Self-deception and Insight. The Concept of Unreliable Narration in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day" (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,75, University of Frankfurt (Main), language: English, abstract: This text examines the concept of unreliable narration in Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day".

Against the background of the novel's plot the questions arises to what extent the reader can trust the first person narrator Stevens, who is recalling events that have taken place almost 30 years ago. Is he always telling nothing but the truth or does he deliberately leave out important facts that might cast a slur at him or other persons in the novel or perhaps might destroy his self-image as a professional butler.

Stevens pretends to be an honourable butler but how far can he be regarded to be honest to the reader respectively the narratee whome he addresses explicitly (Ishiguro 2005: 8 "Nevertheless, I think you will understand [...]")? In this context it is even more important to question his honesty towards himself; does he relentlessly tell the truth or does he betray even himself?

In order to answer these evolving questions it is first of all necessary to give a brief outline of the literal terms point of view and unreliable narration in general. Being familiar with these expressions the next step that leads to a better understanding of the protagonist's character is the analysis of the narrative structure in "The Remains of the Day". This chapter includes the examination of the novel's language as well as the point of view and the (un)reliability of the narrator.

As far as the question of (un)reliability is answered it is mandatory to consider Stevens' blindness and to ask if in the end a possible insight can be detected. This chapter has to be subdivided which means it has to be regarded in either an ideological /political context as well as in a private /social context. Finally, in the conclusion the findings will be summarized in order to answer the question: To what extent can self-deception and insight be detected with the (un)reliable narrator Stevens in Kazuo Ishiguros Novel "The Remains of the Day"?