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Chetan Vimal
Prof. Anup Beniwal
HSE Phil 802
March 11, 2016

Q. Cultural confrontations and tensions between America and Britain with reference to Remains
of the day and Possession.
A.

Culture clash generally takes place when one ventures into a foreign land or surrounding;

it ascribes comparison of attitudes, beliefs and natural characteristics. The two great wars in the
20th century left a terrible impact on England affecting it in every aspect of life. England suffered
huge loss politically, economically and culturally. It is truly said that one mans loss is anothers
gain; Englands pain was gain for United States and USSR. Chronologically speaking everyone
in America owes his race to Europe, be it Language, religion, literature, morals and tradition of
civilization. (Except few aborigines and immigrants from Asia and Africa). The novels The
Remains of the Day (1989) by Kazuo Ishiguro and Possession: A Romance (1990) by A. S.
Byatt both deals with the clash of US-English cultures. It is interesting to note that the
confrontation of culture in their plot is somewhat directly related to politics going around at that
time.
A. S. Byatt in her novel discusses how there is bridge between living and dead minds
through an investigation with clash culture and people. This novel could be read as detective
fiction as well with minor and careful details all over the plot which provides undercurrent of
quest and chase. Quest, chase and possession the theme of the novel is more than what meets

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the eye. Possession has many layers of meaning woven into it. Possessed could be to own
something, also it could mean to obsessed or control by spirit or other forces. The US and
England culture and understanding as shown in the novel by Byatt can be divided using the
various meanings attached to the word possession. US can be seen holding the meaning of
possession which is driven around using obsession and complete control of something through
actions as represented by Mortimer Croppers quest. English culture needs the possession to
uphold the English heritage, to preserve Ash work is no less than national duty for people like
Blackadder, Roland and Maud.
The novel in initials chapters distinguishes between the academic culture and institutions
of US and England. The common thread to which they are linked is through work of Victorian
poet Randolph Henry Ash scattered over Europe and America. We are told that how America is
able to collect most of the Ash work and is located at Robert Dale University in New Mexico, it
is where Mortimer works. Byatt provides minor details like how Coffee is not to be had in
London library is different from libraries in US. The United States has way more money and
resources more than Europe is evident with the fact that Blackadders Ash Factory is funded by
small grant from London University, and a much larger one from Newsome Foundation in
Albuquerque, a charitable trust of which Mortimer Cropper was a trustee. It will truly be a
mistake to understand that here United States and England are working harmoniously together
for common purpose of finding Ashs work. Blackadder believes that British writings should not
leave the land and should be studies and researched by only British students only. The hint of
gifts received by London library from Atlantic is highlighted by Byatt. Blackadder calls for
patriotism in quest of acquiring all the work of Ash. Sir George also high on nationalism measure
doesnt shy away from pointing his gun at American intruder. He describes the event as we keep

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ourselves to ourselves. There was a frightful nosy American in the summer who just turned up
out of the blue and told us how honored we must be, having the old bat's relics up here. Covered
with paint and jangling jewellery, a real mess, she was. Wouldn't go when I asked her politely.
Had to wave the gun at her. Such rot. A national monument. Not her national monument I told
her, and she shouldn't come poking her nose in where, it wasn't wanted (Chapter 5). It is later
that we realize that it was Leonara who was that frightful nosy American intruder. Byatt leaves
no stones unturned in describing the American counterparts and their overtly loud fashion sense.
Whereas initially Leonara is described as someone covered in paint and lots of jewellery, thus
describing the air of fakeness around her. The extent of luxury and wealth of Leonara is
described as she wore several barbaric, but obviously costly, necklaces. The main symbol of
American culture and consciousness is shown with character of Mortimer Cropper. The
description of him given by Byatt is no less than a mockery of academic sensibilities of America.
Mortimer Cropper is shown having taste for both incongruousness and prohibition. He
dresses lavishly and enjoys luxury. He is a cut out symbol of American prosperity and opulence.
He is a man of specifications and relates himself with Greek classical characters. He has a fine
and precise face with silver hair and gold framed glasses. The generousness of America is shown
through his character. The attitude and habit of Cropper is also symbolic of Americanness. Being
a coffee drinker and drives long black Mercedes, which every eyes stare in his English
neighborhood. He knew in England it is overstated but he hardly cares for English rules and
customs. His flamboyant nature feeds on beauty and power and not on English conventions. He
believed English interest in arts as amateurish and non-serious. He blames Beatrice and English
assistants for delay in academic work, and longs for American assistants. Writing his own
glorious autobiography shows that how much self obsessed the nature of Cropper is. Chapter 23

