “Dignity is not just something for the gentlemen”
Before I say anything else, I want to point out that there is a pattern in Steven’s journey. In the beginning of the book, Stevens ends up going to the top of the hill to see a sight suggested to him by the man at the bottom of the hill. This of course was not in Stevens but he was pleasantly surprised. Then the man who fixed his car at the house had him go see the view at the pond. He even “repeated his instructions” (120) just to make sure Stevens wouldn’t miss the sight. I think there has to be some type of symbolism in him sidetracking on his journey to see beautiful sights he would have never seen if he hadn’t stopped. Stevens stopping and seeing sights that weren’t planned could symbolize the advantages of slowing down and taking your time, maybe even enjoying life and not letting it pass you by so quickly. Or maybe it could mean that Stevens life is so structured with life that he’s missing out on things. I wonder if he’ll stop again because there has to be something there.
As for the question in this blog about Stevens’ capability to look at anything directly without relating it to his life, I think Stevens will always find a way to relate any little thing back to his life. He’s been cooped up in that house for long that everything about his butler profession has basically become all he knows. But that’s not a bad thing. I think it’s only natural that anyone would find ways to relate things back to their personal experiences. I think a good way to understand something is if you can relate it to your self to get a clearer understanding
The last thing I want to comment on is how people mentioned the part when Stevens decides to continue working even after knowing his father died. I have to admit that him only saying “I’m very busy now Ms. Kenton. In a little while perhaps,” (106) is very harsh. What makes me sad is he doesn’t even say, -yes of course I’ll go see my father-, no garneted yes, just a “perhaps,” a –maybe I’ll think about it-, and a -we’ll see if I can fit my dead father into my schedule-. I’m not even sure if I wanted to accept his explanation about how it was to only make his father proud because that’s what his father would have wanted him to do. Seriously? Was his choice to ignore the situation really about his father, or himself? Because Stevens saying that his actions were “a turning point in [his] profession,” (110) that gave him a “sense of triumph” (110), completely turned me off. Stevens says it’s all about making his father proud and then says “well guys, I suppose it was all sad, but hey, I got a boost in my career!” Not liking Stevens too much at that point. It’s either he’s extremely selfish or he’s just that committed to making his father proud. But I’ll definitely agree with Kellie and Jen when they said Stevens is using work to avoid having relationships. But as Ngoc, Keith, Ayoub, and David said, maybe work is just a coping mechanism. Or maybe he just does not know how to deal with any type of emotion.
These following chapters dedicated most of its time describing the setting of the novel. This piece of literature designated its time period as the 1920s, right after the First World War. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand had started the war, giving rise of militaristic ideals to those of the Germany and its allies. Well the atmosphere of Europe was that there was little fancy of the Germans, especially from the French. M. Dupont was a strong figure who opposed any ties to that of Germany’s politicians as mentioned in Darlington Hall. Moreover, the setting strongly motivated other actions to take place besides a private political congregation at Darlington Hall. Values of Anti-Semitic ideas were forced onto the Darlington household as Lord Darlington felt it to be appropriate to dismiss two Jewish housemaids for their racial backgrounds during the stay of an influential madam. The dismissal of the housemaids not only contributes to the passiveness of Mr. Stevens’ nature but also adds the tension between him and Miss Kenton.
In detail, these chapters revealed the devotion of Mr. Stevens’ to his profession through his ability to maintain composure throughout times of tragedy. During what was known to be the private political meeting of the congregation of many nations discussing the topic of Germany in Darlington Hall, it was evident that Mr. Stevens senior was lying on his death bed. Instead of tending to his side during his final hours, the narrator was downstairs catering to the whims of the political tycoons. This event is something in which the narrator reveals that he falls back to whenever he starts doubting himself. He had openly dismissed his responsibilities as a son in exchange for that of a ‘great butler’s’. Everything must have been so chaotic to him, having to balance what was happening downstairs and upstairs. Mr. Stevens definitely passed the crucible that day by sticking to his profession, but one must ask; was it worth it?
The code of the butler is like a second bible to the narrator. He wishes to maintain this flawless image about him that he is compromising his ability to express emotion, making him more mechanized. Just recall the death of his father. Apparently he did not express anything in the midst of his dying stages. Then there was the dismissal of the two Jewish housemaids, Ruth and Sarah where the narrator did not voice any wrongdoing he felt he was witnessing, making him just as bad as the reason they were fired. One of the key differences is that the origin of the Bible held a divine essence. Meanwhile, the code of the butler comes of man, which doubts its authenticity and the righteousness to commit to the faith.
Then there was the whole dismissal of the fact that the narrator had served Lord Darlington, back in the present time. I think that over the years, Mr. Stevens had realized the shame he had harbored in profession under his master. Perhaps he was coming to realization that the era in which he had served Lord Darlington may have seemed nice at the time, but afterwards, he realized that the trivial things he had sacrificed were not worth it. Maybe that is why he had set himself on this journey to Miss Kenton. Who knows.
Finally I see that a strong mist is beginning to form when the narrator’s Ford had broken down once again. This mist could symbolize the corruption that is forming within Mr. Stevens. This corruption is the taintedness of his will to become one of those ‘great butlers’. After all, he now realizes that he has the tendency to oversee things—which is a major flaw to have to his profession. Making errors is part of the package that allows us to call ourselves human. He also gets dirtier as he walks to the village too, meaning more corrupted or influenced. The scene could indicate the progression of his transformation throughout the book to become less perfect and become more real as he becomes less dedicated to this code of butlerism.
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26 comments:
I’m going to try to make my post less ridiculously large than my last one. Here I go.
First and foremost, how heartbreaking was the scene on page 97 where Stevens chooses work over his dying father? It’s just another sign of how Stevens uses his job as a coping method to avoid being personal. However, I find it very revealing that the success of Darlington’s meeting seems inversely related to Stevens’ father’s health. As the meeting grows more for the benefit of Darlington, Stevens’ father’s health degenerates. Finally, as the meeting comes to a conclusion, his father dies. I think this was a sort of “deciding moment” in Stevens’ life and he chose to make work his highest priority. This can be seen later on when he uses his position as a butler to avoid taking a stance on the righteousness of firing the two Jewish maids.
I feel as if Stevens and Miss Kenton’s positions on the two Jewish girls represent the general opinions of Jews around the times leading up to and during World War II. While neither of the two (Stevens or Kenton) could really do anything, Kenton believed that feeling bad for the girls made all the difference. Similarly, many people around the world denied what was happening to the Jews. These people were looked down on by those who acknowledged the cruelties, even if neither group could do anything.
