Remains of the Day: Day Two-Morning Salisbury
Remains of the Day: Day Two-Morning Salisbury
Essay
Thus far the protagonist, Stevens, is the narrator whom is an English butler serving Darlington Hall. Stevens needs to have complete order and control amongst the manor and is on a relentless pursuit of dignity. Considering this, Stevens is emotionally hollow to an extent and is unable to express, much less acknowledge his true feelings for Miss Kenton. The butler has subdued his feelings towards Miss Kenton, but will he dare to ever reveal to himself or let her know what he is really feeling? At this point Stevens reveals only his thoughts of Miss Kenton as an exceptional professional who served at Darlington Hall for numerous years. Through his vivid descriptions of his encounters and letters he receives it is clear that Stevens views Miss Kenton as more than a previous employee at Darlington Hall. He sees her as a dear friend and secretly longs for more in their relationship. Stevens does inform us that he thinks highly of Miss Kenton. She almost represents a support system for Stevens or his stability crutch. While Stevens would never appear unprofessional, in this section, when his father becomes ill Miss Kenton is the only person that is truly there for comfort. She also tried to enlighten Stevens ahead of time that his father was slowing down and not able to do the things he once was, but he chooses to disregard that fact. She does not have the “blind spots” that Stevens does to his father, she is very aware of his health situation. Since she is a devoted housekeeper she understands how committed Stevens is to his profession. When Stevens’s father is dying, he still continues his duties downstairs and Miss Kenton stays with his father. She also closes his father’s eyes after he passes. Obviously Miss Kenton cares about Stevens as a friend or else she would not devote herself to helping in the way she does with his father. She also continues to write to Stevens even though she is not currently employed at Darlington Hall. Particularly, in Day Two- Morning, Stevens recalls her letter reflecting back that she was married but is no longer. Stevens is saddened for Miss Kenton’s separation from her husband but he is eager to jump at the opportunity that she may return to Darlington Hall. Stevens believes that is would be a great solution so that she is not alone and that she has a purpose in life. However, Stevens subconsciously wants Miss Kenton’s companionship in the manor for professional purposes and for a friendship. While it is not certain what will become of their relationship, Stevens is fond of Miss Kenton and desires something more than a professional relationship and clearly she has some form of feelings for Stevens or else she would not keep in contact through letters over the years after her absence at Darlington Hall.
While Stevens is not open about his feelings for Miss Kenton