Hi Kelsie! I loved the book club last night as everyone had such wonderful and insightful thoughts. The Remains of Day is a book that, even when finished, I continue to ponder all the things that were happening with Mr. Stevens and of course Miss Kenton. Something that I have been thinking a lot about today has to do with the scene where Lord Darlington's guest ask Mr. Stevens to come into the room because they want to ask him questions about world affairs. Of course, in good professional fashion, Mr. Stevens gives the answer the men were looking for "I'm very sorry, sir, I said, but I am unable to be of assistance on this matter." This went on for a couple of minutes, with Mr. Stevens giving the same answer. At last Mr. Spencer responds by saying, "You see gentlemen, Mr. Spencer said, turning to the others, our man is unable to assist is in these matters." Mr. Spencer and the other gentlemen, including Lord Darlington all laugh at this. He then goes on to explain that everyday citizens in a country are not the ones who should be making decisions, but rather those men who know what is good for all. This really has me thinking that Mr. Stevens never really holds an opinion or thinks about things, beyond the duties of the house, for himself. As he states at the end of the book, he just trusted Lord Darlington with all the decisions in such matters. He took on the thoughts and opinions of Lord Darlington rather than looking at the issues himself and forming an opinion based on what was right and what was the moral duty of one durning those difficult times. Mr. Stevens feels this is his "duty" if you will, and to be a 'good butler" one must perform their duty with dignity. This duty with dignity, really didn't allow Mr. Stevens to think for himself, nor did he really question the actions of Lord Darlington at the time. Just some thought I had today. Thank you again for introducing me to this wonderful book!
Hi Kelsie! I loved the book club last night as everyone had such wonderful and insightful thoughts. The Remains of Day is a book that, even when finished, I continue to ponder all the things that were happening with Mr. Stevens and of course Miss Kenton. Something that I have been thinking a lot about today has to do with the scene where Lord Darlington's guest ask Mr. Stevens to come into the room because they want to ask him questions about world affairs. Of course, in good professional fashion, Mr. Stevens gives the answer the men were looking for "I'm very sorry, sir, I said, but I am unable to be of assistance on this matter." This went on for a couple of minutes, with Mr. Stevens giving the same answer. At last Mr. Spencer responds by saying, "You see gentlemen, Mr. Spencer said, turning to the others, our man is unable to assist is in these matters." Mr. Spencer and the other gentlemen, including Lord Darlington all laugh at this. He then goes on to explain that everyday citizens in a country are not the ones who should be making decisions, but rather those men who know what is good for all. This really has me thinking that Mr. Stevens never really holds an opinion or thinks about things, beyond the duties of the house, for himself. As he states at the end of the book, he just trusted Lord Darlington with all the decisions in such matters. He took on the thoughts and opinions of Lord Darlington rather than looking at the issues himself and forming an opinion based on what was right and what was the moral duty of one durning those difficult times. Mr. Stevens feels this is his "duty" if you will, and to be a 'good butler" one must perform their duty with dignity. This duty with dignity, really didn't allow Mr. Stevens to think for himself, nor did he really question the actions of Lord Darlington at the time. Just some thought I had today. Thank you again for introducing me to this wonderful book!
This is great! And this contrasted with his claim to have been influential in world affairs is very revealing!