My final point is about the scene around page 124 where the visitors are questioning how authentic Darlington Hall is and Mr. Farraday assures Stevens that the house is an authentic, old English house. My question, then, is why the name remains Darlington Hall. If it is that old, then surely the house existed before Darlington’s time, but Stevens doesn’t consider it Farraday Hall. I think this contributes to Stevens’ bias towards Darlington, which I feel can be seen in his refuting any negative comments that have been said about Darlington. This may be a way of Stevens justifying the fact that Darlington potentially contributed to World War II by saying he was a man of good character.
Here’s one last thing I was hoping future posters could help me with. I know that there must be some significance to hands. When Stevens’ father is dying, he looks at his hands (97), when he actually dies, Miss Kenton looks at her hands (106), and when the two Jewish girls are fired, Miss Kenton again looks at her hands (157). I can’t for the life of me put together what this means, but I feel like there must be something significant to it. My only guess is that hands are often associated with work, and in each case, the person seems to be having a moment of revelation that this career is perhaps not the most humane. That what these people have sown is not necessarily what they hoped to get out of life.
I’m sorry. I did an awful job of condensing my thoughts. =[
One of the things that stood out to me in the book is the shift of Miss Kenton and Stevens' relationship. It changed when Stevens' father was remarkably ill and Stevens didn't have time to attend to him, so Miss Kenton offered to "attend to your father. I shall show Dr Meredith up and notify if he has anything noteworthy to stay"(pg 93). Miss Kenton and Stevens' relationship wasn't the best because of their job and the level of professionalism they showed. When it came to personal matters, Miss Kenton put that aside and decided to change her ways of her only talking to Stevens' through notes, and actually talked to him and help put with his father. She showed Stevens that sometimes there are things one should put before work and whatever pride or level of professionalism one had,I'm sure that had an impact on Stevens, but as usual he didn't let it be known. It was a complete change ans shift in their relationship and it introduces a new perspective on the book and foreshadows their relationship in the near future.
On page 103 I liked the speech Lord Darlington gave concerning Mr. Lewis and the debate between Professionalism and amateurism. When Mr. Lewis was speaking and he said they were all "naive dreamers" (pg 102), i agreed because I thought at the time he was being realistic. It's true, we'd all like to change the world, but there are certain things that simply can't be done. But then on page 103, when Lord Darlington rebutted that what Mr.Lewis might "describe as amateurism, sir, is what I think most of us here still prefer to call "honor", I felt confused, I didn't know which side to be on anymore. Lord Darlington presented a good argument about having honor, and if some things cannot be done, they don't "cheat" or "manipulate", they keep the dirty truths to themselves because they have honor.
Keith mentioned earlier how Stevens chose work over his father to avoid putting in his sentiments, and I felt the same way too, but then Stevens confessed to Miss Kenton that his father would have wanted him to continue with his work, and not gone back to see him. I saw why he did it and I believed him because earlier in the book he was talking about his father and his pride.He was telling the story of when his brother died, his father went on working and he even worked for the general that might have been responsible for his son's death. He did it proudly and hid his emotions, he did not let that get in the way of his work. Stevens followed in his footsteps by doing exactly what his father did, he let him die and continued with his work. It's a question of pride and honor, he exemplified his father with pride, and by doing his job, he was honoring him and his name.
In the novel Stevens spoke of his coming of age as a butler because of that conference in March in 1923, but his true coming of age as a normal individual was on (pg.130)when he made an effort to be witty with the local people, and after he cared enough to observe himself about it. He was seeing things in a new way and was making an effort to come out of that careless and strictly professional facade he puts on.
Now that the book is coming together, I can see so many symbols and themes in the story. Of course, one of the main themes already mentioned was Stevens’ use of work in order to avoid the difficulties of developing a close relationship with his lord, Miss Kenton, and even his father. One scene that struck me was the scene when Stevens was reminiscing about Miss Kenton looking out at Stevens’ father as if “he hoped to find some precious jewel he had dropped there.”
Stevens brings up this scene numerous times within the book, and Miss Kenton even mentions it in the letter she writes to Stevens. I thought it was interesting that his father was looking for something that appeared to be lost. It was even more intriguing how his father kept his eyes on the floor distinctly looking for some kind of clue or an answer. This feeling of lost-ness reminded me of Stevens’ situation. He is on a road trip to find Miss Kenton, but does not know what he is actually going to do. In a way, Stevens is somewhat lost himself and on that road trip to look for a clue or an answer, just like his father.
Another thing that stood out to me was the different scenery that Stevens witnessed in the beginning of his road trip. Although he was not very far from Darlington Hall, everything seemed very different to him. The way it was described, it seemed as though Stevens hadn’t walked out of that building for years. This landscape and scenery of the English land portrays something out of Stevens’ ordinary lifestyle. It is something beyond the building he cleans everyday, which might signify Stevens’ attempt of change, or adventure outside of what he is usually given.
Another reoccurring action was Miss Kenton’s threat to leave Darlington Hall. After the leave of the two Jewish girls, Miss Kenton was so angry, that she continued to threaten Stevens of her leave. Even when Stevens would joke around, she would still continue to threaten him of her leave. I think that this continuation of her threats showed how she really felt about being a housekeeper. Though Miss Kenton wanted to remain professional, and not waste her life as the new girl had in running away and getting married, Miss Kenton really was not satisfied in her job, and used the two Jewish girls as an opportunity to reveal these feelings.
I completely agree with Keith, the scene on page 97 when Stevens chooses to keep working serving the men in the conference over seeing his dying father for the last time was utterly painful to read. A little bit to Stevens’ defense, I don’t think he really made all that much of an impulsive or cowardly choice to keep working, in fact I think he is right in feeling proud of his ability to keep working even through such an emotionally tumultuous time. I don’t believe it was, as Keith put it a “coping” mechanism for his father’s death, but rather a conscious realization of what his father himself would have done. In proceeding to work while he knew his father was dying upstairs, Stevens was making his father proud by absorbing himself in his prestigious position as butler of Darlington Hall. Suffice it to say, some of the dialogue between them was most unfriendly as it is, and I’m sure it is difficult for Stevens to see his father in any light other than how the reader sees him: as an extremely professional individual who kept his career as close to heart as it could get. Stevens is absolutely justified in feeling proud of his actions that night, and such actions give the reader a lot to ponder about in terms of character development. With that anecdote in mind it’s quite clear that Stevens is just about as dedicated as they come.
