Daniel David Paredes

A Literary Description of an Era in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day"

and James Ivory’s screen adaptation

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is a superb examination of a bygone age
in post-World War II England. Ishiguro meticulously describes the historical era in
which the story takes place, giving it life. This story immerses readers and viewers in
the shifting dynamics of British society at this crucial point in time. James Ivory later
adapted it into a film of the same name. This essay will examine and compare the
literary descriptions of the historic period employed in both the novel and the film,
contrasting the various methods each medium employs to successfully transfer the
spectator to the pre and post-war age.

Literary Description of the historic period in the Novel

In the novel version of "The Remains of the Day," Kazuo Ishiguro employs a rich and
introspective narrative style. The story unfolds through the first-person perspective of
Mr. Stevens, an English butler who reflects on his life and experiences. This
narrative choice allows Ishiguro to delve deeply into Stevens' thoughts and emotions,
offering readers not just a glimpse of the historical period but an intimate
understanding of how it feels to live through it.

One of the central elements of literary description in the novel is the portrayal of
Darlington Hall, the stately home where Mr. Stevens works. Ishiguro carefully details
the architecture, the art, and the rituals of daily life within the hall. Through Stevens'
eyes, readers witness the fading glory of the British aristocracy, marked by elaborate
dinners and formal gatherings. The author's choice to employ Stevens' internal
monologue enables readers to feel the weight of history and tradition in a society that
is rapidly changing.

For instance, when describing the hall, Stevens reflects on its grandeur: "I stood
there at the top of those great steps for some moments, looking down, and it was as
if Lord Darlington's house lay sprawled before me, bathed in the late afternoon sun."
The use of descriptive language and Stevens' introspection allows readers to
envision the grandeur and elegance of Darlington Hall.

Furthermore, Ishiguro skillfully uses Stevens' musings to provide readers with

insights into the societal norms and expectations of the time. Stevens' thoughts on
his role as a butler, his dedication to professionalism, and his loyalty to Lord
Darlington all contribute to the literary description of the era. Through his
introspection, readers gain a profound understanding of the complexities of post-war
England.

Literary Description of the historic period in the Film

The film adaptation of "The Remains of the Day," directed by James Ivory, takes a
different approach to literary description. While the novel relies on Stevens' internal
monologue, the film uses visual and auditory elements to immerse viewers in post-
war England.

One notable example is the visual depiction of Darlington Hall. In the film, viewers
are treated to sweeping landscapes, the imposing facade of the hall, and exquisite
interiors. The cinematography captures the grandeur and elegance of the setting,
allowing the audience to experience it visually. The lush cinematography, combined
with the meticulous set design, recreates the historical period in a visually compelling
manner.

Costumes also play a crucial role in conveying the era in the film adaptation. The
characters' attire, from Stevens' formal butler uniform to the elegant dresses of the
guests (especially Farraday), reflects the social norms and expectations of the time.
These visual cues provide viewers with a tangible connection to the historical period,
allowing them to see how characters fit into their roles within society.

Furthermore, the film's soundtrack, composed by Richard Robbins, contributes

significantly to the literary description by evoking the mood of post-war England. The
music, with its orchestral compositions and melodies, adds an emotional layer to the
story. It enhances the audience's understanding of the characters' experiences and
the historical context. The film's score captures the melancholy and nostalgia of the
era, emphasizing the emotional depth of the narrative.

Comparing Literary Description of the historic period in the Novel and Film

While both the novel and the film adaptation of "The Remains of the Day" excel in
their respective approaches to literary description, they achieve their goals through
different means.

In the novel, Ishiguro's use of first-person narration allows readers to delve deep into
Mr. Stevens' thoughts and emotions. Readers gain an intimate understanding of the
character's experiences and reflections on the historical period. The author's
descriptive language paints a vivid picture of Darlington Hall and the societal norms
of the time. Ishiguro's literary description relies on the power of words to create an
immersive experience.

On the other hand, the film adaptation leverages visual and auditory elements to
immerse viewers in post-war England. Cinematography, set design, costumes, and
music work together to create a sensory experience. The film's visual and auditory
cues transport the audience to the era, allowing them to see and hear the historical
context.

In the novel, Americanization is symbolized through the character of Mr. Farraday,

an American who purchases the English country house, Darlington Hall. His
ownership of the estate represents the changing economic and cultural landscape of
post-war England. Farraday's American identity brings a stark contrast to the
traditional English butler, Mr. Stevens. Farraday's American sensibilities and informal
approach to the staff and the house challenge the traditional English hierarchy and
formality represented by Mr. Stevens. This cultural clash highlights the erosion of
English traditions and the influence of American culture on English society.

In the film adaptation, the theme of Americanization is visually reinforced through the
portrayal of Farraday with his distinct American Clothing, wearing a traditional oxford
cloth button-down shirt with a suit, you can’t really get more American than that,
along with the transformation of the estate. While the novel can delve into characters'
thoughts and perspectives, the film relies on visual cues to convey the impact of
Americanization.

