Stevens' Commentary

It is of course tragic that her marriage is now ending in failure.  At  this very moment, no doubt, she is pondering with regret decisions made in the far-off past that have now left her, deep in the middle age, so alone and desolate.  And it is easy to see how in such a frame of mind, the thought of returning to Darlington hall would be a great comfort to her.  Admittedly, she does not at any point in her letter state explicitly her desire to return; but that is the unmistakable message conveyed by the general nuance of many of the passages, imbued as they are with  a deep nostalgia for her days at Darlington Hall. Of course Miss Kenton cannot hope by returning at this stage ever to retrieve those lost years, and it will be my first duty to impress this upon her when we meet.

This passage reveals key parts of Stevens’ personality and beliefs as a man and a butler. For instance, when he talks about what Ms. Kenton is doing he doesn't leave any uncertainty. The butler confidently states what her actions as if there  can't possibly be any variation or other possible choices for her to make. While he discusses her actions he strictly discusses her in a professional light in an attempt to maintain his role as butler. Stevens, however, contradicts the context of his words through the tone in which he says them. His extreme confidence shows a kind of subjective pompous attitude that juxtaposes the professional butler facade. Phrases like of course, no doubt, and unmistakable show the bias that is carried by the narrator towards Ms. Kenton.

Which leads me to believe that most of Stevens’ character reveals itself through the tone when he speaks rather than the words themselves. Often times the author uses repetition to demonstrate his stubbornness and immovable stance on a subject. Many times throughout this specific passage he says cannot, various forms of no, and Darlington Hall. He is adamant about her returning to The Hall as soon as possible to ‘improve the work’, but his tone conveys a negative feeling. Instead of coming across as a casual recall of events and reasons why she should return he sounds like he holds a grudge against her, which he tries to to disguise as a passion for being a butler.