What Makes a Great Butler?

Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day" might be the last thing to talk during Memorial Day, which is held on different dates on November. But the novel would recall the era from which the story is set. It's about the war, but not really the conflict and its causes. Those who are familiar with the subject matter would know it's the genteel English countryside.

"It has been my privilege to see the best of England over the years, sir, within these very walls."

Mr. Stevens is the main character of the story, a middle-aged butler who comes from a family of butlers. He's loyal, as revealed on his description of the countryside. Take note it's his first time to see such a sight. ("The English landscape at its finest - such as I saw it this morning - possesses a quality that the landscapes of other nations, however more superficially dramatic, inevitably fail to possess.") Some would sense his patriotism, whenever he sees this stunning scenery. He doesn't claim to be knowledgeable in traveling, as he's fine within the four walls of Darlington Hall.

Darlington Hall happens to be the place that Mr. Stevens knows too well.

He's under the service of Lord Darlington, an employer he couldn't complain about. In return, the nobleman has high regards of Mr. Stevens. As he would say to his friends (in high places), there can't be no finer butler than him. In return, they show their appreciation by giving him suits. The sprawling estate becomes an interesting place during the 1920s and 1930s, as distinguished individuals would drop by. They have their own respective staff, and whenever masters gather together, the butlers would have their own meeting in the kitchen. They don't gossip, mind you. Instead, they talk about the same issues that their employers would be discussing. Such dignity, which is a virtue that Mr. Stevens is proud of.

Call of duty

There's a mutual respect between Lord Darlington and Mr. Stevens, such that the latter knows something else. He's a Nazi sympathizer. He has contacts with the enemy. The authorities in London don't have a clue. Eventually, Lord Darlington is disgraced. Mr. Stevens would deny any knowledge. An employee grateful to his employer. A fine gentleman too. Some would suspect that Mr. Stevens doesn't want a new employer. On the contrary, he has a good relationship with Mr. Farraday, the wealthy American who bought Darlington after the war. He sees the butler's professionalism right way.

What both Lord Darlington and Mr. Farraday didn't notice is Mr. Stevens has been too efficient all his life. He loves his job so much, such that he didn't let his personal feelings get in the way. It happens that Miss Kensit, a member of Lord Darlington's staff, likes him. He's attracted to her, but he let her know that duty always comes first. Readers can only guess if Mr. Stevens regret it.