I just finished The Remains of the Day. It wrecked me. It is such a subtle, beautiful story. I feel such sympathy for Stevens, and I also love how complex he is.
This may be one of the best examples of "The fatal flaw" that I've seen in literature. Stevens' actions (or rather inactions) lead to his eventual unhappiness and lack of fulfillment. Of course, one sees the ending coming throughout most of the novel. Still, one can't help but root for a different ending or imagine he and Ms. Kent reuniting–however obviously unlikely that possibility may seem.
When I first read the ending, with Stevens committing to work harder on his bantering skills, I found it to be quite a sad moment. From my view, Stevens had not yet learned his lesson that being a "great butler" would not make him feel fulfilled, and I was rather upset to see the book ending with Stevens' mind still upon his duties.
However, another person I spoke with said that they saw the ending as hopeful, as bantering with a butler is not something that would have been done by an old aristocrat (of the sort that Stevens was obsessed with pleasing). Therefore, by accepting bantering, perhaps Stevens accepts change. I remain somewhat unconvinced, but I find this to be an interesting take.
What are your thoughts on the ending of The Remains of the Day? What do you take from the story?
by gatheringground