Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Remains of the Day is a literary masterpiece by Kazuo Ishiguro that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the human condition. The novel takes place in post-World War II England, where we are introduced to the protagonist, Mr. Stevens, an aging butler who has devoted his entire life to serving his employer, Lord Darlington.

As the novel progresses, we are taken on a journey through Mr. Stevens' memories and experiences, from his early days as a young footman to his later years as head butler at Darlington Hall. Through his reflections, we see the changing political and social landscape of England, as well as the changing role of the butler in society.

One of the key themes of the novel is the idea of missed opportunities and regret. As Mr. Stevens looks back on his life, he sees the many moments where he failed to act or speak up, and the consequences of those actions. This is particularly evident in his relationship with Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper at Darlington Hall. Despite their obvious affection for each other, Mr. Stevens is unable to express his feelings, and Miss Kenton eventually leaves to marry another man.

The novel is divided into several parts, each of which focuses on a different period in Mr. Stevens' life, providing a unique perspective on the central themes.

In the first part, we see Mr. Stevens setting out on a road trip to visit Miss Kenton, who has written to him expressing a desire to return to Darlington Hall. As he travels, he reflects on his life and the events that have led him to this point. The journey serves as a catalyst for Mr. Stevens' self-reflection and allows us to gain insight into his character and motivations.

The second part of the novel takes us back in time to Mr. Stevens' early days at Darlington Hall, where he served under the previous owner, Lord Darlington's father. We see the young Mr. Stevens learning the ropes and developing his sense of duty and loyalty. He is a diligent and hardworking employee, but his devotion to his job often comes at the expense of his personal life.

The third part of the novel focuses on the period leading up to World War II, when Lord Darlington becomes involved in politics and begins to host meetings with German officials. Mr. Stevens' loyalty is put to the test as he grapples with the morality of his employer's actions. This section of the novel is particularly poignant as it highlights the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during times of political upheaval.

In the final part of the novel, we see Mr. Stevens returning to Darlington Hall after his road trip, where he has a chance encounter with Miss Kenton. As they talk, it becomes clear that they still have feelings for each other, but Mr. Stevens is unable to express them. This final interaction between the two characters is a powerful reminder of the missed opportunities and regrets that have defined Mr. Stevens' life.

Overall, The Remains of the Day is a beautifully written novel that explores complex themes in a subtle and nuanced way. Ishiguro masterfully weaves together the different parts of Mr. Stevens' life to create a seamless narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. It is a poignant meditation on the human condition, and a reminder that life is full of missed opportunities and regret. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche and the complexities of the human experience.