Motivation? Certainly someone in Stevens’ position has to have some astoundingly powerful reason for giving up their entire life in service to someone. Thanks to his astuteness, Stevens has outlined his feelings as to this particular matter. For him, it seems, it is that “someone” which makes all the difference. He states that “it was the aspiration of all those of us with professional ambition to work our way as close to this hub as we were each of us capable…A ‘great’ butler can only be, surely, one who can point to his years of service and say that he has applied his talents to serving a great gentleman – and through the latter, to serving humanity.” (115-117) So, to Stevens, serving under Lord Darlington was rewarding because he feels that through some bizarre transitive property of service, he was assisting the world. I guess that is about the only logic that would make anyone in his profession feel any sort of purpose in their lives. They are so thoroughly (and I guess one could say happily) entrenched in the idea that their own ideas should be counted out, that they believe that by serving dinner and cleaning houses that they are effectually putting their mark on the world. I hate to break it to them, but if there’s any mark at all in doing that, it certainly is not a large one. If Stevens is fine with being behind the curtain of someone else’s life and not have one of his own, so be it.
I just came back from China and ready to finish my blogging. Thank goodness for post-its on notes!
First, I would like to comment about Stevens and his father’s death. As both Keith and Sandy mentioned earlier, Stevens chose over his “butler duty” over his father. It’s very sad, but I don’t think that Stevens was avoiding being too personal. In the first part of the book, Stevens had not demonstrated any emotions because he didn’t know how to react in the first place. Throughout his life, Stevens focused on his father’s principles of being a great butler. So like Sandy said, Stevens continued working to honor his father. However, I noticed how two people at the party were able to see beyond Stevens’ composure. On page 105, Lord Darlington detected tears from Stevens’ eyes. For someone “professional” like Stevens, crying doesn’t seem to be on the list. I think this shows that Stevens is still human even if he chooses over his work.
Second, I find that Miss Kenton is continuously displaying her emotions while working. When Miss Kenton and Stevens first met, Stevens was very criticizing of Miss Kenton’s professional behaviors. Back then, Stevens looked at Miss Kenton as a servant of lower class. On page 158, Miss Kenton agrees with Stevens of being too personal. Miss Kenton had only wanted to help the poor girl Lisa. Lisa’s references seemed suspicious, but Miss Kenton decided to give her a chance. At the end, Lisa ran away with one of the footmen. Lisa didn’t even say thank you to Miss Kenton for teaching her as a housemaid. Can love be so strong that a person would throw his real career away? Somehow I think this scene showed that Miss Kenton truly does love her profession. At this time, Miss Kenton is not married, and works as a housekeeper at the great Darlington Hall. Nevertheless, Miss Kenton might also picture herself in Lisa’s shoes and think of love and marriage. There has to be something more out there than just working as a housekeeper everyday. Miss Kenton has those these feelings clustered in her mind that Stevens don’t even notice. Stevens can only see the fault of what Miss Kenton has done by her kindness and determination for helping Lisa.
Lastly, Stevens is just doing his butler duty for not discussing about his old employers. Apparently, it’s not ‘customary’ also known as ‘not part of the butler rules’. At first, I thought that Stevens was either saving face or protecting his former employer when other people start talking nonsense about Lord Darlington. Now I see that Stevens is very much proud of Lord Darlington. Stevens isn’t much into long unpleasant conversations that involves someone he admires.
I think what all of us have touched upon so far is the relationship between Ms. Kenton and Stevens. Both of these characters have led lives of servitude, however what begins to separate and define them is their sense of humanity and compassion, or in Stevens case a lack thereof.
This becomes increasingly evident when Stevens’ father falls deathly ill, and as you guys pointed out, Stevens attends to his father’s illness as if he were waiting another one of the guests at the Darlington house. Upon asking if he was a good father to him, Stevens’ disregarded his father, as he was “extremely busy.” At this point I was frustrated with our blind narrator, Ms. Kenton who has actually retained her sense of humanity throughout the years offers to care for his father. Surprisingly, Stevens’ actually displays shreds of emotion, when his father passes away, and a guest during the conference points out that he was crying (105). Furthermore, the memory ends with him announcing that that night “constituted a turning point in [his] professional career,” and recalls that night “with a large sense of triumph.” Clearly this man is so immersed with his job that he uses it as a coping mechanism in order to deal with his father death, and is trying the paint that night as vividly as possible in order to cover the pain that he felt.
Instances like this where instead of continuing to fulfill her occupation, Kenton decides to do what is right, whereas Stevens deals with his job first is a motif throughout this novel. Keith mentioned the Jewish girls who were fired by Lord Darlington because of the animosity towards the Jewish population during this time period, and how Kenton strongly disagreed with Stevens and Darlington’s poor decision. Kenton believed that the girls’ resignation “would be simply wrong,” and Stevens’ curtly responds explaining that their job doesn’t have any room for their “sentiments.” Stevens needs a reality check, it appears that he will do anything in order to fulfill his occupation.
Additionally, Helen brought up a good point regarding Kenton, and how she almost seemed bitter when Lisa ran off with the footmen, and how she desires to run away but something is holding her back. Also, after she fires the Jewish girls, her and Stevens have a conversation about how she wanted to resign after that situation. Ultimately, she didn’t end up running as she attributed it to “cowardice (152).” But what was interesting was how she didn’t really didn’t know where to go and did not have anyone to go too. So for future posters, do you think that the reason Stevens continues to live as a butler is because in reality he is unable to do anything else?
Another topic that you guys brought up was the conference at Darlington Hall, particularly the argument during the closing ceremony that pitted Mr. Lewis against the entire congregation. During this period in time America takes over as a global superpower and begins to act in its own distinctive manner, that some people like Dupont and Darlington would consider crude and disrespectful. I thought this argument demonstrated that the world was not ready for the change in culture and politics that America would administer. Lewis attacks Dupont and Darlington and labels them as “naïve dreamers (102)” and he claims that; “international affairs today are no longer for gentlemen amateurs.” Darlington retorts by explaining that that is “honour,” and that Lewis’, and America’s approach as professional. I thought that was a metaphor for Stevens’ journey and how like lord Darlington he will be attacked for his professionalism and may eventually succumb to change like Europe eventually did during this time period.
For some reason reading part two proved to be a little difficult to pulling literary meaning from but I shall try to by best everyone so please bear with me.
The first scene that I was brought attention to was when Miss Kenton kept bringing the errors of Mr. William Stevens. Since Stevens Senior is regarded as a world class butler Miss Kenton’s meddling would ultimately ruin his reputation. She simply remarks about things amiss in Darlington are indirect blows meant for Stevens Senior. The pedestal that Stevens’ keeps his father on is about to crumble if Miss Kenton has anything to do with it. Stevens tries to ignore the fact for some time until the pieces start to come together in his mind.
