How to Read The Remains of the Day Online for Free: A Guide to Ishiguro's Masterpiece
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro: A Book Review
If you are looking for a classic novel that combines historical fiction, psychological drama, and subtle romance, you might want to check out The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. This novel tells the story of Stevens, an aging English butler who embarks on a road trip to visit his former colleague Miss Kenton. Along the way, he reflects on his past life at Darlington Hall, where he served under Lord Darlington, a prominent aristocrat who was involved in controversial political affairs in the 1920s and 1930s. In this book review, I will give you an overview of what this novel is about, why it is worth reading, and what you can learn from it.
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Introduction
The Remains of the Day is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, a British writer who was born in Japan but moved to England when he was five years old. Ishiguro is known for his novels that explore themes such as memory, identity, loss, and regret. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017 for his works that "uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world" (Nobel Prize, 2017).
The Remains of the Day was published in 1989 and is considered one of Ishiguro's best works. It was awarded the Booker Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the UK, and was adapted into a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson in 1993. The novel is narrated by Stevens, a butler who has worked at Darlington Hall, a large country house in England, for over thirty years. In 1956, he decides to take a six-day road trip to the West Country of England, where he plans to visit Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall who left twenty years ago to get married. As he travels, he recalls his memories of his service under Lord Darlington, who was a prominent figure in the interwar period and who hosted many important political meetings at his house. He also remembers his relationship with Miss Kenton, who was his colleague and friend, and perhaps something more.
The Remains of the Day is a novel that explores the themes of dignity, loyalty, regret, love, memory, and identity. It shows how Stevens, who devoted his life to serving his employer and following his ideals, gradually realizes that he might have wasted his best years on a misguided cause and a lost love. It also shows how the history and the culture of England changed during the turbulent times between the two world wars, and how the old values and traditions of the aristocracy faded away. This novel is worth reading because it offers a deep and nuanced insight into the human condition, as well as a vivid and realistic portrayal of a bygone era.
The Setting and the Historical Context
The setting of The Remains of the Day is Darlington Hall, an English country house that represents the glory and the decline of the British aristocracy. The novel spans from the 1920s to the 1950s, covering the interwar period and the aftermath of World War II. The historical context of the novel is crucial for understanding the characters and their actions, as they are influenced by the political and social events of their time.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Europe was facing a crisis of democracy and peace, as fascism and totalitarianism were rising in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Many people in Britain were sympathetic to these movements, believing that they could prevent another war and restore order and stability. Lord Darlington was one of these people, who was convinced that Germany had been treated unfairly by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I and that Britain should help Germany regain its power and dignity. He used his influence and his house to host several meetings between German and British officials, hoping to achieve a peaceful resolution. However, he was unaware of the true nature and intentions of the Nazi regime, and he was manipulated by its agents into supporting their cause. He also became involved in some anti-Semitic actions, such as dismissing two Jewish maids from his staff under pressure from the Germans.
Stevens, as Lord Darlington's butler, witnessed all these events but did not question or criticize them. He believed that his duty was to serve his employer faithfully and professionally, without expressing his own opinions or emotions. He also believed that Lord Darlington was a noble and honorable gentleman who had good intentions and who knew what was best for the country. He trusted that Lord Darlington was acting according to "the great gentlemen" (SparkNotes, n.d.), who were supposed to be the moral leaders and guardians of civilization. However, after World War II broke out and Germany invaded Poland, France, and other countries, it became clear that Lord Darlington had been wrong and naive. He was disgraced by the public opinion and died in 1953.
The setting and the historical context of The Remains of the Day show how the characters are shaped by their environment and their time. They also show how the choices they make have consequences for themselves and for others. Lord Darlington's choice to support Germany led to his downfall and his regret. Stevens's choice to follow Lord Darlington blindly led to his isolation and his denial. Miss Kenton's choice to leave Darlington Hall led to her unhappy marriage and her longing.
The Characters and Their Relationships
The main characters of The Remains of the Day are Stevens, Miss Kenton, Lord Darlington, and Mr. Farraday. They are complex and realistic characters who have their own personalities, roles, and motivations. They also have different relationships with each other ```html The Characters and Their Relationships
The main characters of The Remains of the Day are Stevens, Miss Kenton, Lord Darlington, and Mr. Farraday. They are complex and realistic characters who have their own personalities, roles, and motivations. They also have different relationships with each other and with themselves.
Stevens is the protagonist and the narrator of the novel. He is a butler who has dedicated his life to serving Lord Darlington and maintaining his dignity. He is loyal, professional, and reserved. He rarely expresses his feelings or opinions, and he often represses his memories or emotions. He values his work above everything else, and he strives to achieve perfection in his service. He is proud of being a butler and of working for Lord Darlington, whom he admires and respects. However, he also has some flaws and weaknesses. He is naive, stubborn, and blind to the reality of the world. He is unable to admit his mistakes or his regrets. He is lonely, unhappy, and unfulfilled. He is in love with Miss Kenton, but he never confesses his feelings or acts on them.
