Meghan Brockmeyer

Mrs. Lake

AP Literature ROTD Cutting Assignment

7/10/2008

Mr. Stevens’ narrative early on about the English countryside is exceptionally

significant in much of The Remains of the Day’s development, especially regarding

character interpretation, imagery, and overall occurring themes. Stevens (Ishiguro)

provides the reader with a first glimpse into the barren and bland world encompassing the

narrator and his surroundings. We gain insight into early misconceptions and

understandings Stevens has, which drastically change near the end of his journey.

Initially, we are presented with Stevens’ rant of how “beautiful” the English

terrain, and England itself, is. England, in the eyes of Stevens, “possesses a quality other

nations inevitably fail to possess” (28). It boasts a “greatness” like no other due to the

overall “calmness and restraint” he sees (29). Steven’s narrow viewpoint and

overconfidence about the outside world is especially seen in this passage, as readers are

only subject to his descriptions and bias commentary. This constricted viewpoint in the

introductory part of his journey is a major part of how The Remains of the Day develops.

Stevens’ absorption of everything he encounters at Darlington Hall and his spoon-fed

surroundings only provides readers with this negligible information. We see the transition

then of not only Stevens’ character, as he grows and experiences new things but also the

overall liveliness and lack of restraint in Ishiguro’s portrayals and imagery. By the end,

Stevens’ realization that restraint and calmness were a part of his downfall transforms

how England is illustrated, both figuratively and literally.

 From this passage, readers also learn that Stevens is, or was, a very restrained and

meticulous person. His emphasis on restraint and calmness symbolizes his own persona,

and later describes his characteristics of a “great” butler. His extremely long description

of places, and tendency to ramble on tangent stories or thoughts demonstrates his

painstaking attention to detail. Stevens almost talks in circles at times due to his

proclivity to overanalyze, especially about the butler occupation and Mrs. Kenton’s letter.

In addition, the huge symbol of image is instilled, and is revealed to be a large part in

Stevens’ life and England’s society. England is seen by Stevens as the best, and according

to him cannot be perceived any other way. His prattle regarding Mr. Jack Neighbors, and

how he does not fully deserve the hype and prestige that followed his career, almost

seems like an obsessive inspection of Neighbors perception in the community. This petty

and insignificant bantering, seen widely throughout the beginning of the novel, later

develops into insightful realizations as Stevens matures and contemplates his life.

Furthermore, this passage makes an interesting point and significant connection

very relevant to today’s world. Stevens voices exceptional commentary when he

discusses the “butler on everyone’s lips one day that then proved demonstrably within a

few years to be nothing of the sort” (30). In a present world dominated by gossip and pop

culture we are all over-enthused about fresh and interesting stories as well as the daily

lives, actions, and appearance of the hippest celebrities. Stevens realizes this tragic

weakness in society and remarks that people “will be too busy eulogizing some new

figure to stop and examine their sense of judgment” (30). This is a profound statement

corresponding even with modern life, and not just England post World War 1.

Overall, this passage is critical for the reader in understanding Stevens’ character,
viewpoint, and beginning impressions. Its initial introduction to the theme of “greatness”

adds a backbone to the starting point and ideas Stevens has, and allows readers to contrast

it with the later Stevens. We learn much about Stevens’ knowledge as well as his sense of

self, which drastically changes throughout the rest of the novel.