When Stevens brother died Stevens Senior decided to hide his true feelings for the sake of his occupation. The behavior that Stevens displays (choosing to work over tending to his dying father) does directly with his obsession of being a “great butler” of such high esteem like his father was in his past. To Stevens being emotional is deemed as unprofessional and not meant for the workplace. He is determined to keep his family issues separated from his profession at all times, even when results prove to be detrimental. I was able to make the same distinction that Sandy previously made. Miss Kenton and Stevens would often have opposing opinions over the productivity of Stevens Senior at Darlington Hall. When Stevens Senior had become seriously ill Stevens was unable to take care of him like he should have been able to. Surprisingly, Miss Kenton was the one to push for him to regard the situation of his father higher than his duties as a butler for once in his professional career. His constant work-a-holic behavior can be defined as a defense mechanism against the outside world. By working all the time he is able to protect himself and not have to deal with any other serious issues. The people that he should be able to trust: Miss Kenton, Lord Darlington, and his father are pushed to the back of his mind and are not considered for second thought.
When I read Stevens reactions I found it alarming that he was still too “busy” even though his father was basically on his death bed. Do you think that his father would be resentful of his actions? On the other hand, Stevens Senior could understand that the integrity of being a butler calls for some sacrifices in one’s lifetime. I initially thought that his father’s illness would be just the sign to pull Stevens from his restrained emotional behavior. Stevens does not life the terms of his father’s situation so he simply chooses to ignore it and busy himself so that he never really has to fully deal with it altogether. What are your thoughts about why Stevens chooses to act out this way? Will he ever be able to face his issues full on and feel some actual emotions?
I agree with Kellie, I believe that Stevens is using his work to avoid creating relationships with others. Even though having relationships seems to make him uncomfortable, I thought that the way he treated his fathers’ illness and death was cold and cruel. It was so wrong for him to just leave his father during his last moments to go serve people who probably didn’t appreciate him that much. You can see how difficult it is for him to deal with his emotions when he ran out of the room when his father tried to talk to him. Even though the situation seems dire, because of how uncomfortable he felt dealing with his emotions he told his father “I’m afraid we’re extremely busy now, but we can talk in the morning.”(pg 97) and left the room, and went back to serving, like nothing drastic is taking place.
I thought that the way he reacted to his fathers’ death was really interesting. He went on, and kept working like nothing happened. However he started crying without even noticing. I don’t really know what to make of that but I thought it was interesting. On page 105 it says ‘I laughed and taking out a handkerchief, quickly wiped my face. “I’m very sorry, sir. The strains of a hard day.”’ I thought that he was using all that pride and greatness stuff to keep from dealing with his father’s death. Like how he compared his actions, to that man in the story his father told him. It’s one thing that he kept on working, but he could’ve at least taken a moment to say goodbye.
After years of living, Stevens is finally going out onto the world, doing something that doesn’t revolve around his work. He’s feels happy, seeing all these new sights taking a new turn in life.
I think that Stevens is just trying to protect himself when he keeps denying ever working for Lord Darlington, or ever having been in the house during other times. He would feel soiled, since rumors are associated with Lord Darlington’s name. So he denies it. But he does disagree with what’s being dais because he knew that Lord Darlington was a great man.
As I continue reading the second part of the book, I think that Stevens and Miss Kenton have a weird relationship, I feel like it awkward and childish especially when she said “ I would ask you to so through a messenger. Or else you may like to write a note and have it send to me “ page 80. Come on they are two adults and they worked in the same place. They need to put their differences apart. When Miss.Kenton said if he needs to communicate with her, he needs to write a note, I thought that was ridiculous and funny at the same time. I understand where everyone is coming from. I was real mad that he chose works over his dad. Page 93 “for a while it seemed undesirable that I leave my father in such a condition, I did not really have a moment to spare.”I couldn’t believe that he just said that, unbelievable how can he say such things? His poor dad needs him more than ever and his paying more attention to work. As I continue reading I came to another conclusion, maybe the reason he didn’t really want to show his feelings but deep down he really wish he could be with his father and also I feel like his father would want him to continue working than paying attention to his sickness. Come to think about it that was one of the hardest day for him, I think that day would stay with him forever, he had a lot to do and a lot of things that happen that day. I believe his dad would be very proud of what he has done. Stevens only wants to follow his footstep and be the best butler he could be.
There was one thing that kept confusing me was when the guy ask him “you actually used to work for that Lord Darlington”. He responded “Oh, no I am employed by Mr. Jhon Farraday”page 120. I was kind of confused until Stevens went back to the day the Wakefield’s came to visit Lord Darlington house. Ms. Wakefields ask Stevens the same questions and he responds the same answer. Mr. Farraday asks him why he said that and he responded “That it is not customary in England for an employee to discuss his past employers.”
In my previous post, I commented on the idea of how Stevens is too engrossed in obtaining the title of a “great butler” and due to this reason, he disregards his relationship with his father. However, after reading the second part of the novel, I realized that I made a hasty generalization. When Stevens’ father is dying, we see Stevens expressing emotion for the first time in his life. For example, Stevens constantly states, that “I’m glad father is feeling so much better” (p.97). Even though, he is more preoccupied with Lord Darlington’s international meeting, he continues to show concern for his father. However, at this point, Stevens does not understand that his father is dying. I agree with previous posters that it was cruel to see Stevens abandon his father in his time of need. Nevertheless, we see that he continues his duties as a butler in order to make his father proud. Stevens feels that his “father would have wished [him] to carry on” despite the circumstances. In this instance, the audience is exposed to Stevens’ true character. Though he appears to be emotionless throughout the novel, we see him “crying” when he chooses to attend to his duties as a butler rather than serving his father. I disagree with the idea that Stevens was being negligent towards his father, he was merely trying to follow his father’s footsteps in order to become a “great butler”. Similarly, when Lord Darlington asks Stevens to fire the two Jewish maids, Stevens “[opposes] the idea of their dismissal” (p.148). He believes that it is wrong to fire the maids especially since they “had been perfectly satisfactory employees.” In this instance, Stevens is forced to act against his emotions in order to fulfill his job as a butler. He regrets carrying out the action and as Miss Kenton points out “pretends” to show no concern. Therefore, in order to remain professional at all times, Stevens’ is forced to maintain a façade.
Another aspect of the novel that I found particularly entertaining was when Stevens begins to practice the act of “bantering”. Stevens constantly dwells upon the fact that he is unable to please Mr. Farraday because he has no “witty retort” to his bantering. During his journey, Stevens attempts to form a “witticism” to the locals at the bar. However, he is “disappointed [that] it [has] not been better received” (p.130). This instance exemplifies how Stevens is incapable of relinquishing his professionalism. He is unable to let go of his formal and old-fashioned mindset. It comes to a point where Stevens cannot even carry an informal conversation with a person. His profession has had such profound influence on him that even when Stevens is on his vacation; he continues to act like a butler.
