The Remains of the Day Summary
Description
Here you will find a The Remains of the Day summary (Kazuo Ishiguro's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters The Remains of the Day Summary Overview
Narrated in the first-person perspective of an English butler named Stevens, the story unfolds in July 1956 when Stevens embarks on a six-day journey to the West Country of England. This is west of Darlington Hall, where he has offered his services as a butler for thirty-four years. Initially owned by the late Lord Darlington, the mansion is now under the proprietorship of Mr. Farraday, an American gentleman. Although Stevens appreciates his new employer, he struggles to engage in casual conversation, a skill he labels "bantering". Throughout the narrative, he repeatedly expresses his intention to enhance this skill to better interact with Mr. Farraday. Stevens' motivation for his journey is a desire to reconnect with Miss Kenton, Darlington Hall's former housekeeper who departed two decades ago to marry. Having received a letter from her hinting at her unstable marital status and potential desire to resume her previous role, Stevens hopes to address the staffing challenges he's faced since the end of World War II. His musings frequently delve into his experiences during and after the War, including the elegant gatherings and the distinguished guests at Darlington Hall. It is subtly disclosed that Lord Darlington, misinterpreting Germany's intentions prior to World War II, was sympathetic towards the Nazis, which Stevens, loyal to his former employer, defends. The narrative also comprises Stevens' accounts of his peers, other butlers in analogous establishments, and his significant professional bond with Miss Kenton, inferring suppressed romantic feelings for her. Their past disagreements, seemingly trivial, underscore their mutual care. In the story's finale, Miss Kenton, now Mrs. Benn, confesses her life might have been more fulfilling had she chosen Stevens as her spouse, a revelation that leaves him distressed yet unable to convey his feelings. The story ends with a regretful Stevens returning to Darlington Hall, resolved to master the art of bantering. Ultimately, the narrative is a poignant tale of regret and missed opportunities, illustrating how Stevens' unwavering dedication to his profession leads him to ignore the possibility of a fulfilling romantic relationship. His professional demeanor creates a barrier preventing him from forming deep connections and gaining true understanding.
prologue
Stevens, the chief butler at Darlington Hall in England, is planning a trip suggested by his employer, Mr. Farraday. With Mr. Farraday set to return to the United States for over a month, Stevens is encouraged to use this time to explore the country. Stevens considers the idea after receiving a letter from Miss Kenton, a previous housekeeper at the Hall, hinting at her interest to rejoin the staff. Stevens, who has been a bit lax in his duties, believes it's due to the lack of staff. Hence, he aspires to persuade Miss Kenton to return. Only Stevens, Mrs. Clements, and two girls, Rosemary and Agnes, currently manage the massive manor. Unlike the previous owner, Lord Darlington, Mr. Farraday doesn't entertain many guests, hence his reluctance to employ more staff. Stevens then starts preparing for his trip, consulting maps and travel guides titled The Wonder of England. The last time he referred to these books was two decades ago, when he sought to understand the region where Mrs. Kenton was moving to get married. Stevens broaches the trip again with Mr. Farraday over afternoon tea, mentioning the former housekeeper's residence in the West Country. He halts when he realizes he failed to discuss the potential recruitment of more personnel with Mr. Farraday. The employer jovially teases Stevens about having a "lady-friend," leading to an awkward moment for the formal butler. Mr. Farraday approves of the trip and reaffirms his offer to pay the fuel costs. Stevens reflects on the humor, or "bantering," that defines Mr. Farraday's style of conversation. He finds this American style of jesting somewhat coarse but feels obligated to engage or risk appearing negligent to his employer. The issue of bantering is complicated for Stevens due to the lack of peers to discuss such matters with. In the past, he would consult with other butlers who accompanied their employers to Darlington Hall. Now, with the decline of houses employing butlers, and Mr. Farraday's infrequent hosting, Stevens rarely encounters his remaining peers.
day 1 evening
Stevens, on the opening night of his journey, finds himself in a Salisbury inn, reminiscing about his day. He recounts a thrilling experience he had that morning, twenty minutes into his drive when the landscape turned unfamiliar. Taking a break to stretch his legs, he encounters a man who recommends a walk up a local trail renowned for its unparalleled view. Agreeably, Stevens finds the view breathtaking and anticipates the forthcoming adventures with excitement. Later that afternoon, Stevens checks into the Salisbury guesthouse. He spends the afternoon strolling through the town, admiring the cathedral and other sights. Despite the interesting cityscape, the most memorable view for him was the serene beauty of the English countryside from that morning. Stevens ponders the greatness of this calm, restrained beauty, which leads him to contemplate the attributes of a great butler. Stevens refers to the Hayes Society, an esteemed butlers' society from the 1920s and 1930s, which demanded its members to uphold dignified conduct. Stevens elaborates his understanding of 'dignity' with various anecdotes. Stevens first recollects a story his father narrated about a butler in India who calmly dealt with a tiger found under the dining table. After shooting the tiger, cleaning up, and ensuring dinner will be served on time, the butler coolly reports, "Dinner will be served at the usual time and I am pleased to say there will be no discernible traces left of the recent occurrence by that time." Stevens further discuses two instances involving his father, also a butler. In one, his father maintains composure and courtesy when two disrespectful guests insult his employer, Mr. John Silver. Only when they cross the line does he silently reprimand them, leading to their apology. The third example involves an Army general— responsible for his brother's death—whom Stevens's father had to serve. Despite his anger, he executed his duties flawlessly, receiving a generous tip he later donated to charity. Stevens concludes by defining 'greatness' and 'dignity'. He believes that although some people might naturally possess dignity, it's also a quality one can and should strive to cultivate.
