The incompatibility of self and service as presented in Kazuo Ishiguro's 'The Remains of the Day'

Seminararbeit , 2003 , 12 Seiten , Note: 1,3 (A)

Anglistik - Literatur

Next, as we’re Servants, Masters at our Hands
Expect Obedience to all just Commands;
[…] Purchas’d by annual Wages, Cloaths and Meat,
Theirs is our Time, our Hands, our Head, our Feet:
We think, design and act at their Command,
And, as their Pleasure varies, walk or stand […].’1

This stanza of the poem ‘Servitude’, written by footman Robert Dodsley in 1728 incorporates the common image of the ideal servant at that time – and this may seem rather shocking to a reader at the beginning of the 21st century. Nowadays, handing over such a large part of an individual’s personal freedom to a ‘master’ seems very problematic or even unthinkable. Especially to let one’s ‘Head’ be ‘purchas’d’ and to think at another person’s ‘Command’, that is to give up one’s freedom of thought, contradicts basic human rights, which are highly valued in today’s society. It becomes clear that servitude implies more than just dusting portraits, polishing silver and setting tables - namely restrictions of individual rights, of personal life and consequently of the servant’s sense of self. This topic has recently not only been discussed within historical and sociological research but also treated in film and literature, examples being Robert Altman’s Gosford Park, Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, Marianne Frederiksson’s Hannah’s Daughter and Margaret Foster’s Lady’s Maid.

The butler Stevens is the protagonist in Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel The Remains of the Day. He tells about his service in a distinguished English manor, Darlington Hall, during the first half of the 20th century. Stevens’s life in servitude is characterised by the complete lack of a personal realm. By examining the character Stevens, I want to determine which effects this incompatibility of self and service has on the individual. To begin with, I will briefly sketch the image of the ideal servant, as described by Stevens. By explaining the core values he is expected to incorporate I aim at determining where this incompatibility stems from in the first place. Following, the consequences this concept of domestic service has on the servant’s social relationships (both to his fellow servants, family, friends and to his master) will be analysed. Finally, I want to establish what impact it has on the servant himself, his sense of self and his personal identity.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Core Values of Servitude
• Social Relationships
  • Friendships and Family Relationships
  • Master-Servant-Relationship
• The Servant's Sense of Self
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the impact of servitude on an individual's sense of self, as portrayed in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel The Remains of the Day. The analysis focuses on the character Stevens, a butler who dedicates his life to serving his employer. The study aims to understand how the demands of servitude, particularly the core values expected of servants, affect the individual's social relationships and personal identity.

• The incompatibility of self and service in the context of domestic service
• The core values of servitude, including professionalism, dignity, and obedience
• The impact of servitude on social relationships, particularly the master-servant relationship
• The consequences of servitude on the servant's sense of self and personal identity

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The introduction establishes the concept of servitude as a restrictive practice that limits personal freedoms, particularly the freedom of thought. The paper explores how this concept is reflected in literature and film, including The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.
• Core Values of Servitude: This chapter examines the core values expected of servants, as exemplified by Stevens's character in The Remains of the Day. It explores the ideals of professionalism, dignity, and obedience, highlighting the potential for conflict between these values and the servant's personal life.
• Social Relationships: This section analyzes the impact of servitude on the servant's social relationships. It investigates how the servant's role influences interactions with fellow servants, family, friends, and the master. The chapter explores the power dynamics and expectations within these relationships, highlighting the potential for alienation and a lack of personal connection.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this study include servitude, domestic service, social relationships, master-servant relationship, sense of self, personal identity, dignity, professionalism, obedience, and the novel The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro.

• Note: 1,3 (A)
• Autor: Teresa Hochmuth (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2003
• Seiten: 12
• Katalognummer: V34087
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638344043
• ISBN (Buch): 9783638921688
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Kazuo, Ishiguro, Remains, Anglistik, servitude, butler, analyse, dienerschaft, bedienstete, englischer adel, identity, literatur, was vom tage übrig blieb, sozial, klassengesellschaft