Finally, I would like to end on the note that I feel Stevens is hiding something from the audience. His dismissal of the fact that he served Lord Darlington seems to hold more significance than Stevens concludes as an unwillingness to encounter the “unpleasant” remarks made toward him. For future posters, why do you think if Stevens is so proud of having served Lord Darlington that he chooses to never relay his feelings to anyone else?
As many mentioned before, I also believe that Stevens is using his services as a butler as an excuse for the events in life that he wants to avoid, concerning his father, but also his relationships with Miss Kenton. It is clear that Stevens should not have left his father on his death bed, but at that moment, I feel that Stevens almost wanted to prove to his father that, he is or will be just as great of a butler as his father was, this being my conclusion from him mentioning that on this particular day, he might have even shown some "dignity."
To answer Ayuob's question, I feel that Stevens is staying there because he has no other place to go, partly because he knows nothing else other than his career as a butler. His father was an amazing butler, his brother is already dead, and I don't recall it ever mentioning anything about the mother, therefore, it only seems possible that he has no where else to go. But partly, I don't think he wants to go anywhere else. Stevens takes his job so seriously that at times, he seems even stuck up in his writing, although this is suppose to be a journal, his descriptions of the events or the feelings he has shows that he is very proud of them, to the point that it seems boasting.
That scene of Stevens' father's death that everyone mentioned also touched me, but in a different way. My thought was "Now here is the image of the perfect butler." He was able to juggle the meeting, the emptying glasses, Mr. Dupont's "emergency", the talk with Mr. Cardinal, and his father's dwindling health. His father is counting on him just as everyone is counting on him. Mr. Darlington was counting on him to give perfect service in the name of Darlington Hall so that powerful leaders of different countries don't argue. Mr. Cardinal is counting on him to mature, to become an adult. And he was able to manage it all. Amazing. If we want to read into it, Stevens had to choose between his father's legacy or his rapidly deteriorateing body.
We have already established that this trip is a quest. (Because EVERY trip is a quest) Notice that at every stop, Stevens also goes into a flashback. He always remarks on the beauty of that particular place, so I assume that his memories are always fond, even if there was sad news. His horse broke down, to be fixed by a fellow knight. There seems to have been no dangers on the road, but there were on memory lane. A question: Is Mrs. Keaton the princess at the end of the road or the evil knight?
Mr. Lewis calls everyone a "naive dreamer". He also praises "professionalism". The last thing is that he is the American. I think this view on America is an accurate representation of how others see America. Full of themselves,self righteous, the World Police. It is ironic because at the time, America is only just rising as a world power, a seat England has held for decades. For the former to call the latter an amatuer... Almost makes you want to hate Mr. Lewis, until you realize he's American.
Somehow I can’t help but feel that Stevens’ father did not have his son’s butlering (that's probably not a word but I'm going to use it) in mind when he was on his deathbed on page 97. Sure he said he was proud of him, and I’m sure he meant it, but I felt like the comment that followed burdened him more – ‘I hope I’ve been a good father to you. I suppose I haven’t.’ But Stevens doesn’t notice any meaning behind it and puts off the conversation for the next day so he can go do his job (and also do what he believes would make his father proud). I was looking forward to the second part of that conversation, but it never came and his father dies, leaving the conversation unfinished and anything Stevens’ father had on his mind untold. However, Stevens perceives it as if his father’s last words were “go be a great butler.” His devotion to being a butler seems to blind him when it comes to his personal issues.
The next two chapters go back to the present for while, where Stevens denies that he worked for Darlington to some batman, and then confesses to the audience that it wasn’t the first time. By the end of page 126, it sounds like Stevens is trying to convince himself, let alone us, that he was proud to have worked for the man. He also reveals that there are bad rumors about Darlington going around (he also assures us they are untrue, but I’m not so sure about that). He did side with the Germans a lot so there might have been something that the English would have thought improper about him.
As for Miss Kenton, I agree with Gaelle, his relationship with her seems weird and childish. If Stevens wasn’t on his way visiting her right now I would have thought they didn’t really like each other. But because their relationship did seem really childish, I also think that their relationship at the time of the flashback was more than just friendship, or at least Miss Kenton wanted it to be. But of course Stevens was too preoccupied with the curtains and chores to notice anything. Maybe he’ll find a romantic connection on this quest (as Chloe stated) of his.
Alright, so it is pretty obvious here that Stevens is somewhat of a novice when he tries to deal with personal relationhips. His work is literally his LIFE, and it seems as if nothing will ever come before it. Hey, he continued to work in the midst of his father's death, and with considerable composure at that.
However...he does seem to make an attempt (although feeble) at being a functional person in a middle class society when he cracked a joke about "Old Bob" (the landlord of the inn he was currently lodged at) and his habits regarding his late night "hammering away"; "A local variation of the cock crow, no doubt" (130). I may not be an Englishman but I have to say (and I'm sure the other men in the bar agree, judging from their reactions), that Stevens' joke was not funny at all. However, when compared to his usual sense of humor or overall ability to be kidded around with, this wisecrack represents rather significant progress in Stevens as a person. However, Stevens decide to overanalyze his actions (as usual) and go on to make excuses why his joke did not go over that well with the fellows in the bar; "..one is given very little time to asses its various possible repercussions before one is called to give voice to it, and one gravely risks uttering all manner of unsuitable things..." (131). Stevens just can't accept the idea that not everything he does is "first-rate."
Another topic of interest would be the whole situaton regarding the dismissal of the two Jewish maids and the different stances that Stevens and Miss Kenton both took. Kellie made a good point by saying that Miss Kenton's behavior (rather extreme behavior) after the Jewish maids were fired and after Lisa eloped may very well have been just a way to vent her true feelings. A companion of Stevens' said something to effect of Miss Kenton being frustrated because she is ending her prime years to marry and such, but she is stuck being a housemaid. to furter this point, Stevens also mentioned that Miss Kenton also began "taking full advantage" of her days off to go see an old friend (a male) in the city that she always spoke rather highly of. There is obviously something afoot here, and I look forward to seeing how Stevens and his "quest" come to a conclusion.
As I continued reading, I began to notice, as many other people posted, that Stevens does use his job as a coping method. As long as he keeps working, he won't have to think about anything. It's the reason why he really doesn't have much of a life.
I also like that many components are thrown into this book all once. There's Stevens' trip that is going on, but there's also the flashbacks he has with Miss Kenton, and even the political aspect of that era. It's a lot to sift through, but it does come together in the end.
