The Remains of the Day

by

Kazuo Ishiguro

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Lisa Character Analysis

A young housemaid hired by Stevens and Miss Kenton after the dismissal of Ruth and Sarah. While she arrives with dubious references and without much motivation, Miss Kenton takes it upon herself to teach and “improve” her; she seems to succeed, but eventually Lisa runs away with a footman to get married, severely disappointing Miss Kenton.
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Lisa Character Timeline in The Remains of the Day

The timeline below shows where the character Lisa appears in The Remains of the Day. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day Three: Evening
History, Retrospection and Regret Theme Icon
Stevens is now reminded of what happened next—the hiring of Lisa as a replacement. Lisa had dubious references, having never stayed anywhere for more than a... (full context)
Dignity and Greatness  Theme Icon
Authenticity, Performance, and Self-Deception Theme Icon
Miss Kenton took a certain triumph in Lisa’s success, and she teased Stevens about it during their parlor evenings. She suggested that Stevens... (full context)
Authenticity, Performance, and Self-Deception Theme Icon
After eight months, Lisa disappeared with the second footman—something that, Stevens acknowledges, is bound to happen in any large... (full context)