Nevertheless, there is still proof in the story that Steven’s is powerless to turn away from his butler role; this again, comes from his father. Stevens has spent most of his life aspiring to being the ‘perfect’ butler, his ideal, there doesn’t seem to be too much hope, after 30 years to immediately adjust to something else. He is trapped in his role as a butler, an example of this is the way he depersonalises himself in many dialogues throughout the story. Stevens’s manor of speech itself is depersonalising. For instance, when addressing himself to his employer he would not represent himself as a person, he would represent himself more like an object, “one never knows when one might…”., Stevens even addresses himself like this. Another example of Stevens being trapped in his role would be the channel of communication between him and his father. When addressing his father he would not identify him as ‘Dad’, it would be more like, “Would father like…”. He is more of an authoritative figure than a real father who he should be close to, and share a personal relationship with. Steven’s viewed the situation at Darlington Hall, when ‘The General’, who was to blame for the death of Steven’s brother, had come to visit, as a totally dignified way of handling the situation. This man killed his son, and yet he still handled the situation with what Stevens thinks is ‘perfection’. This is an interesting point, if someone other than Stevens or his father was to deal with such a shocking and awkward situation, I would not think to stay loyal to my role and pursue the Generals wishes, I would at least take into consideration the seriousness of what blame the General has. But this again, is what Steven’s aspires to and views as totally dignified because of the effect in following his father as a role model. It is shocking to see Steven’s father not raise an eyebrow at all whilst remaining in his butler role and serving the murderer of his own son. In contrast with the death of Stevens’s father in the first paragraph, there is yet more support to show Steven’s is a victim of his butler role. When hearing the news of his father’s death, Stevens carries on with his duties, serving drinks and tending to his employers problems. This proves Stevens is inept of using personal emotion at all, he doesn’t seem to want to break free. These situations display to the reader the depth of Stevens’s role as a butler, the struggle he will have from becoming entrapped.
After looking at the in-depth details of all these views and situations, it is evident to me that Steven’s, deep down, has real emotion for his father but obviously has trouble sharing them. He strives to be this ‘ideal’, the ‘perfect’ butler, but in the end realizes there is no point, forfeiting his personal life, his pride and his self dignity. These events, and certain dialogues throughout the story bring a conclusion which isn’t too hopeful for Steven’s. They mostly point to the fact that Steven’s, though emotions lay deep down within him, is trapped in his butler role, and is going to find it very difficult to move out of it.
Stevens’s relationship with Miss. Kenton provides us with a much more sufficient amount evidence that there could be a much better chance for Stevens to break out of his role. Miss. Kenton, although Steven’s knows this and the reader knows this, but he doesn’t want to admit it, is the love of Stevens’s life. This is obviously due to the letter Miss. Kenton sent Stevens, and the way he reacted about it. He can remember almost every conversation they have had in the past. Another piece of evidence of this hidden emotion from Stevens is the motoring trip he willingly undertakes. This trip is down to Miss. Kenton, it is his first trip away from Darlington Hall. Whilst driving through the countryside, Stevens is stopped and glimpses around at the scenery, this is symbolism for ‘new life’ and his impulses naturally turn to Miss. Kenton. These situations are all optimistic views which reveal some real emotion behind Stevens, a deep personal emotion which is hidden and sheltered by Stevens’s butler role.
However, there is still proof in their relationship which tells us that Stevens is hanging onto the past, he simply believes that love will get in the way of his professionalism. ‘A serious threat to the order of the house’, this quote explains that even though he might have emotions, his butler role is still his main ideal. When Miss. Kenton tried to brighten up his room with flowers, he turned completely sightless to her efforts, and told her anything that could be a distraction to his work is not necessary. In reference to Steven’s being stuck in the past, the letters he has kept for 30 or so years propose some sort of emotion for her. Another chance for Steven’s to have shown his emotion was when Miss. Kenton and himself where stuck in a very tense moment. It starts off when Stevens is reading a romantic novel, this is also an obvious cry for some sort of relationship or affection, she comes very close to him and takes the book off him, slowly, finger by finger. Almost immediately after, Stevens pushes her away and tells her to leave. These points simply prove that Steven’s is too tied up in his butler role that his personal life, his love and emotion are merely tossed aside, and his ‘ideal’ has taken over his life.
It is completely obvious, that in these two last paragraphs, points have point shown that prove there is real emotion for Miss. Kenton, and Miss. Kenton has feelings for Stevens but he chooses not to admit this, and once again struggles to deal with the truth, the real emotion which he tosses aside, but instead chooses to strive off his professionalism.
During the last chapter of the book, 2 days after Stevens had met Miss. Kenton once again, there is some dialogue which proves Stevens true emotion fully, and it makes the reader actually believe he has a chance of changing his life around. ‘Indeed – Why should I not admit it? – at that moment, my heart was breaking’, this is a very important line, which proves, finally, that Mr. Stevens does love Miss. Kenton, he has finally accepted it to himself. Stevens realises now that he has given everything to his profession, and nothing to himself personally. This is a key point for optimism, proving that there are real sentiments after all. When Steven’s sees the strangers, friendly chat with other, he then goes back to this ‘bantering’ business. He decides to make a fresh start with it, and give it back to himself, the balance between personal and professionalism.
Looking deep into the character of Mr. Stevens, I can see that there is authentic emotion to be revealed, and with deep contemplation he can sometimes reveal it himself. His love for Miss. Kenton, finally, proves that he has got the will to change his life around, but has he got the time to. Stevens devoted his whole life to the ‘ideal’ of being a ‘perfect’ butler, and in the end came out with nothing, except the recognition of what he has left.