day 2 morning
Stevens awakes and ponders Miss Kenton's (also known as Mrs. Benn) intriguing letter, which suggests she may be lonely and missing her old life at Darlington Hall. He recalls Miss Kenton and his father joining the staff together in 1922, replacing the former employees who had eloped. Despite his father's age and illness, Stevens dismisses any concerns raised by Miss Kenton about his father's ability to perform his duties. Stevens' father takes a fall while serving Lord Darlington, which forces Stevens to reduce his father's workload. The old man insists it was due to uneven steps, not fatigue. Stevens reflects on an international conference held at Darlington Hall in 1923, where Lord Darlington tried to readdress the harsh treatment of Germany in the Treaty of Versailles after his German friend Herr Bremann committed suicide. In the midst of the conference's chaos, Stevens is tasked with teaching a young man about the birds and the bees, which he never gets around to doing. During the conference, Stevens' father falls ill and despite frequent visits, their conversations remain limited. However, his father expresses his pride in Stevens before he passes away. As Stevens handles the loss of his father and the ongoing conference, he recalls a heated argument between Lord Darlington and Mr. Lewis. Lewis criticizes the participants, declaring them naive and inexperienced while Lord Darlington defends the importance of honor. Despite learning of his father's death, Stevens continues to serve his guests with unwavering professionalism, considering it a proud moment in his career. He reflects on the night with a sense of triumph, despite the sadness attached to it.
day 2 afternoon
Stevens resumes his contemplation on the essence of a "great" butler during his drive, expressing that today's esteemed butlers align themselves with employers who advance humanity, rather than merely having aristocratic status. A peculiar smell from his car leads him to a large Victorian mansion for assistance. The man who helps him with the minor mechanical issue reveals that the mansion is quite desolate as his employer wishes to sell it. The man shows admiration to Stevens when he finds out his occupation at Darlington Hall, but Stevens refutes the man's assumption that he used to serve Lord Darlington. At Mortimer's Pond, Stevens shares that he had earlier denied serving Lord Darlington to an American couple as well. His denial isn't out of shame, but due to the unfounded negative rumors about Lord Darlington, which he wishes to avoid. He still upholds his past employer as a man of high moral standing. In Taunton, Somerset, Stevens recounts staying at a smaller inn named "The Coach and Horses" where he failed to engage in banter with the locals, despite his attempts to improve his wit through radio comedy shows. During his midmorning tea, his attention is drawn to a sign for Mursden, the location of a silver polish company. Stevens believes that the rise of this company in the 1920s resulted in aristocratic households prioritizing polished silver, a standard set by a fellow butler, Mr. Marshall. Stevens recalls receiving compliments on the polished silver at Darlington Hall from notable guests. He still holds in high regard an episode where the polished silver impressed Lord Halifax, believing it influenced the course of history. However, he shows irritation towards people who negatively speak about Lord Darlington and his affiliations with Nazis, defending that many were unaware of the Nazi regime's true nature then. Stevens' satisfaction in serving a household that shaped history is momentarily marred by a recent incident where he had to replace a flawed fork during Mr. Farraday's dinner, attributing it to staff shortage and hoping Miss Kenton's return would resolve such issues.
day 3 evening
Stevens recounts a bout of anti-Semitism at Darlington Hall. Influenced by Mrs. Carolyn Barnet, a British Union of Fascists member, Lord Darlington fires two Jewish maids. Despite his personal reservations, Stevens does not question Darlington's decision, even in private conversations with Miss Kenton. Miss Kenton threatens to quit in protest, but she remains due to lack of other options. A year later, Stevens reveals that Darlington regrets his decision, and asks for help to find the maids. Miss Kenton is shocked that Stevens never admitted his own disapproval of the firings. Lisa, a new maid hired after the Jewish maids' dismissal, improves significantly under Miss Kenton's guidance, despite Stevens's initial doubts. Miss Kenton teases Stevens, suggesting he’s uncomfortable around pretty women like Lisa. After several months, Lisa elopes with a footman. Stevens and Miss Kenton agree that Lisa rashly sacrificed her professional future for a fleeting romance. Stevens ponders his changing relationship with Miss Kenton. One memorable instance is when Kenton intrudes his private reading time, a time he uses to improve his language skills and maintain professionalism. Miss Kenton begins using her vacation time, and reveals she is reacquainting with an old friend from her previous job. She compliments Stevens's professional dedication and contentment. However, their evening meetings come to an end when she admits to exhaustion. When her aunt dies, Stevens fails to offer his condolences, maintaining his professional demeanor, and regrets his missed opportunities. Stevens runs out of gas and is forced to spend the night at the home of a couple, the Taylors. Their friends are impressed by his gentlemanly qualities and he defines this as "dignity". When questioned about his political involvement, he mentions his pre-war international affairs experience, which impresses the guests. However, he feels uneasy about their inflated image of him. Stevens recalls an occasion when he was unable to answer complex political questions, reinforcing his belief that not every common man should participate in politics. He believes a good butler should not question their employer's motives, and staunchly defends his service to Lord Darlington, despite his master’s apparent failures.
