"The dynamic between the upper and lower classes, exemplified by Lord Darlington and his butler, duplicates very precisely England’s relationship to its colonies…Stevens’ private tragedy is precipitated by the cruel "hoax" by which the coloniser or master ensures that the servant exists only as a function of the needs of the coloniser."

Points to consider:

• How does Stevens perform as the "myth" of a butler?
• In what ways is Stevens the ideal colonial subject?
• Why are the important historical events only alluded to or never mentioned?
• What causes Stevens to wish to free himself from his role as colonialised subject?
• How does Stevens’ personal experience reflect the events around him?
• What are the two main statements of political ideology in the novel?
• Why does Stevens come to see his life as a waste?
• Why is the novel entitled "The Remains of the Day"?

"Every aspect of the personal life is radically affected by the general life, yet the general life is seen at its most important in completely personal terms."

Raymond Williams