Assess the effectiveness of the last section as a Conclusion to the novel. Essay Example

embracing his current life and relinquishing his former life. The author's choice of ending with Stevens speaking in the present signifies his ability to adapt to current circumstances and move forward, as recommended by the man on the bench to "cease looking back so much."

Strive to optimize what is left of the Day by making the most out of it.

The main theme of the adaptation revolves around the acknowledgement of missed chances in life. The meeting between Miss Kenton and Stevens is marked as the novel's climax as it presents Stevens's true emotions, unmasking his split personalities, which is suggested by the cover of the 'Faber and Faber' version of the novel. Up until this point, Stevens's personality is confined to that of a dignified butler, with his emotions scarcely visible throughout the novel. Miss Kenton's expression of remorse for not spending her life with Stevens prompts him to realize that their marriage would have been a more favorable outcome for both of them.

During the course of the novel, Stevens shows no emotion, even when his father dies. However, in a meeting with Miss Kenton, she points out that he is smiling to himself. When questioned, he laughs and mentions her letter where she talks about how her life stretches like an emptiness before her. This revelation is surprising coming from a character who displays little emotions. It is heartless that he finds this amusing. Miss Kenton and Stevens have lived similar lives, missing out on opportunities. Though Miss Kenton believed getting married was foolish and bound to lead to disappointment, she eventually goes against her beliefs and gets married. In contrast, when Miss

Kenton leaves Darlington Hall, she also leaves Stevens alone in his world of isolation.

The mention of her unhappiness brings a sense of shared emotion to Stevens, as if she has returned to him. This pleases him, despite it seeming callous to readers. For a person like Stevens, having someone else experience the same level of unhappiness provides comfort in knowing he is not alone. Miss Kenton denies feeling unhappy, which leaves Stevens speechless according to the narrative. Perhaps this realization prompts his personal transformation, revealing his true self. Ishiguro uses the leaving bus to symbolize Stevens's past departing, with only Miss Kenton remaining as a remnant.

Stevens concludes his reunion by stating, "we may never meet again". This leads Ishiguro to describe the pier lights being turned on and a "loud cheer" from the crowd welcoming the event. This connects with the reader's hopeful reaction to Stevens finally letting go of his past. As the final section comes to a close, Stevens breaks down while sitting on the pier. He reaches the realization that he has deceived himself throughout his entire life. Stevens finally questions the worth of loyalty to someone who made poor decisions and sees how accepting another's judgment over one's own may be foolish. He realizes that blind loyalty lacks dignity. In this moment, Stevens, the perfect butler, crumbles and his true self, a sad and disillusioned man, takes over the story.

In this section of the novel, a man sitting next to Stevens comforts him by advising him to stop dwelling on regret and missed opportunities. Despite this, Stevens finds comfort in the knowledge that he sacrificed other aspects of his life to

devote himself to Lord Darlington. He plans to improve his bantering skills to better serve his new employer, realizing that connecting with people is more fulfilling than empty dreams. Although Stevens never explicitly discusses the meaning of regret, it becomes evident that he regrets his actions with Miss Kenton and Lord Darlington, as he breaks down and cries at the end of this section. The tone of the novel is wistful and nostalgic at first but later evolves into one of regret as Stevens re-evaluates his past decisions.

The section reveals that Miss Kenton regrets choices she has made in her own life. Despite Stevens' resolution to perfect the art of bantering, which seems like a meagre consolation given his losses, the ending remains overwhelmingly sad. The novel has shown Stevens in a liminal state of mind, but Ishiguro brings in the idea of him changing to achieve a happy ending. It is unclear to what extent Stevens realizes his self-deception. Given his limited existence, he may find it difficult, if not impossible, to fully appreciate what he has missed.

Critics suggest that "The 'Remains of the Day' is a story both beautiful and cruel"2. In essence, the novel is centered around a man who places unwavering faith and loyalty in someone who makes grave errors. Despite his utmost dedication to his profession, Stevens misses out on the possibility of a gratifying and affectionate bond with the one woman with whom he could have experienced happiness. This is because "His prim mask of formality cuts him off from intimacy, companionship and understanding"3. The final section of the book provides a somewhat hopeful ending, but ultimately highlights

the tragic tale of remorse and lost chances.