This text examines the concept of unreliable narration in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day".
Against the background of the novel's plot the questions arises to what extent the reader can trust the first person narrator Stevens, who is recalling events that have taken place almost 30 years ago. Is he always telling nothing but the truth or does he deliberately leave out important facts that might cast a slur at him or other persons in the novel or perhaps might destroy his self-image as a professional butler.
Stevens pretends to be an honourable butler but how far can he be regarded to be honest to the reader respectively the narratee whome he addresses explicitly (Ishiguro 2005: 8 “Nevertheless, I think you will understand […]”)? In this context it is even more important to question his honesty towards himself; does he relentlessly tell the truth or does he betray even himself?
In order to answer these evolving questions it is first of all necessary to give a brief outline of the literal terms point of view and unreliable narration in general. Being familiar with these expressions the next step that leads to a better understanding of the protagonist’s character is the analysis of the narrative structure in “The Remains of the Day”. This chapter includes the examination of the novel’s language as well as the point of view and the (un)reliability of the narrator.
As far as the question of (un)reliability is answered it is mandatory to consider Stevens’ blindness and to ask if in the end a possible insight can be detected. This chapter has to be subdivided which means it has to be regarded in either an ideological /political context as well as in a private /social context. Finally, in the conclusion the findings will be summarized in order to answer the question: To what extent can self-deception and insight be detected with the (un)reliable narrator Stevens in Kazuo Ishiguros Novel “The Remains of the Day”?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction --- Purpose of the Essay
2. Narrative Situation and Unreliable Narration in General Terms
2.1 Narrative situation
2.2 Unreliable Narration
3. Narrative Situation, (Un)reliability and Language in „The Remains of the Day”
3.1 Narrative Situation
3.2 Stevens as an (un)reliable Narrator
3.3 Language and Style
4. Stevens’ Self-deception and Insight
4.1 Ideological and political context
4.2 Private and Social Context
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to analyze the extent to which the protagonist Stevens in Kazuo Ishiguro’s "The Remains of the Day" functions as an unreliable narrator, specifically focusing on his patterns of self-deception and the eventual realization of insight. The research explores how Stevens’ professional identity as a butler leads to a discrepancy between his narrative account and the underlying reality of his life.
- The mechanics of unreliable first-person narration
- The influence of butler-English and emotional restraint on the narrative style
- The intersection of professional duty and political blindness
- The suppression of private emotions and social relations
- The discrepancy between the narrator's self-image and the reader's perception
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Stevens as an (un)reliable Narrator
During his late-life journey through England, Stevens recalls his life when he was Lord Darlington’s butler at Darlington Hall. First of all, it is mandatory consider Stevens’ self-image as a butler that is at the same time his self-perception as a human-being. He entirely gave up his private life in order to achieve his utmost goal of becoming a great butler. This notion is closely connected with dignity (Ishiguro 2005:65 “It is, as I say, a matter of dignity”), greatness and professionalism (Ishiguro 2005:65 “[…] to maintain a professional demeanour […]”) and means abdications and sacrifies on the private level. Moreover, this implies blind obedience to his employer Lord Darlington whose ideology and actions are never put into question by Stevens who is proud to work in a (Ishiguro 2005:170) “distinguished houshold” . Following Stevens reminiscences, there is soon growing evidence that his narration has to be mistrusted in several ways. Stevens credebility as a narrator is doubtful since many events have taken place years ago, consequently some facts might simply be forgotten or confused.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction --- Purpose of the Essay: Outlines the research focus on the reliability of the narrator Stevens and the narrative structure of the novel.
2. Narrative Situation and Unreliable Narration in General Terms: Establishes the theoretical foundation by defining narrative voice, focalization, and the concept of unreliable narration.
3. Narrative Situation, (Un)reliability and Language in „The Remains of the Day”: Applies the theoretical concepts to the novel, examining Stevens' role as an autodiegetic narrator and the impact of his language and style.
4. Stevens’ Self-deception and Insight: Investigates the manifestations of Stevens' blindness in both the political and the private/social contexts of his life.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, concluding that Stevens represents an unreliable narrator who suppresses his own humanity in favor of a professional persona.
6. Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and secondary literature utilized for the analysis.
Keywords
Unreliable Narration, Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day, Stevens, Self-deception, Insight, Narratology, First-person Narrator, Dignity, Professionalism, Emotional Restraint, Focalization, Butler-English
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this essay?
The essay explores the reliability of the protagonist Stevens in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day," analyzing how his perception of himself as a "great butler" leads to self-deception.
What are the central thematic fields?
The core themes include the nature of professional dignity, the ethics of blind obedience, the suppression of private emotions, and the discrepancy between the narrator's perspective and the truth.
What is the main research question?
The study asks to what extent the narrator can be considered unreliable and whether he demonstrates insight or self-deception regarding his life choices.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes narratological analysis, drawing upon theories of narrative situation and unreliable narration, combined with close textual analysis of the novel.
What is covered in the main section?
The main section discusses the narrative situation, language style, and specific instances of Stevens' blindness within political, social, and private contexts.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include unreliable narration, self-deception, insight, first-person narrator, professionalism, and emotional restraint.
How does Stevens' professional role impact his reliability?
Stevens' obsession with maintaining a "professional demeanor" leads him to omit or downplay personal feelings and facts that might conflict with his self-image, thereby rendering his account unreliable.
What role does the "discrepancy of awareness" play?
This refers to the gap between what Stevens knows (or refuses to acknowledge) and what the reader understands, allowing the audience to uncover the truth behind his self-justifications.
Does Stevens ever achieve true insight?
Toward the end of the narrative, Stevens admits to feelings of sadness and regret, indicating a moment of realization that he has lived his master's life rather than his own, though he remains unable to change his circumstances.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Göb (Author), 2008, Self-deception and Insight. The Concept of Unreliable Narration in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/91794