In comparing the two mediums, it becomes evident that both the novel and the film
excel in their own right when it comes to literary description. Ishiguro's novel delves
deep into the inner world of the protagonist, offering profound insights into the
historical period through the lens of Stevens' reflections. In contrast, the film
adaptation leverages visual and auditory elements to create a sensory experience
that immerses viewers in the era.

Let's delve deeper into the comparative analysis of how the novel and the film
approach the literary description of the era depicted in "The Remains of the Day."
While both mediums excel in their own right, there are nuances in their storytelling
techniques that warrant further exploration. In both Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "The
Remains of the Day" and the film adaptation directed by James Ivory, the literary
description of the pre-war and post-war periods serves as a critical backdrop to the
narrative. These descriptions offer a vivid contrast between two distinct historical
eras and demonstrate the impact of significant historical changes, particularly the
rise and fall of German National Socialism, on the lives and perceptions of the
characters.

Pre-War Period:

England's "Golden Age": The pre-war period, set in the 1930s, is often depicted in
both the novel and the film as a time of tranquillity, elegance, and a sense of
unshaken tradition. The descriptions emphasize the opulence of English country
houses, lush landscapes, and the meticulous routines of the British aristocracy.

Blind Loyalty and Suppression of Reality: Literary descriptions during this period
reveal the characters' deep loyalty to the British aristocracy and their commitment to
maintaining a sense of order and hierarchy. The butler, Mr. Stevens, exemplifies this
loyalty as he remains oblivious to the political changes brewing in Europe,
particularly the rise of German National Socialism.
Symbolism of Darlington Hall: Darlington Hall, where most of the narrative unfolds,
symbolizes the quintessential English country house. Its description serves to
underline the continuity of tradition and the aristocracy's perceived unassailability.

Post-War Period:

Devastation and Regret: Following World War II, England, as well as the rest of
Europe, experienced significant devastation. The literary descriptions in the post-war
period reveal a stark contrast to the pre-war idyll. The impact of war is evident in the
decaying Darlington Hall, which reflects the broader consequences of the conflict.

Loss of Innocence: The characters, particularly Mr. Stevens, come to terms with
the harsh realities of the post-war world. The descriptions reflect their loss of
innocence and the acknowledgment of the shortcomings of their past allegiances.

Changing Perspectives: The fall of German National Socialism and the atrocities of
the war force the characters to confront the moral questions of their own inaction and
complacency. Literary descriptions in the post-war period emphasize a shift in
perspective, as the characters grapple with guilt, regret, and a sense of personal and
national responsibility.

Symbolism of the Remains: The title itself, "The Remains of the Day," suggests a
focus on what is left after the destruction of war. This motif is woven throughout the
narrative, highlighting the idea of holding onto fragments of the past while
acknowledging its impermanence.

In both the novel and the film, the stark contrast between the pre-war and post-war
periods is depicted through literary descriptions that capture the changing
atmosphere, attitudes, and values of the characters. The rise and fall of German
National Socialism serve as a historical backdrop that profoundly affects the way the
characters perceive themselves and their roles in the world. The transition from the
pre-war "golden age" to the postwar era of reflection and regret is a central theme
that is effectively conveyed through these descriptions. The film also shows the
coming of a new age through the electric neon signs turning on when Miss Kenton
and Stevens are on the pier, this represents the coming of modernity and the
passing of an old era where maintaining a sense of order and hierarchy was of the
utmost importance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "The Remains of the Day" and James
Ivory's film adaptation offer powerful literary descriptions of the historic period in
post-World War II England. These descriptions serve as essential narrative
elements, transporting readers and viewers to a time of significant social, political,
and personal change. While the novel and the film employ distinct storytelling
techniques, they both excel in capturing the essence of the era and the impact of
historical events, notably the rise and fall of German National Socialism.

Ishiguro's novel delves deep into the inner world of Mr. Stevens, the protagonist,
using first-person narration to offer an intimate understanding of his experiences and
reflections. Through descriptive language and introspection, readers gain profound
insights into the historical period, societal norms, and personal struggles. Ishiguro's
literary description relies on the power of words to create an immersive experience,
emphasizing the emotional and intellectual depth of the narrative.

In contrast, James Ivory's film adaptation uses visual and auditory elements to
immerse viewers in the post-war era. Through cinematography, set design,
costumes, and music, the film creates a sensory experience that allows the audience
to see, hear, and feel the historical context. The film's visual and auditory cues
effectively transport viewers to the era, providing a tangible connection to the
characters and their surroundings.

The Remains of the Day is a testament to the power of literature and cinema to
transport us to different eras, allowing us to explore the past and reflect on its
relevance to our present and future. Ishiguro's masterful storytelling and Ivory's
cinematic vision ensure that the legacy of this narrative endures, inviting audiences
to engage with history through the lens of unforgettable characters and their
journeys.

References

Baldick, C. G., & Press, O. U. (2008). The Oxford Dictionary of Literary

Terms.

Gibson, S. (2004). English Journeys: the tourist, the guidebook, and the

motorcar in The Remains of the Day. Journeys, 5(2), 43-71.

Ishiguro, K. (1989). The remains of the day. Faber & Faber.

The Remains of the Day | Drama, romance. (1993, November 19). IMDb.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107943/