I agree with what some of the others had said about the death of Stevens' father. From the beginning when his father was introduced, I saw that everything about their relationship was all professional. Even when his father came to work with him he never once had a loving moment with him or talked to him in a manner that was more than just emplyee to employee. So I was not surprised that Stevens did not stay with his father, he is very used to not having to deal with emotional situations that he would have just been an awkward presence in the room even despite the fact that it was his dad.
On a different note, the interaction that he has on page 120 with the stranger who helped him with his car was intriguing to me. Stevens skirted around the man's curiosity as to Lord Darlington's character. I understood after further reading that it was a foreshadowing event to Darlington's fate.
Also I wanted to add on to what I had said in my last blog about how I like Miss Kenton's character. I like the sharp contrast between her and Stevens. I like how she is open and strong and is not afraid to show emotion and opinion in her work. As the book progresses, their relationship strengthens and they're able to joke and be much more comfortable in each others' presence.
One more point I wanted to add is from page 164. This is all of Stevens' thoughts as to what caused the change in their relationship after they had gotten more close.
He says, "Why it was she came to my pantry I cannot remember with certainty. I have a feeling she may have come bearing a vase of flowers to 'brighten things up', but then again..."
This statement of his makes me think of him as a little boy with not much sense as to loving interactions between men and women. Based on what Miss Kenton did, she had feelings for Stevens and was trying to show that; however, it's clear the Stevens has no idea that that is what she was trying to do. He is a tad oblivious.
I was wondering when we would finally see the flaws in Mr. Darlington, that Stevens is trying so hard to deny to himself. Writing it like a journal and not a novel, I felt that it was easier to see most of Stevens omissions and denials. He tries to convince himself that the firing of the Jewish maids was okay, although he never quite agrees with it but nonetheless he does it. He reasons to himself that the understanding of this situation is above his head andas such his lordship must know what he is talking about in firing the Jewish maids. But what I found interesting was that even tho he didn’t agree with his boss he never let Ms. Keeton know that. It was like he never let down his “perfect butler” persona. He doesn't try to at least console her a little bit by expressing his own opinions. He even downsizes the "incidents" as something trivial and not at all a personality flaw in his employer. He wants to convince himself so much that "his talents to serving a great gentlemen--and through the latter, to serving humanity" (117) that he will not admit to there ever being anythign wrong with Mr. Darlington because that would mean a) that he was just like his father's generation b) that he has made no contrubution to the bettering of English society or humanity but has actually hindered it by serving and following in this gentlemen or c) none of the above. Why do you think he's trying to convince himself so much that Mr. Darlington is a great gentlemen?
He is so repressed he doesn't even want to admit that him and Ms. Keeton are friend. He keeps
referring to the friendly banter as a way to relieve the tension of the day. He even gets upset with her and stop t he meetings when she shows the least bit of resistance of having them, is he so insecure that he can’t even admit that Ms. Keeton and him are friends?
I thought it was very interesting the talk about slaves and diginity on page 186. Some people may view Stevens as nothing more than a glorified slave. He has the similar mentality of one, blindly obeying his master and when he doesn't quite agree just chalks it up to his master being smarter and better than he is, and just being happy to get a chance to serve someone so great. I am not saying that Stevens is a slave just found that interesting.
The townspeople thought he was a gentlemen not a gentlemen's gentlemen and he lets them continue to believe that. It makes me wonder if Stevens ever aspired to be more, it would seem that all he’s trying to do at the end of this chapter and this whole trip is to convince himself that he was content with being a butler to Mr. Darlington?
I agree with Keith, David, and Ayoub that Stevens uses his job as a coping mechanism. Lord Darlington notices that Stevens “look|s| as though |he’s| crying” (105) which show a humane part of Stevens. Before, I categorized Stevens as a robot but I take it back now. He does have emotions according to his reaction to his father’s death and as well to his thought of firing the two Jewish housemaids. On the surface, like other readers have mentions, Steven’s neglecting of his father’s deteriorating condition seems awful and mean. However, we are reading in ‘our’ eyes when we sees this. Like Chloe said, he’s just being a ‘great’ butler. In Stevens’ eyes, he’s actually honoring his father by carrying out his duties like his father did when Stevens’ brother lost his life during a battle needlessly. Both Stevens’ and his father’s life revolve around being a butler and they both strive to be a ‘great’ butler, and in continuing their work in the most stressful of time, they prove that they have the aspects to be a ‘great’ butler.
This leads to Ayoub’s question – “do you think that the reason Stevens continues to live as a butler is because in reality he is unable to do anything else?”
I agree with Belinda that Stevens has no other place to go. Like Miss Kenton, being a butler is his life, he knows nothing else. His inadequacies to live any other way is his oblivious to the Ford’s condition, he didn’t know that he ran out of fluid for his radiator and another time, he didn’t even realize that he ran out of gas. All of his thoughts, even though he’s driving around England, go back to his job. Physically, he’s moving away from the mansion but his mind is back at Darlington’s Hall. He’s trapped there. Even Miss Kenton sees this, when she mentions that his “room resembles a prison cell.” It is a prison cell. Like I mentioned earlier in my post for part 1, he is imprisoned by his job. It’s also evident when he tries to make a ‘witty’ come back and the people didn’t get it. As of right now, Stevens is living in his own bubble. He is devoid of any kind of relationships outside of his work and devoid of any kind of affection toward other people, even for himself (evident through his drab room or ‘pantry’). Even though he is a trip is mind is still back at Darlington Hall. His head is always work, work, work. He doesn’t pay attention or know anything else. For example, he doesn’t realize that the water for the radiator ran out or worse, that he ran out of gas. This leads back to his father searching the steps "as though he hoped to find some precious jewel he had dropped there." The jewel, for both the father and the son, is affection, relationship, and life. They are devoid of the ‘jewel’ as shown through their acts of being ‘great’ butlers, they give off no emotions when something tragic happens to the people they love. Stevens’ father realizes this but it was too late for him, he is already 72, but it’s not too late for Stevens. As I mentioned in the previous blog of part 1, Stevens is on is “QUEST,” and at the end of the quest, he will realize the things that he lost in his life, such as love. Right now, he is just an ice block. He is devoid of emotions, which is evident through his tone and syntax. Even though he shed a few tears, the tone when he described his father’s passing is no more than as he recalled a regular event. As Miss Kenton noticed, Stevens ‘pretend’ (154). He puts on a façade, part of this façade is the way he speaks. Compared to Miss Kenton and other people he meets on his trip, his way of talking is peculiar not only to us readers but them. But in the end, he will lose this façade as he find his ‘jewel.’
