The Remains Of The Day

Plot

The novel begins with Stevens reading a letter from Miss Kenton, the former housekeeper in the house of Lord Darlington. Miss Kenton details her married life in her letter, and Stevens begins to believe that she is hinting at the fact that she is unhappy in her marriage. Stevens is currently employed by Mr Farraday, a wealthy American who lends Stevens his car to go on a trip. Stevens decides to take the car and revisit Lord Darlington in the hopes of being re-employed by him. As he travels, he reflects on his loyalty to Darlington, his relationship with his late father, and the implications of dignity. As he continues to ponder, it slowly becomes obvious that Stevens and Kenton were in love with each other. Though their conversations when they worked together were frequent, they always skirted the line between professional and personal, ultimately causing them to fail to admit their true feelings to each other.