The Remains of the Day
The Remains of the Day
By Zoe Jacobson, Age 15, Literary Editor of TweenTribune
Kazuo Ishiguro's historical fictional novel, The Remains of the Day, is set in England in the days leading up to the Second World War. The cast of characters is small, with only two bearing much significance: Mr. Stevens and Mrs. Kenton. Mr. Stevens, an unreliable narrator, receives a letter from Mrs. Kenton from whom he has been estranged. He realizes his feelings for her and travels to see her.
At the time of his father's death, Stevens rejects the comfort of Mrs. Kenton, which makes her feel unimportant and alone. Instead, he grieves alone and does not burden her, in his very old-fashioned and professional way. Of this stoic behavior, Stevens says, "For all its sad associations, whenever I recall that evening today, I find I do so with a large sense of triumph."
Stevens reassures himself that he does not made a mistake when he rejects Mrs. Kenton. He chooses to pursue a level of dignity worthy of his father, thus displaying his talent as a butler.
Upon seeing her again, Stevens is pleased to find that Mrs. Kenton is much the same woman he had been in love with for most of his life. She had aged most “gracefully,” though there are now wrinkles on her face. But to his great disappointment, her marriage is not as bad as he had assume from her letter. She had moved back in with her husband saying, “It’s just as well one of us is sensible about these things.” When their conversation turns to the future, he realizes that now it is too late. He does not tell her of his feelings for her and instead wishes her well, both of them knowing she married the wrong man.
Regret is the overriding theme of the novel. Mr. Stevens regrets much in his life, though it is not until the final pages does he admit this to himself. The way that Ishiguro portrays the theme is unfortunate because his telling makes it impossible for the reader to relate to the theme. The reader's only regret is having read this book.
- Posted on January 15, 2011
Animals
Art
The book sings of interest and I'd wish to read it though I can not find it in stores nearby. I wish to live in the UK and really desire to live there someday, but still a little girl and mommy still got's a leash on me. I'd really love it if I could visit and see what beauty it holds that captures my attention. Well, the book holds interest for me and I will read it.
Awwwwween This story was cute, I loved it . This story happened to my aunt . Its Sad When You Lose Youre Dad. My ex-boyfriend his father died and it was so sad .If My father diee i dont know what im gonna do.I Love my Father So much :D .
I love this author! He makes strange stories seem really realistic and I love that tactic! I want to read it so bad! Agree with me anyone? Go Ishiguro!
That looks like a really interesting book to read. Right now I am not reading anything so I just might go and check that book out of a library. The cover looks really cool also. It would also be good to read because it is leading up to the second war and we are studying about that in school right now. That is awesome.
With the last statement of this review I guess I will not pick up this book called, The Remains of The Day.
I have read a book like this and I am not that interested in them. It basically is a romance that never happened. There is a movie that relates with this. It is called Casablanca. This movie tells a story of two former lovers that see each other in a setting that takes place in Africa. They shared a unique romance that nobody could have replaced, but they are pulled apart because of war and when they come back to see each other she marries someone else. They both are filled with regret. This is exactly like this story except of the fact that this movie is way more famous then this story will ever be. They both tell a story of a romantic relationship that could have never happened. It is sad, but it sometimes happens.
The Remains of the Day is a catchy book title. The setting takes place in England before a second world war happens. Mrs. Kenton feels not important because Mr.Stevens rejects her comfort because his father dies. One fact about the book is that the author has very good words and her words grab the readers attention.
This novel looks very intriguing! I plan to read this book in the future because it sounds like it has a ton of imagination and love in it! This book obviously has two sides and choices for Mr. Stevens so it will be a twisting novel! This book may be a good one but it also sounds a bit deceiving. I will have to read this so that I can find out for myself.
Mabe this book will show some secerts that is uncovered to him and her. This is almost like a love story but love should choose for you.. Why I said this was because of he has a
choses of his love or geting over his father and go on with his life.
This book sounds great. The way Mr. Stevens has to choose between having a life with the woman he loves or trying to get over his father that he clearly loves dearly. By reading the summaries of other books you know how they are going to end, but this book is filled with mystery and suspense. I would really like to know what is going on inside of Mr. Steven's head, he lost the two people he loved, how will he ever get over it if he spent most of his life trying to get over one of them already. Mr. Stevens will never know what a life with Mrs. Kenton would feel like. The book sounds like its filled with imagination, love is written all over the book.