The Remains of the Day Summary

Narrated in the first-person perspective of an English butler named Stevens, the story unfolds in July 1956 when Stevens embarks on a six-day journey to the West Country of England. This is west of Darlington Hall, where he has offered his services as a butler for thirty-four years. Initially owned by the late Lord Darlington, the mansion is now under the proprietorship of Mr. Farraday, an American gentleman. Although Stevens appreciates his new employer, he struggles to engage in casual conversation, a skill he labels "bantering". Throughout the narrative, he repeatedly expresses his intention to enhance this skill to better interact with Mr. Farraday.

Stevens' motivation for his journey is a desire to reconnect with Miss Kenton, Darlington Hall's former housekeeper who departed two decades ago to marry. Having received a letter from her hinting at her unstable marital status and potential desire to resume her previous role, Stevens hopes to address the staffing challenges he's faced since the end of World War II. His musings frequently delve into his experiences during and after the War, including the elegant gatherings and the distinguished guests at Darlington Hall. It is subtly disclosed that Lord Darlington, misinterpreting Germany's intentions prior to World War II, was sympathetic towards the Nazis, which Stevens, loyal to his former employer, defends.

The narrative also comprises Stevens' accounts of his peers, other butlers in analogous establishments, and his significant professional bond with Miss Kenton, inferring suppressed romantic feelings for her. Their past disagreements, seemingly trivial, underscore their mutual care. In the story's finale, Miss Kenton, now Mrs. Benn, confesses her life might have been more fulfilling had she chosen Stevens as her spouse, a revelation that leaves him distressed yet unable to convey his feelings. The story ends with a regretful Stevens returning to Darlington Hall, resolved to master the art of bantering. Ultimately, the narrative is a poignant tale of regret and missed opportunities, illustrating how Stevens' unwavering dedication to his profession leads him to ignore the possibility of a fulfilling romantic relationship. His professional demeanor creates a barrier preventing him from forming deep connections and gaining true understanding.