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The goal of the reflections is to look back on the texts we have read in an insightful way. In this second reflection paper, the prompt asks you to make and defend an argument about The Remains of the Day based on the prompt below.
The minimum word count is 500 words, and please keep it under 1000 or so (though the maximum is much more flexible than the minimum). The most practical way to write over 500 words without filler on these assignments is to make a clear argument and back it up with evidence–you can always add more evidence and reasoning, and you can always add more specific, concrete detail to make your reflection more persuasive and vivid. If you do that well and practice it enough, you will end up finding that 500-1000 words isn’t a lot of space to make a strong argument, and you will need to cut any and all filler to be as persuasive and detailed as you want to be. Be sure to use formal writing on the reflection papers; use standard grammar and punctuation to the best of your ability, and cite secondary sources if you use them, though they aren’t required at all! For the reflection paper, you should submit your assignment as a PDF or Word doc.
Prompt: In an interview with The New York Times, Ishiguro said: ‘What I’m interested in is not the actual fact that my characters have done things they later regret’, adding: ‘I’m interested in how they come to terms with it.’ It is clear that Stevens regrets parts of his past, even though he acted out of loyalty to Lord Darlington. The main question I want you to state your position on is the following: Do you think Stevens is ultimately culpable or guilty for the role he played in Lord Darlington’s collaboration with the Nazis? Why or why not? State a clear position on this question, and then support it with specific and concrete evidence from the novel, citing specific scenes, quotations, moments, and ideas.
The questions below can help you generate thoughts, but you don’t need to answer all of them, by any means. Organizing your essay around defending your position is the most important thing.
Stevens often fondly reminisces about Lord Darlington, whom he describes as ‘a gentleman.’ Darlington later dies in disgrace for having collaborated with the Nazis. Do you think Lord Darlington is guilty of collaborating with the Nazis, and do you think he is responsible for his actions? Did he knowingly cooperate, with a full awareness of their genocidal aims? Or was he taken advantage of? Stevens’s role and culpability is also left up to the reader’s interpretation. For example, Mr. Cardinal takes Stevens to task for not being curious or critical enough of Lord Darlington’s activities. On other occasions, Stevens does not voice his concerns about Lord Darlington’s activities. On further occasions, he defends Lord Darlington, claiming it is all a misunderstanding. Do you think Mr. Cardinal has a point? Does the narrative or the story itself ultimately condemn Stevens for the choices he has made? Would having good intentions or being taken advantage of make him or Lord Darlington any less guilty? Why or why not, in your opinion?
Please don’t feel compelled to answer every single question here. Rather, make a clear claim that someone could potentially disagree with, choosing one side or the other of the argument, or, if you want to avoid the “either/or,” say clearly how you think we should understand your position. It is important to avoid a wishy washy answer that says something like, “It can be interpreted either way.” That is always true, of course, but the goal here is for you to state your own position and then defend it with evidence, so be sure you are presenting a bold and strong position. Then defend the claim you make with textual evidence and reasoning, using the follow up questions in the prompt as ways to develop and deepen your thoughts.
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