Eng426 20th century english literature

The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day, tells the story of Stevens, an old English butler who has been working at Darlington Hall since the beginning of his career as a butler. At the start of the novel, he narrates how he is encouraged to take a vacation by his employer, Mr. Farraday, an American gentleman who believes Stevens needs a break from his duties. Stevens is also of the opinion that the suggestion will work well with his desire to visit a former colleague at Darlington Hall, Miss Kenton now Mrs. Benn, residing in West England. Twenty years earlier, they had worked at Darlington Hall together, he as Butler, and she as the Housekeeper. She left Darlington Hall when she got married and now twenty years after, she is divorced because of the challenges she had in her marriage especially as she really was not in love with her husband. Stevens looks forward to having her back because after the Second World War, it has become increasingly difficult getting enough hands to work at the estate. An interesting point to note is that though this is an important reason for wanting her back at Darlington Hall, an overriding reason is that Steven has always been in love with Miss Kenton. On her part too, Miss Kenton has tried many times to make Steven know that she loves him and that they should be together. So, he hopes that the woman who is now free of the burden of marriage will oblige and return to the Hall.

The novel is the diary that Stevens keeps in his one week trip to visit Miss Kenton and during this trip Stephens recollects and reflects deep on his past. He aims at coming to terms with his life’s choices and his ultimate direction. Stevens finally makes the last part of his journey to meet Miss Kenton. But when Stevens finally does meet her, with the hope of bringing her back to Darlington Hall and perhaps to confess his love, he finds that the spirit has gone out of her. She reveals that she is going back to her husband. Even though she may not love him, he has always been there for her. Stevens realizes he is too late and sends her off with well-wishes and immediately makes plans to return to Darlington Hall to fulfill the remains of his day.

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