<p>“The English Way”
Critics have interpreted Kazuo Ishiguiros book, The Remains of the Day, in many ways. Some view the book as an autobiographical memoirhow the plot and the actions of the book are similar to Ishiguros own childhood upbringing. Others see The Remains of the Day as an account of an unyielding English butler and his struggle to express or withhold his emotions. Still others interpret the novel as a prominent Lords struggle and his eventual decline into oblivion. While none of these literary interpretations are wrong, and each has its own validity, Ishiguros Booker-prize winning novel in its simplest form, is about the day in which it was written; that is, The Remains of the Day reflects and comments on English or Western culture circa 1989, specifically with regard to politics. In order to facilitate
One way The Remains of the Day reflects the politics of 1989 is through Ishiguros depiction of the social class differences. He portrays this difference through the interactions between locals from Moscombe, Devon and Stevens. The first incidence takes place when Stevenss car breaks down and he is forced to find shelter for the night. While lodging in Mr. and Mrs. Taylors house, an apparent contrast between the upper and the lower class manifests. A hint of this initial disparity is sensed when the Taylors first greets Stevens. Even though by staying with the Taylors, Stevens is creating an extra hassel, the Taylors still grately receive Stevens into their household for Its not often the likes of [Stevens] comes through here. We are
all very pleased you could stop by(182). Furthermore, by consistently referring to Stevens as
sir, it becomes obvious the respect the upper class commands.
But perhaps the most clear portrayal of this class disparity is exemplified by the conversation between Harry Smith and Stevens. At one point during their conversation, Harry Smith, a small-town polictical zealot, engaged with Stevens on the discussion of dignity. Harry Smith thinks dignity isnt something gentlemen have. Dignitys something every man and woman in this country can strive for and get
.Dignitys not just something for gentlemen(186). Stevens, on the other hand, does not think this to be true and dismisses Harry Smiths idea to be something of uneducated of which merits little serious consideration(194). In Stevenss mind, [Harry Smiths] statements were, surely, far too idealistic, far too theoretical, to deserve respect(194). But the simple truth of the matter lies clearly in Stevenss bias against people of the lower class, who are often times, underpriveleged. Though Stevens acknowledges the fact that all people have opionions, he also believes ordinary people cannot truly be expected to have strong opionions on all manner of thingsas Mr. Harry Smith rather fancifully claims(194). Stevens continues this notion and says,
There is, after all, a real limit to how much ordinary people can learn and know, and to demand that each and every one of them contribute strong opinions to the great debates of the nation cannot, surely be wise. It is, in any case, absurd that anyone should presume to define a persons dignity in these terms(194).
By keep on referring to these people as ordinary, does Stevens expects himself to be extraordinary? Stevens did not see Harry Smith not as being intellectually equal but rather as being intellectually inferior.<br>
It, however, is not unusual for a upper class to look down on a lower class. From the
historical time setting of The Remains of the Day, which took place between the 1920s to the 1950s, the entire nation of Britain experienced this sort of social class superiority. A firm believer in the theory of colonialism, the British during these times became one of the most prolific colonizing nations ever. It is interesting to note the similarities between Britain as a colonial nation and British upper class.
Through the interactions of Harry Smith and Stevens, it becomes evident that the disparity between the upper and the lower class of the past is still existent in 1989. Stevens saw
In the second scenario, however, it is Stevens who becomes the colonized. During his conversation with Mr. Spencer discussing politics and economics, it is once again evident the influence of Colonialism on the book. Upon being asked several question regarding the solutions to social problems England is currently experiencing, Stevens felt embarassed that he couldnt help Mr. Spencer at all. All the while, however, Mr. Spencer was simply toying with Stevens and using him as an example to make a point. you see, gentlemen, he says, [Stevens] is unable to assist us in these matters. Mr. Spencer continues: and yet, we still persist with the notion that this nationss decisions be left in the hands of our good man here and to the few million others like him. Is it any wonder, saddled as we are with our present parliamentary system, that we are unable to find any solution to our many difficulties? Cruel as Mr. Spencers intention is, this interaction between the two men once again gives evidence to the effect of colonialism. Later in the night, Lord Darlington confronts Stevens and apoligizes for the behavior exhibited by Mr. Spencer in their earlier conversation. Lord Darlington, however, does still continue the notion that only the previliged few should make the decisions. He says, democracy is something of the bygone era. The worlds far too complicated a place now for universal suffrage and such like. For endless members of parliament debating things to a standstill. All fine a few years ago, perahps, but in todays world? What was it Mr. Spencer said tonight? He put it rather well. Much of what is in The Remains of the Day is influenced by the belief of colonialism during that time.
The Remains of the Day is also a satire commenting on the rigid social hiearchy of the time. Going back to the conversation between Stevens and Harry Smith, it was obvious the discrepancy between the two social classes. It seems that if one was in a lower social class, much like that of Harry Smith, it was almost impossible for one to escape that class. If one was born a farmer, one was set on being a farmer for the rest of ones life. Seeing someone like Stevens, who is in an upper class, it was very unusal and surprising evident by the way the locals interacted with Stevens. When Harry Smith says its true Ive put a lot into the campaigning work. Its only on a local level, and I never meet anyone half as grand as the like you associate with, sir to Stevens, he captured the feeling felt by every indivdual in his social class-- It was unheard of for an upper class to be associating with a lower class.
Another example of the rigid class system is also in the way Stevens upholds his role as Lord Darlingtons butler. Throughout the novel, Stevens is always expressing his strict and serious view of his job. In his eyes, fulfilling the role of a butler is the first and the foremost; his own emotions and opionions are only secondary and unecessary. In the social hiearchy, Stevens has occupied a role that he knows will be for the rest of his life. The strictness of this class system if further exemplified by through the incident of the Jewsih housemaids. Even though Stevens feels that it was wrong of Lord Darlington to discharge the two housemaids based on their race even though their performance has been exceptional, he still upholds his role as a butler and carried out Lord Darlingtons orders. Even when Stevens tried expressing his opinions, he withheld them because he feels it was not his place to be expressing his views. Stevens says, indeed, the maids had been perfectly satisfactory employees and
my every instinct opposed the idea of their dismissal. He, however, continues nevertheless, my duty in this instance was quite clear, and as I saw it, there was nothing to be gained at all in irresponsibly displaying such personal doubts. Stevens knew his role and carried out his duties. Later during the day, when he confronts Miss Kenton with the decision, Stevens agains expresses his view of his duties as a butler: Miss Kenton, I am surprised to find you reacting in this manner. Surely I dont have to remind you that our professional duty is not to our own foibles and sentiments, but to the wishes of our employer.
There can be many interpretations of The Remains of the Day. On the whole, however, this novel is best interpreted as a reflection of the time in which it was written in. Many actions and details in the novel corresponds to the actions and the happenings of that time period.</p>
<p>um…how about no?</p>
<p>yeah, i know. Can’t blame me for trying though.</p>
<p>yeah, no offense, but this is the college life board, not the, “critique my homework” board</p>
<p>w t f …this section is titled “College Life” NOT “No Life” :rollseyes:</p>
<p>haha poor guy… just looking for some help… and everyone makes fun of him</p>