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In this paper, from my own direct experience of living in England for eleven years, I attempt to explore English characters and their values represented in the film The Remains of the Day (1993) which is based on the 1989 Booker Prize winning novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. I draw attention to some major characteristics of ‘the Englishness’ such as noble instincts, Puritanism, moderation, professional demeanour, emotional restraint, strong sense of history, and ethnocentrism. An analysis of major characters is necessary and important. Mr. Stevens, the perfect English butler, maintains his dignity and professional demeanour in emotional restraint. Lord Darlington, Mr. Stevens’s original employer, sets a fine example of English nobleman. He is proper, reserved, determined, and well-mannered. Miss Kenton, the Estate's attractive female servant, is much warmer and independent. All three English characters serve to outline the English traits. In addition, I touch upon such issues as nationalism, eliticism, racism, and xenophobia running through the English mind. By doing so, I attempt to define what English characters and values are. I argue that the film The Remains of the Day can be served as a stepping stone leading to understanding of English society and culture. |
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