Kazuo Ishiguro Novel The Remains Of The Day
Introduction
The Remains of the Day is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, published in 1989. The book tells the story of an English butler named Stevens, who takes a road trip to visit a former colleague. The novel explores themes of loyalty, duty, and regret.
Plot Summary
The novel is set in the 1950s and is told from the perspective of Stevens, who has served as a butler at Darlington Hall for over thirty years. The novel begins with Stevens receiving a letter from a former colleague, Miss Kenton, who he has not seen in many years. Miss Kenton expresses a desire to visit Darlington Hall and catch up with Stevens.
Stevens decides to take a road trip to visit Miss Kenton, hoping to convince her to return to Darlington Hall. Along the way, Stevens reflects on his past and the decisions he has made in his life. He also meets several people who challenge his beliefs and views on life.
When Stevens finally meets Miss Kenton, they reminisce about their time working together at Darlington Hall. They both express regret about the way their relationship ended and the opportunities they missed. In the end, Miss Kenton decides not to return to Darlington Hall, and Stevens returns home alone.
Themes
One of the main themes of the novel is loyalty. Stevens is fiercely loyal to his employer, Lord Darlington, even when it becomes clear that he is involved in some shady political dealings. Stevens believes that it is his duty to serve his employer, no matter what.
Another theme is duty. Stevens is so dedicated to his job as a butler that he sacrifices his personal life and relationships. He believes that his duty to his employer is more important than his own happiness.
Regret is also a significant theme in the novel. Stevens looks back on his life and realizes that he has missed out on many opportunities for love and happiness because he was too focused on his job. He also regrets some of the decisions he made while working for Lord Darlington.
Style and Structure
Ishiguro's writing style in The Remains of the Day is understated and precise. He uses a lot of repetition and understatement to convey the emotions of his characters. The novel is structured as a series of flashbacks, as Stevens reflects on his past while on his road trip.
Reception
The Remains of the Day was a critical and commercial success. It won the Booker Prize in 1989 and was later adapted into a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. The novel is now considered a modern classic and is often studied in literature courses.
Conclusion
The Remains of the Day is a powerful novel that explores themes of loyalty, duty, and regret. Ishiguro's precise writing style and structure make the novel a compelling read. The book is a modern classic and continues to be studied and enjoyed by readers today.