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Irony
Definition of Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor can be stated explicitly, as... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other. The comparison in a metaphor... read full definition
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things by saying that one thing is the other... read full definition
Key Examples in The Remains of the Day
Day Two: Afternoon
Explanation and Analysis—Ladders and Wheels:
In Day Two: Afternoon, Stevens continues to reflect on what makes a good butler and, relatedly, what makes a "distinguished household," the kind of place a butler should aspire to work in. He uses two metaphors to compare the viewpoints of older generations of butlers and his generation, who he says had different criteria for their ideal employers.
Butlers of my father’s generation, I would say, tended to see the world in terms of a ladder – the houses of royalty, dukes and the lords from the oldest families placed at the top, those of ‘new money’ lower down and so on, until one reached a point below which the hierarchy was determined simply by wealth – or the lack of it. […] For our generation, I believe it is accurate to say, viewed the world not as a ladder, but more as a wheel.
Related Themes:
Day Three: Evening
Explanation and Analysis—Bold Steps:
In Day Three: Evening, Stevens reminisces about a 1935 conversation he and Lord Darlington had about politics. In it, Darlington alludes to a few of the powerful governments of the 1930s:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Ordinary, decent working people are suffering terribly. Germany and Italy have set their houses in order by acting. And so have the wretched Bolsheviks in their own way, one supposes. Even President Roosevelt, look at him, he’s not afraid to take a few bold steps on behalf of his people. But look at us here, Stevens. Year after year goes by, and nothing gets better. All we do is argue and debate and procrastinate.
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Day Four: Afternoon
Explanation and Analysis—Deep Waters:
Stevens recalls an uncomfortable conversation he had with the younger Mr. Cardinal, who was Darlington's godson but disagreed strongly with his political decisions. While Darlington facilitates a meeting between the German ambassador and English heads of state in the other room, Cardinal describes how he sees Darlington's situation with a metaphor.
Unlock with LitCharts A+His lordship is in deep waters. I’ve watched him swimming further and further out and let me tell you, I’m getting very anxious. He’s out of his depth, you see, Stevens.
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Day Six: Evening
Explanation and Analysis—What Remains:
In the final chapter of the novel, Stevens speaks to an old man at the pier. Stevens worries about the life he's led and whether he ought to have acted differently, and the old man reassures him using a metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The evening’s the best part of the day. You’ve done your day’s work. Now you can put your feet up and enjoy it. That’s how I look at it. Ask anybody, they’ll all tell you. The evening’s the best part of the day.
Related Themes:
