Merriam-Webster defines “dignity” as “the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed” (Merriam-Webster.com). The protagonist, Mr. Stevens, in The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro however has a different definition. Stevens believes that “dignity” is the “ability not to abandon the professional being [one] inhibits. […] [One must] inhabit their professional role to the utmost; [one] will not be shaken out by external events, however surprising, alarming, or vexing” (Ishiguro 50). This idea that dignity is equivalent to being emotionally absent is consistently present in this novel in which readers follow Stevens road trip to visit an old colleague. The novel is set in England and takes readers through the 1920s to 1956 in the
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This is depicted through Mr. Stevens inability to form intimate relationships, his inability to adhere to the modernization of society, and his loss of individuality.
Due to Stevens desire to embody his definition of “dignity”, his ability to connect with others on an emotional level is restricted and ends in regret. This can particularly be noted by his relationships with his father and his old colleague, Miss Kenton. When Stevens’ father dies, he immediately gets back to work and supresses his sadness. This can be seen when Lord Darlington asks, “‘Stevens, are you all right? […] you look as though you’re crying.’ [Stevens] laugh[s] and tak[es] out a handkerchief quickly wip[ing his] face” He then says, “‘I’m very sorry, sir. The strains of a hard day’” (Ishiguro 129-130). Although one would expect Stevens to be distraught, he does not emit any signs of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. By trying to fulfill his job “professionally”, Stevens does not take the time to mourn his loss. Inevitably, the psychological toll catches up to him. Stevens begins to make …show more content…
Specifically, this is seen through the symbolism of the act of banter and the company Giffen & Co in this novel. Stevens’ emotional distance disables his ability to banter with his current employer, Mr. Farraday, who is an American. Wanting to fulfill every need expected of him, he magnifies the effect of his inability, he thinks, “It is quite possible, then, that my employer fully expects me to respond to his bantering in a like manner, and considers my failure to do so a form of negligence. This is, as I say, a matter which has given me much concern” (Ishiguro 18). Bantering is a new, foreign practice, one unfitting with traditional English ways. This is a sign of the British aristocracy crumbling, which is something Stevens is unwilling to accept. Due to his reluctance, Stevens’ increasingly stays stuck in his past. The fact that Stevens is unable to adjust to this new form of socialization causes him severe mental anxiety. He ultimately surmises, at the end of the novel, that he is unable to “exhibit human warmth” (Ishiguro 233). Additionally, the terminated silver-polishing company Giffen & Co also represents the advancement in British society. Stevens thinks back to when the company “undoubtedly [had] the finest silver polish available, and it was only the appearance of new chemical substances on the market shortly before the war
This is depicted through Mr. Stevens inability to form intimate relationships, his inability to adhere to the modernization of society, and his loss of individuality.
Due to Stevens desire to embody his definition of “dignity”, his ability to connect with others on an emotional level is restricted and ends in regret. This can particularly be noted by his relationships with his father and his old colleague, Miss Kenton. When Stevens’ father dies, he immediately gets back to work and supresses his sadness. This can be seen when Lord Darlington asks, “‘Stevens, are you all right? […] you look as though you’re crying.’ [Stevens] laugh[s] and tak[es] out a handkerchief quickly wip[ing his] face” He then says, “‘I’m very sorry, sir. The strains of a hard day’” (Ishiguro 129-130). Although one would expect Stevens to be distraught, he does not emit any signs of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. By trying to fulfill his job “professionally”, Stevens does not take the time to mourn his loss. Inevitably, the psychological toll catches up to him. Stevens begins to make …show more content…
Specifically, this is seen through the symbolism of the act of banter and the company Giffen & Co in this novel. Stevens’ emotional distance disables his ability to banter with his current employer, Mr. Farraday, who is an American. Wanting to fulfill every need expected of him, he magnifies the effect of his inability, he thinks, “It is quite possible, then, that my employer fully expects me to respond to his bantering in a like manner, and considers my failure to do so a form of negligence. This is, as I say, a matter which has given me much concern” (Ishiguro 18). Bantering is a new, foreign practice, one unfitting with traditional English ways. This is a sign of the British aristocracy crumbling, which is something Stevens is unwilling to accept. Due to his reluctance, Stevens’ increasingly stays stuck in his past. The fact that Stevens is unable to adjust to this new form of socialization causes him severe mental anxiety. He ultimately surmises, at the end of the novel, that he is unable to “exhibit human warmth” (Ishiguro 233). Additionally, the terminated silver-polishing company Giffen & Co also represents the advancement in British society. Stevens thinks back to when the company “undoubtedly [had] the finest silver polish available, and it was only the appearance of new chemical substances on the market shortly before the war