Miss Kenton is the former housekeeper of Darlington Hall and Stevens's colleague and friend. She is a strong, intelligent, and independent woman. She is capable, efficient, and caring. She enjoys her work and takes pride in it. She is also emotional, passionate, and outspoken. She often challenges Stevens and tries to get him to open up. She has feelings for Stevens, but she is frustrated by his coldness and indifference. She eventually leaves Darlington Hall to marry another man, whom she does not love. She regrets her decision and writes to Stevens to express her unhappiness.
Lord Darlington is the former owner of Darlington Hall and Stevens's employer. He is an aristocrat who belongs to the old-fashioned British elite. He is a gentleman who is polite, generous, and courteous. He is also a patriot who cares about his country and its role in the world. He wants to promote peace and justice in Europe after World War I. However, he is also naive, misguided, and manipulated. He falls under the influence of the Nazis and their propaganda. He supports their cause and helps them advance their agenda. He becomes involved in some immoral and shameful actions, such as dismissing two Jewish maids from his staff. He realizes his error too late and dies in disgrace.
Mr. Farraday is the current owner of Darlington Hall and Stevens's employer. He is an American businessman who represents the new world order after World War II. He is wealthy, successful, and modern. He is also friendly, casual, and humorous. He likes to joke and banter with Stevens, whom he treats as an equal rather than a servant. He encourages Stevens to take a vacation and to enjoy life more. However, he also has some flaws and weaknesses. He is insensitive, ignorant, and disrespectful. He does not understand or appreciate the history and the culture of Darlington Hall or England. He makes fun of Stevens's dignity and Lord Darlington's reputation.
The relationships between these characters are complex and dynamic. They change over time and reflect the changes in their circumstances and their selves.
The relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton is the most important and the most tragic one in the novel. It is a relationship that could have been but never was. They are colleagues and friends who work well together and share some common interests and values. They also have feelings for each other but they never express them or act on them. They are separated by their pride, their duty, their fear, and their denial. They miss their chance to be happy together and they end up living with regret.
The relationship between Stevens and Lord Darlington is another key one in the novel. It is a relationship that defines Stevens's identity and his life. Stevens serves Lord Darlington with loyalty, respect, and devotion. He follows his orders without question or criticism. He admires him as a gentleman and a moral leader. He sacrifices his personal life for his professional one. However, he also suffers from his blind obedience and his misplaced trust. He becomes complicit in Lord Darlington's mistakes and crimes. He loses his sense of self and his dignity.
The relationship between Stevens and Mr. Farraday is a minor one in the novel. It is a relationship that contrasts the old and the new, the past and the present, the British and the American. Stevens works for Mr. Farraday with professionalism and courtesy. He tries to adapt to his style and his preferences. He learns to joke and banter with him. However, he also struggles to communicate and connect with him. He feels uncomfortable and awkward with him. He does not understand or appreciate his humor or his attitude.
The Themes and Their Significance
The novel explores several themes that are relevant and significant for the readers and their own lives. Some of the major themes are:
Dignity: This is the central theme of the novel and the main quality that Stevens values and pursues. He defines dignity as the ability to remain composed and professional in any situation, regardless of personal feelings or emotions. He believes that dignity is essential for being a great butler and a respectable person. However, he also misunderstands and misuses dignity. He confuses dignity with detachment, indifference, and repression. He uses dignity as a shield and an excuse to avoid confronting his own feelings or opinions. He sacrifices his happiness and his humanity for his dignity.
Loyalty: This is another theme that is important for Stevens and his role as a butler. He shows loyalty to his employer, Lord Darlington, whom he serves faithfully and obediently. He also shows loyalty to his profession, which he considers to be his calling and his duty. However, he also pays a high price for his loyalty. He follows Lord Darlington's orders without questioning or criticizing them, even when they are wrong or immoral. He neglects his personal life and his relationships for his professional one. He remains loyal to a cause and a person who do not deserve it.
Regret: This is a theme that emerges gradually and powerfully throughout the novel. It is the result of the choices and the actions that the characters make or do not make. Stevens regrets not expressing his feelings or pursuing his love for Miss Kenton. He regrets not standing up for his principles or challenging Lord Darlington's decisions. He regrets wasting his best years on a misguided cause and a lost love. Miss Kenton regrets leaving Darlington Hall and marrying a man she does not love. She regrets not being more assertive or decisive with Stevens. She regrets giving up her chance to be happy with him. Lord Darlington regrets supporting Germany and helping the Nazis. He regrets being naive and manipulated by them. He regrets harming innocent people and betraying his country.