In regard to Keith’s question about the hand, I don’t think there’s any larger meaning. I think it signifies nervousness and the fear of speaking one’s thought. I look at my hands too when I am unable to find the right word or the courage to speak. On all of those occasions that you mentioned, they all were trying to say something but nervous or doesn’t want to say so, therefore, they look at their hands.
I never gave any thought as why Stevens continue to stay at Darlington Hall after so many years until you guys pointed it out. It’s out of fear. All his life, the only thing that kept him going was the thought of achieving this “dignity” this “greatness” that he hoped to obtain. To abandon this profession means abandoning all that he’s worked for. All his life, he’s devoted to Darlington Hall, there’s no world outside of that hall. Just like how when he first set out on his journey he was awed by the surrounding and the unfamiliar territory. Even though he had lived so many years in Darlington, he’s never actually set a foot outside its surrounding land.
It was really painful to read during that whole scene when Stevens abandons his father to look after the conference. I mean his father was about to die, but he still put all his effort into the smoothness of the household. From the way he acts and talk’s readers had no clue that he’s suffering inside without the comments made by Lord Darlington and the other guests. Lord Darlington even mentions as if “[Stevens] have been crying.” Despite running back and forth and masking his emotions, readers can gather from those comments that his dad’s illness did affect him, that he’s not as emotional as we think he was. He tries to mask his emotions from the guests, and to us readers. That in my opinion shows that he’s not a reliable narrator. If he can hide his emotions so well, what else is he hiding from us readers? I do give him credit for not bursting out when M.Dupont kept on bothering him to tend on his feet. I wanted to kick that Frenchman because he was so annoying. Despite him being the honorable guest, his attitude just sucks. I think from that section of the reading Stevens was trying to achieve that “dignity” he wanted. To ensure that the smoothness of the hall is maintained, despite the suffering of his father, he absorbed himself into his work. When he finally did achieve that in the end of that chapter he achieved a “degree of dignity worthy of someone like Mr.Marshal.” p.110l
Stevens is to say the least, emotionally detached. After so many years of serving others he has lost touch with himself. His goal of being a “great butler” consists of him serving others so that they can make a difference. Personally, I’ve found that Stevens is attempting to live through others. His goals are not entirely his own, they are undeniably linked to others’. Stevens believes if one “can point to his years of service and say that he has applied his talents to serving a great gentleman-and through the latter, to serving humanity”, which is extremely far fetched. Essentially, Stevens is claiming that since he has dedicated his life to a person and their goals, he should thus be able to borrow their success as they have borrowed his services. Saying that those who take care of the household duties are remotely aiding humanity is ridiculous. Stevens has lived in his lords’ shadows for years, instead of creating his own name by doing something it is as if he is borrowing someone else’s.
Whether or not Stevens’s father would have wanted him to continue working, Stevens would have. He takes his work extremely seriously and there is nothing personal about it. When working (all the time), emotions are to be put a side and as such he doesn’t have a choice he must not get distracted. Claiming that work was the one and only reason he was not at his father’s side when he died, would not be accurate. I would say that Stevens did not want to get in touch with his emotions, which seeing his father would evoke. Instead, Stevens chooses to stay “strong” and have a sense of pride and work through his father’s death. Even when he referred to his father previously, he had done so by calling him “father” and nothing more endearing, just father, as everyone else would know him (“so and so’s father”) .
I do agree that Stevens is emotionally detached. Whenever something goes wrong doesn't seem to react with normal emotions. In fact it seems as though he handles everything with a work-centric attitude.For example, when Lord Darlington wants him to fire the Jewish maids.Instead of being outraged or at least a little bit put off by the fact that his employer is wrongly discriminating against two individuals. He just treats it like it is nothing and that is alarming because he doesn't show any emotion whatsoever it's. My question is why?
Why does he act this way? Is it because he is trying to be like his father? Or is it because he has nothing else to work for or interact with except for his job. I also see that he is beginning to see the faults and inconsistencies with his old employer Lord Darlington. As he continues to recount tales of Lord Darlington he begins to see that thing aren't as they seemed.
Starting out my post I think I must touch upon the reserved nature of Steven’s. I have to agree that it does seem to be a coping mechanism, but at the same time I think it stems from the fact that being a butler is all that Steven’s really knows. He was raised by his father who was a butler and threw himself right into the profession when he was the right age. It has been all he has known for so long and as Okonkwo threw himself into being the opposite of his father, Steven’s has thrown himself into being just like his father and dare I say an even more “great” butler.
The moment that stood out the most to me during this section of the book has to be the death of his father. As soon as he heard the news, Steven’s continued to work and put off dealing with the death until his duties were complete. It struck me most due to the fact that I became angered by Steven’s actions. I believe that it was the only way for him to deal with the death due to the fact that he has never been able to commit himself to human relations.
Chloe pointed it out the most correctly in saying that it is a quest and during this section I kept pondering how Steven’s would grow from it or how it would change him. His constant reflection on his past employer and his relationship with Miss Keeton seems to be the focus. Starting with Lord Darlington, I believe that is the one person he is the most confused about. Like Keith said, it seems that Steven’s is pondering exactly how involved Lord Darlington was with World War II, but while talking about what the Lord had done, he constantly shows the respect he had for him, stemming from his professional obligation to his past employer. As he continues to look back I believe he will further realize how much he actually disagreed with what his employer was doing and this in turn will challenge his ideals on being a butler.
I must touch upon the ever emerging dynamic between Steven’s and Miss Keeton. They seem to be direct opposites of one another and I believe that is why Steven’s is most drawn to her. She is a strong personality who is constantly challenging him and this in turn seems to have been the reason why he became so close to her. She is emotional and questions her duties to her employers, while on the other hand Steven’s would never think of doing either. Their relationship has become the most enjoyable thing for me.
Finally, bringing up Keith’s question about the significance of hands, I believe it stems from the importance they hold. Using their hands is what their lives revolve around. I honestly see Steven’s father as looking at his hand as a sign of regret. On his death bed he was questioning his life and how he had lived it and in my opinion he regretted only committing himself to being a butler instead of enjoying everything else he could have gotten out of life.
So I was reading through the posts and I noticed that there was a big shock when Stevens decides to keep on working rather than attend to his father’s side, but like David said I don’t believe that his actions are part of a coping mechanism. Instead I believed that it was just the natural reaction of a person who was raised for the position. This would be a case of nurture versus nature. No matter how much Stevens was conditioned for his position, at the end of the day he is still human, and it showed in his eyes that Lord Darlington pointed out to “look as though [he was] crying”(105). As it turns out his well earned dignity also went into his acceptance of “the wishes of his employer” (149) to fire the two Jewish girls despite it having had caused him “great concern”(153). Under his own principles this would makes him a “great” butler; a person devoid of “strong opinions” and thus a “loyal” servant (P200).
