Analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day
The use of an unreliable narrator
is a literary technique employed by authors to create doubt or ambiguity in the
mind of the reader regarding the truthfulness or reliability of the story being
told. Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "The Remains of the Day" is a prime
example of a narrative that uses an unreliable narrator to convey its themes
and explore the complexities of memory, self-deception, and the human
condition. This essay will analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in
"The Remains of the Day," examining how it impacts the reader's
perception of the story and enhances the novel's themes.
"The Remains of the Day"
is narrated by Stevens, an English butler who serves the wealthy and esteemed
Mr. Farraday, an American gentleman, in the years following World War II.
Stevens is portrayed as a diligent and dedicated servant, unwavering in his
loyalty to his profession and employer. However, as the story unfolds, it
becomes apparent that Stevens is an unreliable narrator whose perceptions and
recollections are filtered through his biased perspective and self-deception.
Analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day:-One way in which Stevens proves to
be an unreliable narrator is through his selective memory and subjective
interpretations of events. He often recalls past events and conversations in a
way that fits his preconceived notions and desired self-image as a dignified
and proper butler. For example, he recalls his father, who was also a butler,
in a highly idealized manner, describing him as a paragon of professionalism
and upholding the values of the British aristocracy. However, it becomes clear
that Stevens' father was actually a flawed and emotionally distant man, as
revealed through Stevens' own memories and interactions with him.
Stevens also exhibits
self-deceptive behavior in his interactions with other characters. One notable
example is his relationship with Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper at
Darlington Hall with whom he shares a deep emotional connection. Despite their
obvious affection for each other, Stevens denies his feelings for Miss Kenton
and remains emotionally detached, citing his duty and professionalism as a
butler. He repeatedly dismisses her attempts to engage with him on a personal
level, ultimately resulting in a missed opportunity for a meaningful
relationship. Stevens' self-deception and denial of his true emotions
contribute to his unreliability as a narrator, as he distorts the truth to
protect his self-image as a butler who prioritizes duty above all else.
Analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day:-Another significant aspect of
Stevens' unreliability as a narrator is his narrow and skewed perspective on
the world. As a butler, Stevens is confined to the insular world of the British
upper class, and his understanding of the events and social changes happening
around him is limited by his class-consciousness and adherence to traditional
values. He dismisses or ignores any information or perspectives that challenge
his deeply ingrained beliefs about social hierarchy and his role as a butler.
For example, he dismisses Mr. Farraday's suggestions that the world is changing
and that his loyalty to Lord Darlington, their former employer, may have been
misguided. Stevens' limited perspective and refusal to acknowledge alternative
viewpoints make him an unreliable narrator, as he presents a distorted and
biased view of the world.
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Analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day:-In addition to selective memory,
self-deception, and a limited perspective, Stevens' unreliability as a narrator
is also evident in his use of language. He often employs formal and elaborate
language, reminiscent of the old-fashioned and overly polite speech of the
British upper class during the interwar period. This language reflects Stevens'
attempt to maintain an air of formality and professionalism, but it also serves
as a form of self-protection and a means of distancing himself from his own
emotions and vulnerabilities.
The
Remains Of The Day “Summary”
"The Remains of the Day"
by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel set in post-World War II England, narrated by
Stevens, a butler who serves Mr. Farraday, an American gentleman. Stevens is
portrayed as a loyal and dedicated butler, who takes pride in his professionalism
and adherence to the traditions of the British aristocracy.
The story is set against the
backdrop of Darlington Hall, a grand country estate where Stevens has served
for many years. Stevens is devoted to his work and takes his responsibilities
as a butler very seriously, striving for perfection in every aspect of his
duties. He is known for his impeccable service and unwavering loyalty to his
employer, Lord Darlington, who was a prominent figure in British politics
during the 1930s.
Analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day:-As the novel progresses, Stevens
embarks on a road trip to the West Country at the request of Mr. Farraday, who
has purchased Darlington Hall. During the journey, Stevens reflects on his past
and memories of his time at Darlington Hall. Through his narration, it becomes clear
that Stevens is an unreliable narrator whose perceptions and recollections are
filtered through his biased perspective and self-deception.
Stevens' unreliability as a
narrator is evident in his selective memory and subjective interpretations of
events. He often recalls past events and conversations in a way that fits his
preconceived notions and desired self-image as a proper and dignified butler.
For example, he idealizes his father, who was also a butler, describing him as
a paragon of professionalism and upholding the values of the British
aristocracy. However, it is revealed that Stevens' father was actually flawed
and emotionally distant, as shown through Stevens' own memories and
interactions with him.
Stevens also engages in
self-deceptive behavior in his interactions with other characters, particularly
with Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper at Darlington Hall. Despite their
obvious affection for each other, Stevens denies his feelings for Miss Kenton
and remains emotionally detached, citing his duty and professionalism as a
butler. He repeatedly dismisses her attempts to connect with him on a personal
level, resulting in a missed opportunity for a meaningful relationship.
Stevens' self-deception and denial of his true emotions contribute to his unreliability
as a narrator, as he distorts the truth to protect his self-image as a butler
who prioritizes duty above all else.
Furthermore, Stevens' unreliability
as a narrator is evident in his narrow and skewed perspective on the world. As
a butler, he is confined to the insular world of the British upper class, and
his understanding of the events and social changes happening around him is
limited by his class-consciousness and adherence to traditional values. He
dismisses or ignores any information or perspectives that challenge his deeply
ingrained beliefs about social hierarchy and his role as a butler. For
instance, he disregards Mr. Farraday's suggestions that the world is changing
and that his loyalty to Lord Darlington, their former employer, may have been
misguided. Stevens' limited perspective and refusal to acknowledge alternative
viewpoints make him an unreliable narrator, as he presents a distorted and
biased view of the world.
Analyze the use of the unreliable narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day:-In addition, Stevens' use of
language adds to his unreliability as a narrator. He employs formal and
elaborate language, reminiscent of the old-fashioned and overly polite speech
of the British upper class during the interwar period. This language serves as
a deliberate construction that reflects Stevens' attempt to maintain an air of
formality and professionalism, but it also acts as a means of self-protection,
allowing him to distance himself from his own emotions and vulnerabilities.
Stevens' use of language is a deliberate choice that contributes to his
unreliability as a narrator, as it creates a façade that obscures his true
thoughts and feelings.
FAQ.
Q: What is "The Remains of the Day" about?
A: "The Remains of the
Day" is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro that follows the story of Stevens, a
butler who serves an American gentleman, Mr. Farraday. Stevens embarks on a
road trip to the West Country at Mr. Farraday's request and reflects on his
past and memories of his time at Darlington Hall, a grand country estate where
he served as a butler. The novel explores themes of loyalty, duty,
self-deception, and the changing social landscape of post-World War II England.
Q: Who is the author of "The Remains of the Day"?
A: "The Remains of the
Day" is written by Kazuo Ishiguro, a British novelist and Nobel Prize
winner in Literature. Ishiguro has also written other acclaimed novels such as
"Never Let Me Go" and "The Buried Giant".
Q: When was "The Remains of the Day" published?
A: "The Remains of the
Day" was first published in 1989.
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