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shows the clash within American culture when we witness the accident between Cropper and
Leonara. We can witness that American style is goal oriented and action oriented; the
concluding sequences of novel proves this stance.
The Remains of the Day is interesting as well as intriguing when it comes to
understanding the politics in the novel. Novel is written by Japanese writer Kazuo Ishiguro
settled in England about the fading glory of British Empire and rising superpower US. It is a
story telling from the view point of an old butler. Ishiguro scorns and questions the question of
Englishness and inflexible national consciousness. In an interview Ishiguro points out that rather
than identifying himself as either Japanese or English writer he prefers to be called as an
international writer. The ambivalence created by Ishiguro helps to observe the various cultures
equivocally. It is more than a coincidence that story starts in1956, the year when Suez calamity
took place, in which British army ceases the colonial occupation in Egypt. This very event
implied the end of the British Empire. The journey which Stevens take in time is that of period
between the two World wars. It was the time when Darlington Hall was at the pinnacle of its
glory under Lord Darlington. Big political names of that time came to Darlington Hall for
meetings that shaped whole Europe. Darlington Hall implies the fame and depravity of the
British Empire.
The Second World War brought with itself the independence of former colonies of British
Empire and Britains hegemonic status replaced by United States. This change in fortune brought
a transformation in policies of England. Where in wealthy foreigners could buy estate in
England. Eventually one such American gentleman, Lord Farraday brought the Darlington Hall.
Mr. Farraday brought with him American manners and customs. First thing he does at that the
estate is that he reduced the staff from twenty to four, and many guest rooms were left for dust.

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Stevens was part of the package, thus witnessed the cultural confrontation between US and
England. Though he could not do much about it than blame his fate. Stevens illustrates Mr.
Farraday as noticeably foreign and fairly ignorant of established societal norms. Though Stevens
realizes finally that how his life until now has been no more than a failure.
The personal concerns of Stevens linger along the political and social climate of that
time. One can draw parallel between changes in order of the world with Stevens. He aligns to
the blind mastery of Lord Darlington and rigid English hierarchies which doesnt allow him to
attend his ailing father on death bed and also forces him to let go his love. Stevens takes the
bantering attempts of his employer Mr Farraday as unprofessional and against the English
culture. As for Stevens the English custom demands a strict and professional relationship
between the master/servant relations. America is known for this restrain free relation between the
master and servant. The difference between Lord Darlington and Mr Farraday lies in the fact that
former employer of his expects him to give advice on facts of life whereas the later one
motivates him to banter.
The car, Ford sets the motion for Stevens. The inclusion of Americanness in the life of
Stevens provided him new stance towards life. Stevens driving Ford made him treated like a
gentleman and also enabled his meeting with Miss Kenton. Ford is also a symbol of social
prestige and assessment of Americas worldwide economic hegemony. Car as a symbol of
economic might of American economy.
Stevens' most affecting interaction with Americans occurs when the Wakefields made a
visit to Darlington House. The couple treks around Darlington Hall with praises of America. Mr
Farraday joins them pointing to old ways of English lords. Mrs. Wakefield earnestly sorts the

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various elements of Darlington Hall like Stevens as either "mock" or truly old. Stevens chides,
only to declare Americans as comic and without having history or dignity like Africa. Stevens
felt consumed between the commotion of new and American ways and nostalgia for the old days
under Lord Darlington. In the course of re-examining his past, he realizes the damage caused to
him because of blind loyalty. The Americanness has made changes in Stevens even. There is
progress in him, he finds within himself the sincere openness to new ways. Another characteristic
feature of American ethics can be seen in Mr Lewis who is very impatient, confident and
unafraid to voice his opinions or even be unpopular. He is ruthless in his ways of getting his
work done. The speech given by him was full of passion and emotion, very much to the point
and direct, which makes it un-English.
The age was dominated by American and also Soviet superpowers, 1950s saw Britain
entering the twilight. The title The Remains of the Day is clear parallel to nations submissive
approval of new order. Best part of the day had past, British Empire witnesses sun set. The
landscape of countryside, which was once the honor, now notifies other side of declining
England. Image of great gentleman and dignity of a butler takes a hit. Stevens taking of open
road in Ford symbolizes the acceptance of new fate and order. Americanness where shouts of
beauty and greatness constitute common currency.
English culture comprises a priceless form of capital in the new American subjugated
world order. When it comes to examining cultural differences one inadvertently enters the
dangerous territory of possible clichs.