Commentary: The Remains of the Day

                         

                          " My father opened his eyes, turned his head a little on the pillow, and looked at me.  'I hope Father is feeling better now,' I said.  He went on gazing at me for a moment, then asked: 'Everything in hand downstairs?'  'The situation is very volatile. It is just after six o' clock, so Father can well imagine the atmosphere in the kitchen at this moment.' An impatient look crossed my father's face. 'But is everything in hand?' he said again." (Ishiguro 97).


                    Stevens is very worried for his fathers well being but also wants to keep his own composure. He knows that his father is ill but there isn't much that Stevens can do about it. It is strange that Stevens refers to his father as Father. He does not call him 'dad' like anyone else but calls him Father. It seems like Stevens is still trying to stay professional with everyone, including his father, even though that his father is ill.
                    Stevens' father also seems to be strange. He is very sick and knows it but isn't worried about it. Stevens' father is not worried with his own well being but rather the well being of his duties. He continually asks if everything is in hand, and not about himself.