The point of the story, I think, is universal, revolving around how a man is able to reflect on and come to terms with the past in the wake of a series of enormous changes in one's sense of values. While the majority of the story consists of Steven's recollection of the events that took place in his Lord's mansion, it is framed with the present point of view, in which Stevens is on a journey.
Now, travelling to the west of England, he encounters the landscape that unfolds before his eyes, celebrating the scenery in spite of himself:
We call this land of ours Great Britain, and there may be those who believe this a somewhat immodest practice. Yet I would venture that the landscape of our country alone would justify the use of this lofty adjective.
And yet what precisely is this ‘greatness’? Just where, or in what, does it lie? I am quite aware it would take a far wiser head than mine to answer such a question, but if I were forced to hazard a guess, I would say that it is the very lack of obvious drama or spectacle that sets the beauty of our land apart. What is pertinent is the calmness of that beauty, its sense of restraint. It is as though the land knows of its own beauty, of its own greatness, and feels no need to shout it.” (29)Although he admits the loftiness of his country's appellation, Steven thinks it well deserves it. It's interesting that he takes pride in the British landscape in terms of "the very lack of obvious drama or spectacle." Apparently, his character and dignity as a butler are projected onto the aesthetic appeal of such calmness and tranquility inherent in the landscape.
No one would expect that Britain has been described as "great" since the beginning.
When and why was the "lofty adjective" attached to Britain? This is an interesting question to consider one aspect of history of Britain.
Works Cited:
Ishiguro, Kazuo. The Remains of the Day. London: Faber and Faber, 1999. Print.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