“The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro explores the themes of class differences

and social change through Mr. Stevens. His life experiences create a nuanced view of these

themes. This essay will delve into factors that represent these themes, including relationships,

loyalty, reflections, and the American influence in Darlington Hall.

To begin with, Stevens’ relationship as well as his loyalty to Lord Darlington and Mr.

Farraday displays the class differences. His dedication to Lord Darlington, and later on Mr.

Farraday, highlights the class structure of their time. These two individuals can be classified as

the upper class because they own lots of assets and employ others to work for them. However,

Steven, along with the other butlers and housemaids at Darlington Hall are identified as the

servant class because they are employees of these high-status individuals. During a conflict

between Stevens and Miss Kenton in chapter 2, he told her to address his father as an ‘under-

butler’, highlighting the difference in class. Stevens being head-butler along can be seen as the

upper-servant class because he is the one in charge of everything related to the house being kept.

His comment that the older generation views the world as a ladder, illustrates a certain hierarchy

in social differences. He further expounds that the royalty, dukes, and lordship were at the top

while the lesser fortunate were at the bottom of the ladder. Stevens's loyalty towards Lord

Darlington even after his death illustrates how class differences are recognized after one’s death.

He would continuously defend Lord Darlington when others tried to speak badly of his name.

Throughout the novel, Steven puts his employers’ needs over his desires. In chapter two, Steven

went as far as stripping his father of some of his duties, because he was ordered to do so by Lord

Darlington. This loyalty displays the class system in which the lower class submits to the upper

class. One’s relationship and loyalty certainly depict class differences.

 Additionally, social change is evident in this book with the presence of an American

influence in Darlington Hall and Steven’s reflections. After Lord Darlington passed, Mr

Farraday became the new owner of Darlington Hall. This shift from British to American

influenced the house. Mr. Faraday was more modern than Lord Darlington who had that form of

raw British rule. It was a bit challenging for Stevens to stray away from the customs and adapt

to the new ways of Mr Farraday. This underscores the changing times. Moreover, Stevens often

reflected on the changes in society that he observed throughout his journey. In chapter three,

Stevens mentioned that the older generation viewed the world as a ladder while the new

generation viewed the world as a wheel revolving around the great houses, illustrating the

difference in societal values as time passed. Thus, creating a nuanced comparison between these

times in society. He would continuously compare how different things are in Darlington Hall

now than in times before, highlighting the societal changes.

Taking everything into account, it is apparent that themes of class differences and social

change are explored in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day.” Class differences are

demonstrated in Steven’s relationship and loyalty to Lord Darlington and Mr. Farraday.

American influence and the reflection of Stevens illustrates the social change over time. These

two themes were essential for further insight into comprehending this novel.