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A Goodreads user asked this question about The Remains of the Day:
So, after finishing the book, there is no doubt that Miss Kenton loved Stevens. My question is why? Stevens doesn't really show traits that I would find lovable, so I was curious as to what Miss Kenton saw in him. I have my own theories, but I would love to hear other viewpoints from the Goodreads Community!
Calle I learned to appreciate that much about Stevens is only implied or left to informed guesses. Allthough Stevens's interactions with Miss Kenton do not …moreI learned to appreciate that much about Stevens is only implied or left to informed guesses. Allthough Stevens's interactions with Miss Kenton do not in themselves answer your question, we know that they met regularly off duty, however innocently, and talked in a relaxed way over a cup of cocoa for a very long time.

The examples of their dialogues that Stevens brings up tends to focus on the mishaps and the strains and he comes across there as cold and unsympathetic. Though from Stevens own narration or inner dialogue, i myself find him really quite likeable: gentlemanly, intelligent and with some genuine ability to care, beyond the call of duty. He might also be a good looking, one at least assumes an impeccable exterior. There's also in him professional ambition and a certain toughness, qualities that women often seem to appreciate in men.

But I really only slowly grew to understand and like him, and for at least the first half of the book, i don't know if i really did. This really connects to what to me was perhaps the main theme of the book - the conflict of this kind of butler's dignity, though admirable and elegant at times and perhaps psychologically necessary for a butler, with human connectedness and relations. He has over time shown her enough of himself for her to more or less love him. And he deep down loves her as well, but it's unclear whether his self control even allowed him to admit that even to himself, let alone act on the emotions, until it was all too late. But maybe there is something attractive about this in itself? After all, it's not too attactive wen people won't deny themselves things or let their emotions run the show. (less)
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The Remains of the Day
by Kazuo Ishiguro (Goodreads Author)
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