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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
The Remains of the Day provokes remarkably different moods at different points in the story. Stevens's travels are often lighthearted and calm, and the friendliness of the strangers he meets while traveling promotes this hopeful and peaceful mood. Sometimes there's an awkwardness in how he interacts with those around him, both in the present-day portions of the story and in his flashbacks, and this can add a humorous element to the more lighthearted parts of the novel. There are not many dramatic events in the story, and even highly important or emotional scenes have an understated nature to them. This, alongside the clean descriptions and Stevens's levelheaded narration style, makes the mood peaceful.
However, just as the tone oscillates from light to dark, the same scene that one reader might find comedic or charming could be read by someone else as painfully lonely. Stevens's insistence on being professional separates him from the other characters. Additionally, he withholds personal or emotionally-charged information both about himself and other characters. His lack of curiosity, for instance, about Miss Kenton's husband and life might leave the reader wanting more. Readers might feel sympathetically lonely, or they might be frustrated with Stevens's inability to prioritize his personal relationships over his work. Ishiguro cultivates a thoughtfully sad mood in a quiet way. The emotions in the novel are never ostentatious, but Stevens's sorrow and contentment alike have an immense amount of depth to them by the time the novel is over.
Some readers might say the novel's ending is depressingly regretful. Stevens's good intentions and hard work undermined him rather than making his life better, and he failed to fully cultivate the human connections he wanted. Now he's near the end of his life. Lord Darlington's political work has been revealed to be ineffective and naive, and Darlington himself died in shameful isolation. Stevens's father died, too, and Miss Kenton plans to return to her husband rather than go back to Darlington Hall. The height of Stevens's career is over, and he frets about the mistakes he's begun making as a butler. But some readers might argue, in spite of this, that the novel is a hopeful one, and that the ending especially has an optimistic mood. Stevens has reflected on his productive life, explored his country, received closure, and oriented himself toward the future rather than the past. He's decided to enjoy the rest of his life and may even be able to live for himself now, rather than living for his employer.