day 4 afternoon
Stevens is waiting at the Rose Garden Hotel in Little Compton, Cornwall, musing about his upcoming encounter with Miss Kenton. He has some time to spare before his scheduled meeting at three. Recounting his morning events, Stevens talks about his drive with Dr. Carlisle, who inquires whether Stevens is a real dignitary or just serving one. Stevens admits he's a butler at Darlington Hall and clarifies that he never intended to mislead about his role. Dr. Carlisle humorously says how locals can confuse a person like Stevens for a nobleman. The conversation shifts to Harry Smith's political views, and the doctor seems disappointed that many people prefer to remain politically uninvolved. As Stevens waits for the appointed hour, he revisits his past, particularly pondering why he didn't enter Miss Kenton's room when she found out about her aunt's demise. His memory gets clouded, thinking perhaps it was a different instance when Mr. Reginald Cardinal, Lord Darlington's godson, unexpectedly visited Darlington Hall. Reginald Cardinal is the child of Lord Darlington's friend Sir David Cardinal, who died in a riding mishap. When Cardinal arrives, Stevens finds Miss Kenton deep in thoughts. She reveals that she's considering a marriage proposal and will be taking the evening off, as previously arranged. Stevens acknowledges the information before leaving. Dinner with Lord Darlington and his godson becomes tense, as Darlington keeps his impending guests a secret. Post dinner, the two argue, and Herr Ribbentrop arrives with a police escort. Miss Kenton, after her outing, accepts the marriage proposal and shares the news with Stevens. He responds formally but quickly highlights the pressing global matters unfolding in the house. Miss Kenton playfully mentions how she and her fiancé often joke about Stevens's unwavering professionalism. Stevens brushes it off and leaves. Mr. Cardinal requests more brandy, and during its delivery, reveals that Lord Darlington has invited key political figures in a bid to foster relations with Nazi Germany. He suggests that Lord Darlington is being manipulated by the Nazis, despite his noble intentions. Stevens, on his way to fetch wine for the guests, encounters Miss Kenton who apologizes for her earlier jest. He dismisses her remarks and rushes off to serve the wine. On his way back, he senses that Miss Kenton is upset but has no time to address it. As he gets ready to serve the wine, he feels a sense of accomplishment, believing he is contributing to world-changing events.
day 6 evening
Writing from a coastal town in Weymouth, Stevens reflects on his time following his visit to Miss Kenton. He is enjoying a break, sitting on a pier as the evening lights illuminate. Unexpectedly, Miss Kenton comes to meet him at his hotel in Little Compton. Stevens notes her graceful aging and seems saddened by her lack of vibrancy. They catch up, sharing their life experiences for the past two decades. Contrary to Stevens' assumption based on her letter, Miss Kenton reveals she is reuniting with her husband. She encourages Stevens to meet her pregnant daughter Catherine during his return trip. He updates her about the state of Darlington Hall, the reduced staff, Mr. Farraday as the employer, and the tragic news of Reginald Cardinal's death in World War II. Their meeting lasts two hours before Miss Kenton needs to leave. Stevens escorts her to a bus stop outside the village. Noting her apparent unhappiness in their correspondence, he questions if she is being mistreated. Miss Kenton reassures him that she is not mistreated, but admits to feeling unfulfilled and sometimes contemplates a life she might have had with Stevens. Hearing this, Stevens is overcome with the realization of his feelings for Miss Kenton. He confesses he is heartbroken, but agrees that it's futile to dwell on the past, encouraging her to focus on her family. The bus arrives and a tearful Miss Kenton departs. Later, a man joins Stevens on the bench at the pier and they start a conversation. The man reveals he was a butler, and is fascinated when Stevens discloses his role at Darlington Hall. Stevens reflects on his loyalty to Lord Darlington and his struggle to adapt to his new employer. Struggling with regret, he breaks down. The man comforts him, advising him not to dwell on the past. He suggests that the evening is the best part of the day, a wisdom Stevens agrees with and decides to make the most of his remaining time. He resolves to improve his bantering skills to surprise Mr. Farraday on his return.
