'The Remains of the Day': Something of a Sorry Disappointment

Kazuko Ishiguro utilizes many characters to provide Mr. Stevens with opportunities to display sound moral judgements. By failing to succeed in these moments, it can leave the reader disappointed with Stevens for these failed or missed opportunities to improve his moral judgement. This proves that Stevens worries about being “something of a sorry disappointment” to his employer when, morally, he should have this concern towards those closest to him and to himself, as well.

Stevens reflected on these moments in his life and stated, “I should adopt a more positive outlook and try to make the best of what remains of my day” (244). He continued, “The hard reality is, surely, that for the likes of you and I, there is little choice other than to leave our fate, ultimately, in the hands of those great gentlemen at the hub of this world who employ our services” (244).

These two lines prove that Stevens would contemplate his moral judgement but instead of learning from them and progressing in this area, he would justify his actions when presented with these opportunities as a sense of triumph in maintaining a high dignity that is a necessity in living the life of a fine butler. We are witnesses to particular instances of oppression of his personal feelings that would leave a normal person unable to cope rationally. One example is his decision to work to the best of his abilities for his employer, while his father lay dying in the other room. When his father passed away, and other workers were tending to him while the doctor was on the way, Stevens said he would see him later because he was busy at that moment. He considered moments like these as triumphs because he felt he displayed a high degree of dignity and his father would have wanted him to proceed in this manner (106-110).

A similar instance is presented when Miss Kenton’s aunt passes away and Stevens offers no condolences but rather asks if everything is “in order” and proceeds to talk to her about the new employees (77). He, again, places the importance on work, rather than the true situation of the passing of a family member that was at hand. This proves to be disappointing to Kenton and is a turning point in their relationship, which continues to decline.

The only people that Mr. Stevens does not disappoint are those whom he provides his services to: Lord Darlington and Mr. Farraday. He is someone who feels important in knowing what the employer wants before he wants it. His work was always a priority and he lived every hour of his day as a “dignified” and dutiful employee, with no regard to those who should have meant more to him than himself and his employers. He left himself with no time to truly live as a human being with true emotions, but spent the remains of his days fulfilling the services desired by his employers.

He left no time to love; no time to say goodbye and continued on as “something of a sorry disappointment” to those who loved him, the reader, and himself.