MEMORY, REGRET AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SELF IN THE REMAINS OF THE DAY BY KAZUO ISHIGURO

Name of Author : P. Sudharshini, E. Mahalakshmi

Abstract: Memory plays a crucial role in shaping identity, particularly when individuals attempt to reconcile their past actions with their present sense of self. Kazuo Ishiguros The Remains of the Day presents memory not as a stable record of truth but as a selective and often unreliable narrative constructed by the protagonist, Stevens. Through recollection, denial, and reflection, Stevens reconstructs his identity as a devoted butler while confronting deep feelings of regret and emotional repression. This article explores how memory functions as both a protective mechanism and a source of self realization. Themes of professional dignity, missed emotional connections, and moral blindness, the study demonstrates how regret emerges from Stevens gradual recognition of past mistakes. The author portrays identity as something continually reshaped through memory, revealing the fragile relationship between personal history and self understanding. Ultimately, the novel suggests that selfhood is not fixed but constructed through narrative, reflection, and the painful acknowledgment of lost opportunities.

Keywords : Memory, Regret, Identity, Narrative Self, Emotional Repression.

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