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
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines the concept of unreliable narration in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day," focusing on the protagonist Stevens and his recollections of his past. The analysis investigates the extent to which the reader can trust Stevens' narrative, exploring his potential self-deception and any instances of insight. The essay aims to understand how Stevens' narrative voice and perspective shape our understanding of the events and characters within the novel.
- Unreliable narration and its impact on interpretation
- Stevens' self-deception and the construction of his identity
- The relationship between private and public life in Stevens' narrative
- The role of language and style in shaping perceptions of reliability
- The historical and political context of the novel and its influence on character development
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for analyzing Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day," highlighting its critical acclaim and introducing the novel's central character, Stevens, a butler reflecting on his past life while traveling through England. The chapter poses key questions about Stevens' reliability as a narrator and the potential for self-deception within his account. It outlines the essay's approach, which involves exploring narrative situation, unreliable narration, and ultimately, Stevens' potential for self-deception and insight.
2. Narrative Situation and Unreliable Narration in General Terms: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the literary concepts of narrative voice and focalization, differentiating between homodiegetic and heterodiegetic narrators, and exploring the spectrum of narrative reliability. It distinguishes between reliable and unreliable narrators, emphasizing the potential for subjective biases and the challenges in discerning truth from a first-person perspective. The chapter uses established literary theories to provide a framework for the later analysis of Stevens' narrative.
3. Narrative Situation, (Un)reliability and Language in "The Remains of the Day": This section delves into the specific narrative situation of Ishiguro's novel, identifying Stevens as an autodiegetic, character-focalizer narrator. The chapter examines the implications of this first-person perspective, highlighting the reader's dependence on Stevens' account and the consequent need to question his reliability. It begins to explore how Stevens' self-image as a butler impacts his narration and the potential for unreliability stemming from his personal biases and self-deception.
4. Stevens' Self-deception and Insight: This chapter delves into the core of the analysis, exploring the complexities of Stevens' self-deception. It examines his unwavering devotion to his professional role as a butler, and the sacrifices he made to maintain a façade of dignity and professionalism. The chapter explores both ideological and political contexts affecting Stevens' choices and beliefs, contrasting them with his private and social life to understand how the two realms intertwine to shape his perceptions and self-understanding. It considers his potential for insight into his own actions and choices.
Keywords
Unreliable narration, Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day, Stevens, self-deception, insight, first-person narrative, butler, dignity, professionalism, loyalty, historical context, ideology, memory, self-image.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of "The Remains of the Day"
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This preview offers a structured overview of an essay analyzing Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day," focusing on unreliable narration. It provides the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords to facilitate understanding of the essay's scope and arguments.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay's central themes revolve around unreliable narration, particularly as embodied by the protagonist, Stevens. It explores Stevens' self-deception, his construction of identity, the interplay between his private and public life, the role of language in shaping perceptions of reliability, and the influence of historical and political context on character development.
What is the essay's approach to analyzing "The Remains of the Day"?
The essay employs a multi-faceted approach, examining the narrative situation, the concept of unreliable narration within literary theory, and applying this framework to a detailed analysis of Stevens' narrative voice and perspective. It investigates how Stevens' choices in language, self-image, and actions contribute to his reliability (or lack thereof) as a narrator.
How is the concept of unreliable narration addressed?
The essay defines and explores the concept of unreliable narration in general terms, differentiating between reliable and unreliable narrators. It then applies this understanding to the specific case of Stevens in "The Remains of the Day," examining how his biases and self-deception affect the reliability of his recollections.
What is the significance of Stevens' character in the analysis?
Stevens, the novel's protagonist and narrator, is central to the essay's analysis. His role as a butler, his devotion to duty, and his potential for self-deception are all explored to understand how his perspective shapes the reader's understanding of the novel's events and themes.
What aspects of Stevens' life are examined in the essay?
The essay analyzes both the public and private aspects of Stevens' life, showing how his professional role as a butler interacts with his personal experiences and beliefs. It considers the influence of the historical and political context (e.g., the era and its ideologies) on his choices and self-understanding.
What is the role of language and style in the essay's analysis?
The essay examines how Stevens' language and narrative style contribute to his portrayal as a potentially unreliable narrator. The analysis considers how his choice of words, sentence structure, and overall tone affect the reader's perception of his reliability and the truthfulness of his account.
What are the main conclusions of the essay (as suggested by the preview)?
While the full conclusions are not explicitly stated, the preview suggests the essay will delve into the complexities of Stevens' self-deception and explore whether, and to what extent, he possesses self-insight regarding his choices and actions within the context of his narrative.
What keywords are associated with this essay?
Keywords include unreliable narration, Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day, Stevens, self-deception, insight, first-person narrative, butler, dignity, professionalism, loyalty, historical context, ideology, memory, and self-image.
Where can I find a more detailed analysis of "The Remains of the Day" using these themes?
The full essay, from which this language preview is derived, contains the detailed analysis based on the themes and concepts mentioned above. (Note: The location of the full essay would need to be provided separately.)
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sebastian Göb (Autor:in), 2008, Self-deception and Insight. The Concept of Unreliable Narration in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/91794
