Publication Details
Abstract
This article explores the central themes and narrative techniques in The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, focusing on the concepts of dignity, memory, and emotional restraint. Through the first-person narration of Stevens, an English butler, the novel presents a reflective journey that reveals the psychological consequences of unwavering loyalty and professionalism. The study analyzes Stevens’ subjective recollection of past events, highlighting the unreliability of memory and its role in shaping personal identity. Particular attention is given to the suppressed emotional relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton, which illustrates the personal sacrifices made in the name of duty. The article also situates the novel within its historical context, examining the decline of the British aristocracy and the moral implications of political complicity through the figure of Lord Darlington. By combining literary analysis with contextual interpretation, the paper demonstrates how Ishiguro employs subtle narrative strategies to convey a quiet yet powerful critique of rigid social values and missed human connections.