Personally I think that dignity is a little of both Harry’s opinion and Stevenson’s. “You can’t have dignity if you’re a slave”(p186) and being a slave is having no opinion on whatever matter is is put forth, as Harry demonstrates with his speech about voting. If we add Stevenson’s idea to the definition though, it changes completely. Then a slave can have dignity if he strives to perfect himself through his duty. A big part of being dignified id to make your own opinions and to put them forth, but also to know when it is the time to push forward and when to concede defeat. Having dignity I think is mostly what Stevenson says. The reason I disagree with his whole definition is because he is using his definition to describe his position. In these parameters such a definition for dignity would apply to a Butler’s dignity. Like I said in my previous post, theses people lived in a different time with different ideals, and Harry’s ideas were perhaps a little more into the future, and not meant for the specific position of a Butler. If such a definition was put forth of his Lords dignity then I think Stevens would have agreed and added a few more ideas to the definition. “Dignity is not just something for the gentlemen”
Before I say anything else, I want to point out that there is a pattern in Steven’s journey. In the beginning of the book, Stevens ends up going to the top of the hill to see a sight suggested to him by the man at the bottom of the hill. This of course was not in Stevens but he was pleasantly surprised. Then the man who fixed his car at the house had him go see the view at the pond. He even “repeated his instructions” (120) just to make sure Stevens wouldn’t miss the sight. I think there has to be some type of symbolism in him sidetracking on his journey to see beautiful sights he would have never seen if he hadn’t stopped. Stevens stopping and seeing sights that weren’t planned could symbolize the advantages of slowing down and taking your time, maybe even enjoying life and not letting it pass you by so quickly. Or maybe it could mean that Stevens life is so structured with life that he’s missing out on things. I wonder if he’ll stop again because there has to be something there.
As for the question in this blog about Stevens’ capability to look at anything directly without relating it to his life, I think Stevens will always find a way to relate any little thing back to his life. He’s been cooped up in that house for long that everything about his butler profession has basically become all he knows. But that’s not a bad thing. I think it’s only natural that anyone would find ways to relate things back to their personal experiences. I think a good way to understand something is if you can relate it to your self to get a clearer understanding
The last thing I want to comment on is how people mentioned the part when Stevens decides to continue working even after knowing his father died. I have to admit that him only saying “I’m very busy now Ms. Kenton. In a little while perhaps,” (106) is very harsh. What makes me sad is he doesn’t even say, -yes of course I’ll go see my father-, no garneted yes, just a “perhaps,” a –maybe I’ll think about it-, and a -we’ll see if I can fit my dead father into my schedule-. I’m not even sure if I wanted to accept his explanation about how it was to only make his father proud because that’s what his father would have wanted him to do. Seriously? Was his choice to ignore the situation really about his father, or himself? Because Stevens saying that his actions were “a turning point in [his] profession,” (110) that gave him a “sense of triumph” (110), completely turned me off. Stevens says it’s all about making his father proud and then says “well guys, I suppose it was all sad, but hey, I got a boost in my career!” Not liking Stevens too much at that point. It’s either he’s extremely selfish or he’s just that committed to making his father proud. But I’ll definitely agree with Kellie and Jen when they said Stevens is using work to avoid having relationships. But as Ngoc, Keith, Ayoub, and David said, maybe work is just a coping mechanism. Or maybe he just does not know how to deal with any type of emotion.
These following chapters dedicated most of its time describing the setting of the novel. This piece of literature designated its time period as the 1920s, right after the First World War. The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand had started the war, giving rise of militaristic ideals to those of the Germany and its allies. Well the atmosphere of Europe was that there was little fancy of the Germans, especially from the French. M. Dupont was a strong figure who opposed any ties to that of Germany’s politicians as mentioned in Darlington Hall. Moreover, the setting strongly motivated other actions to take place besides a private political congregation at Darlington Hall. Values of Anti-Semitic ideas were forced onto the Darlington household as Lord Darlington felt it to be appropriate to dismiss two Jewish housemaids for their racial backgrounds during the stay of an influential madam. The dismissal of the housemaids not only contributes to the passiveness of Mr. Stevens’ nature but also adds the tension between him and Miss Kenton.
In detail, these chapters revealed the devotion of Mr. Stevens’ to his profession through his ability to maintain composure throughout times of tragedy. During what was known to be the private political meeting of the congregation of many nations discussing the topic of Germany in Darlington Hall, it was evident that Mr. Stevens senior was lying on his death bed. Instead of tending to his side during his final hours, the narrator was downstairs catering to the whims of the political tycoons. This event is something in which the narrator reveals that he falls back to whenever he starts doubting himself. He had openly dismissed his responsibilities as a son in exchange for that of a ‘great butler’s’. Everything must have been so chaotic to him, having to balance what was happening downstairs and upstairs. Mr. Stevens definitely passed the crucible that day by sticking to his profession, but one must ask; was it worth it?
The code of the butler is like a second bible to the narrator. He wishes to maintain this flawless image about him that he is compromising his ability to express emotion, making him more mechanized. Just recall the death of his father. Apparently he did not express anything in the midst of his dying stages. Then there was the dismissal of the two Jewish housemaids, Ruth and Sarah where the narrator did not voice any wrongdoing he felt he was witnessing, making him just as bad as the reason they were fired. One of the key differences is that the origin of the Bible held a divine essence. Meanwhile, the code of the butler comes of man, which doubts its authenticity and the righteousness to commit to the faith.
Then there was the whole dismissal of the fact that the narrator had served Lord Darlington, back in the present time. I think that over the years, Mr. Stevens had realized the shame he had harbored in profession under his master. Perhaps he was coming to realization that the era in which he had served Lord Darlington may have seemed nice at the time, but afterwards, he realized that the trivial things he had sacrificed were not worth it. Maybe that is why he had set himself on this journey to Miss Kenton. Who knows.
Finally I see that a strong mist is beginning to form when the narrator’s Ford had broken down once again. This mist could symbolize the corruption that is forming within Mr. Stevens. This corruption is the taintedness of his will to become one of those ‘great butlers’. After all, he now realizes that he has the tendency to oversee things—which is a major flaw to have to his profession. Making errors is part of the package that allows us to call ourselves human. He also gets dirtier as he walks to the village too, meaning more corrupted or influenced. The scene could indicate the progression of his transformation throughout the book to become less perfect and become more real as he becomes less dedicated to this code of butlerism.
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