Remains of Day; Steven's Journey of Doubt

9/27/04

Per. 1

Stevenss Flashbacks: A Journey of Doubt

Often, when one realizes a judgement or an ideal they have been so ardently followers is a farce, one tries to deny this by reliving and glorifying their past, to cite the belief. This can be clearly seen in Ishiguros novel, The Remains of the Day, with the protagonist Stevens. Stevens believes in an outdated definition of dignity, passed down to him by his father. It stresses professionalism at all times, emotional restraint, and a blind commitment to his Lord Darlington. However, with the finale of Stevenss father, Lord Darlington, and the absence of an old-fashioned staff, he loses those who exemplified dignity and brought out this quality in him. He tries to live over the past by telling of his fathers death, the firing of the Jewish maids and the death of Miss Kentons aunt. In order to deny he is losing this in one case esteemed dignity, Stevens consistently tries to create a security for himself by flashbacks, but in doing so, progressively reveals to the readers feelings of doubt and regret.

        Stevens father was the picture of dignity for Stevens; the one who maintained a detachment from emotions in order to practice servitude and professionalism at all times. Stevens tries to recount diverse points where he glorifies himself like his father.



As Stevens recounts when his father was ill, the elder Stevens had state Im proud of you...I hope Ive been a good father to you. I suppose I havent. (p.97) Although Stevens brushes this off with a nonchalant remark, the readers swallow to grow a doubt that perhaps Stevens is looking towards the slander ideals. Stevenss present employer was Mr. Farraday, a man who was genuine and kind indeed, but who did not exemplify the venerable dignity Stevens was striving...

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