“Remains of the day” and “A room with a view” Essay Example

living things will be relevant to our forthcoming discussion sir"

Stevens was earnestly trying to explain the basics of reproduction to a soon-to-be-married man, without a hint of humor. Ishiguro may be subtly poking fun at his creation through these moments.

A Room with a View is a love story that delves into themes of class, wealth, travel, and social acceptance. It consists of two parts: the first part occurring in Italy during Miss Bartlett and Lucy's vacation. Despite still being under English authority, Lucy experiences a sense of freedom while in Italy. It is here that she meets George for the first time and they share their inaugural kiss. The second part takes place in England where Lucy once again confronts the rigid society and constraints imposed by English standards. However, it is in England that George and Lucy's love flourishes. The novel employs multiple perspectives from various characters rather than relying on a single narrator to develop the story. Forster's own viewpoints are discernable throughout this work unlike Ishiguro's Remains of the Day. Forster subtly expresses his belief that passion should be seen as irresistible and disregard societal norms, aligning with George's philosophy to live for the present moment. Additionally, Forster includes a line affirming his belief in equality whereby he judges people based on their true nature rather than their social standing or class distinctions; these sentiments resonate with Lucy as well.

In Ishiguro's Remains of the Day, the talent for introducing and creating characters is unique. Mr. Stevens, the voice of Darlington Hall, derives his identity from being an exceptional butler rather than a moral individual. His life has been devoted to serving an

unworthy "gentleman." Initially, Stevens is presented through his reflection on the beginning of his journey: "It seems increasingly likely that I really will undertake the expedition that has been preoccupying my imagination now for some days," establishing himself as the sole narrator. From his initial dialogue, it is evident that he speaks in formal language and strongly attaches to the past, which may give off an air of pomposity. Each character is introduced through Stevens' recollections. Through these reminiscences, we understand Miss Kempton's strong determination and willpower. After receiving a letter from her about her life, Stevens interprets it in his characteristic manner and misinterprets it as a desire for her return to Darlington Hall—only later discovering this was not the case at all. Stevens recalls a moment when he informed Miss Kempton that two maids were to be dismissed due to Lord Darlington's orders because they were Jewish. In response, Miss Kempton passionately states that she will not continue working in such a house and will leave if her girls are dismissed. Despite her emotional reaction, she remains sincere and not overly sentimental.Throughout the book, there are indications that Miss Kempton has romantic feelings for Stevens, although she is unaware of his primary focus on being an impeccable butler. Additionally, Miss Kempton exhibits immaturity and a somewhat childish aspect to her personality. One example is when she tries to make Stevens jealous by pursuing Mr Benn. When Stevens perceives this as a professional setback, her sadness and anger overwhelm her, leading her to ultimately leave Darlington Hall to marry Mr Benn. Even at the conclusion of the novel, she still harbors emotions for Stevens

and expresses that thoughts of the life they could have had together often cross her mind. Overall, Miss Kempton plays a crucial role in providing insight into Stevens' character and personality while also maintaining her own distinct identity and purpose.

The late Lord Darlington, the previous owner of Darlington Hall, is introduced to us in Stevens' narrative through flashbacks. One of our initial glimpses of Lord Darlington is when Stevens recounts how he received several suits from him.

"I have been fortunate to acquire a collection of exquisite suits, generously bequeathed to me by Lord Darlington himself throughout the years. This initial portrayal of Lord Darlington creates a favorable impression. However, as Stevens distances himself from Darlington Hall, this perception starts to deteriorate. We become aware of Lord Darlington's involvement with the Nazis, as he engages in political affairs that exceed his capabilities. He becomes a tool and pawn for the Nazis, despite his good intentions. It is evident that he should not meddle in matters he lacks comprehension of, remaining oblivious to reality. Moreover, we discover his mistreatment of the Jewish maids and even of Stevens himself. Lord Darlington embodies British morality and their standards, symbolizing the established or esteemed individuals."

In A Room with a View, E. M. Forster introduces Lucy in a unique way. The novel begins with a conversation between Lucy and Miss Bartlett, where they express their disdain for their holiday residence. This is evident when Lucy remarks, "And a Cockney, besides...it might be London." It may be interpreted as snobbery and prejudice on her part, as she seems more concerned about the accents of the people around her in magnificent Florence. However,

as the story progresses, we discover that Lucy is merely a young impressionable girl influenced by the opinions of her elders.

A few pages later, Lucy's true character is revealed when she encounters the Emersons. Unlike Miss Bartlett, who dismisses them based on their appearance, Lucy sympathizes with the Emersons and displays her optimistic and warm personality. It is this genuine nature that initially attracts George to her. In Italy, under George's influence, Lucy's societal restraints loosen and she begins to form her own opinions and moral standards through firsthand experiences.

However, upon returning to England, Lucy is confronted with the restrictions and limitations she had shed during her time in Italy. She attempts to forget about George and Italy, conforming to societal expectations and becoming what others want her to be. Her mother acknowledges this change, remarking, "You were devoted to her as a young girl," implying guilt for abandoning her true self. Cecil also pressures Lucy to go against the things she once loved and respected.She is dissatisfied with her future husband, Cecil, and worries about the quality of life he can provide. Her thoughts frequently wander to George and the passionate kiss they exchanged in the mountains of Florence.

George symbolizes freedom and excitement, possessing unique perspectives on the world and a disregard for restrictions or boundaries on behavior. Upon meeting Lucy, he guides her in embracing a vibrant life and discovering her true self. Their kiss mirrors George's personality, an impulsive expression brimming with passion and significance, akin to how he and his father generously offer their room to the ladies - showcasing the Emmersons' ardent dedication to their beliefs.

E.M Forster presents Cecil as

a typical Englishman, with all the social restraints and an inability to act spontaneously. He embodies everything that Lucy is trying to avoid and lacks judgment, adventure, and humor. Cecil derives enjoyment from embarrassing others, often targeting those less fortunate. He is an unpleasant man who takes malicious pleasure in thwarting people, as stated, "My Vyse was a tease . . . he took malicious pleasure in thwarting people."

Cecil's pleasure comes from witnessing the distress of others, highlighting the stark contrast between him and Lucy's perspectives on life. His rigidity is exemplified in his kiss, perceiving it as a mere formality that is awkward and unpleasant.

In conclusion, both Remains of the Day and A Room with a View explore similar themes of class, status, and travel. However, the author approaches these themes and structures the novels differently. Both novels have characters who embody similar personalities, such as George and Mr. Farraday. These characters offer modern-day readers something relatable, showing that life was not solely defined by the rigid adherence to social conventions and that individuals have the ability to make their own choices.

Cecil and Lord Darlington embody the English ideals, adhering to proper morals without questioning or formulating their own opinions on life. Stevens and Lucy partially fit into this mold—Stevens lived his life according to Lord Darlington's desires but only decides to pursue personal happiness at the end of the novel. Similarly, Lucy followed the expectations of her mother, cousins, and Miss Bartlett, concealing her true feelings about life and George for fear of being different. However, she ultimately breaks free from the predetermined path and finds true happiness.