Love: This is a theme that is subtle and understated in the novel, but also powerful and poignant. It is the emotion that drives the characters and their actions, but also the emotion that they deny or repress. Stevens loves Miss Kenton, but he never tells her or shows her. He hides his love behind his professionalism and his dignity. He misses the opportunities to be with her or to make her happy. Miss Kenton loves Stevens, but she also resents him and challenges him. She tries to get him to open up or to notice her, but she fails. She leaves him for another man, hoping to find happiness elsewhere, but she does not.
Memory: This is a theme that is central to the structure and the style of the novel, as it is narrated by Stevens through his memories of his past life at Darlington Hall. Memory is the tool that Stevens uses to reconstruct and understand his history and his identity. However, memory is also unreliable and selective. Stevens often misremembers or forgets some details or events that are inconvenient or uncomfortable for him. He also distorts or rationalizes some facts or situations that are contradictory or embarrassing for him. He uses memory as a way to escape or justify his present reality.
Identity: This is a theme that is related to all the other themes in the novel, as it reflects how the characters define themselves and their roles in the world. Stevens's identity is based on his work as a butler and his service to Lord Darlington. He derives his sense of self from his profession and his employer. However, he also loses his sense of self in the process. He does not have a life outside of his work. He does not have any personal interests or hobbies. He does not have any friends or family. He does not have any opinions or emotions of his own.
These themes are developed and illustrated throughout the novel through various literary devices, such as symbols, motifs, irony, foreshadowing, etc.
The Style and The Tone
```html The Style and The Tone
The style and the tone of The Remains of the Day are distinctive and effective. They contribute to the mood and the message of the novel. Some of the features of the style and the tone are:
First-person narration: The novel is told from the point of view of Stevens, who is the protagonist and the narrator. He tells his story in the form of a diary or a memoir, as he travels through the English countryside and recalls his past life at Darlington Hall. This technique allows the readers to enter Stevens's mind and to see the world through his eyes. It also creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity, as Stevens shares his thoughts and feelings with the readers.
Unreliable narrator: However, Stevens is not a reliable or trustworthy narrator. He often misremembers, forgets, distorts, or rationalizes some details or events that are inconvenient or uncomfortable for him. He also omits or glosses over some facts or situations that are contradictory or embarrassing for him. He uses euphemisms, understatement, or denial to avoid confronting his own feelings or opinions. He is not aware of his own biases or limitations. He is not honest with himself or with the readers.
Flashback structure: The novel is structured as a series of flashbacks that alternate between Stevens's present journey and his past memories. The flashbacks are triggered by various cues, such as places, people, objects, or words that remind Stevens of something that happened in his past. The flashbacks are not chronological or linear, but rather random and associative. They reveal different aspects of Stevens's life and personality, as well as different events and characters that shaped his history and identity.
Understated language: The novel is written in a simple, clear, and elegant language that reflects Stevens's voice and style. Stevens uses formal, polite, and courteous language that suits his role as a butler and his social class. He also uses understated language that conveys his reserve and restraint. He does not use any exaggeration, emotion, or rhetoric to express himself. He relies on facts, logic, and evidence to support his arguments. He avoids any controversy, conflict, or confrontation.
The style and the tone of The Remains of the Day affect the mood and the message of the novel in various ways. They create a mood of nostalgia, melancholy, and irony, as Stevens reflects on his past life and realizes what he has lost or missed. They also convey a message of criticism, warning, and hope, as Ishiguro exposes the flaws and failures of Stevens and his generation, cautions the readers against repeating their mistakes, and encourages them to embrace their feelings and opinions.
The Reception and The Impact
The Remains of the Day was received with critical acclaim and popular success when it was published in 1989. It was praised for its originality, complexity, and subtlety by critics and readers alike. It was awarded the Booker Prize in 1989, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the UK. It was also adapted into a film in 1993, directed by James Ivory and starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Remains of the Day had a significant impact on other literary works or cultural products. It influenced other writers who explored similar themes or styles in their novels, such as Julian Barnes, Ian McEwan, Zadie Smith, etc. It also inspired other films or shows that depicted the lives and struggles of servants in English country houses, such as Gosford Park, Downton Abbey, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion,The Remains of the Day is a novel that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves literature and history. It is a novel that tells a compelling and moving story of a man who looks back on his life and realizes what he has done and what he has not done. It is a novel that explores important and universal themes such as dignity, loyalty, regret, love, memory, and identity. It is a novel that uses a distinctive and effective style and tone to create a mood and a message that resonate with the readers and their own lives. It is a novel that received a lot of praise and recognition when it was published and that influenced a lot of other works or products afterwards.
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