"The Remains of the Day", winner of the 1989 Booker Prize, was written by Kazuo Ishiguro in 1989.
Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki , Japan, on November 8, 1954. At the age of five he came to Great Britain, were he had a typical English upbringing with an immersion in Japanese culture and language. Ishiguro has gained a reputation as one of the finest British writers. "His fiction deals broadly with themes of self-deception, truth and the clash of public and private images of his characters. He reworks the images which people have both of themselves and of their historical background. He situates his work firmly in the inner world of his characters and often avoids much overt plot construction."
While set technically in the present, most of the novel takes place in a sequence of reminiscences in the past. The book tells the story of an old man who takes a trip across England to the sea. His name is Stevens, and he had been the head butler at Darlington Hall, a famous country house, for many years. He is going to visit a woman, he has not seen in a long time: Miss Kenton, who was once the housekeeper at Darlington Hall. He thinks perhaps she can be persuaded to resume her old position under the hall′s new owner, a retired American Congressman. Along his way to the sea, in flashback, we see his memories of the great days at Darlington Hall, when Lord Darlington played host to the world′s leaders.
The work gives you an analysis of the major parts of the book, including characterisation and development of Mr. Stevens, history in "The Remains of the Day" and structure and presentation of narrative notes.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Biography
- Summary of the text
- Analysis of the text
- Characterisation and development of Mr. Stevens
- History in "The Remains of the Day"
- Structure and Presentation of Narrative Notes
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The book "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro explores the life and experiences of Mr. Stevens, a devoted butler at Darlington Hall. Through his journey of self-discovery, the novel delves into the themes of duty, regret, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of a changing world.
- The impact of duty and self-sacrifice on individual identity
- The exploration of love, regret, and missed opportunities
- The complexities of memory and the nature of truth
- The role of social class and societal expectations in shaping personal choices
- The exploration of the past and its influence on the present
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This section provides biographical information about Kazuo Ishiguro and offers a concise summary of the novel's main plot.
- Characterisation and development of Mr. Stevens: The chapter focuses on the protagonist, Mr. Stevens, examining his personality, motivations, and development as the story unfolds. The chapter analyzes how his dedication to his role as a butler shapes his understanding of himself and his relationships with others.
- History in "The Remains of the Day": This chapter explores the historical context of the novel, examining the role of Darlington Hall and its connection to significant historical events. The analysis highlights how the novel captures the social and political climate of the time.
Keywords
The novel "The Remains of the Day" explores the complexities of memory, duty, and self-deception. Key themes include the impact of social class, the search for personal fulfillment, and the exploration of regret and missed opportunities. The novel's focus on the inner world of its characters, particularly Mr. Stevens, provides insight into the human condition and the enduring power of the past.
- Citation du texte
- Stefanie Grill (Auteur), 2001, About: Kazuo Ishiguro: The Remains of the Day, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12646
