10 questions on plot, characters, and themes. Free to take, so you can see exactly what to review before class.
1. Why does Stevens claim he is taking a driving holiday across England in the mid-1950s?
2. What order from Lord Darlington causes the most direct moral conflict between Stevens and Miss Kenton?
3. How does Stevens justify his obedience to Lord Darlington's harmful orders?
4. What does Miss Kenton's behavior toward Stevens during their years at Darlington Hall reveal about her feelings?
5. What is Stevens's emotional state when he finally meets Miss Kenton near the end of the novel?
6. How does the novel's ending at the seaside pier reflect Stevens's response to understanding his life?
7. What does Lord Darlington's reputation become after the Second World War?
8. What does Stevens's narration style reveal about his character?
9. What does the shift in ownership of Darlington Hall from Lord Darlington to Farraday represent?
10. What is the central tragedy of Stevens's life as presented in the novel?
0 of 10 answered
How this guide is built
This guide is built from the original text to help you get oriented fast. It is designed for recall, paper planning, and getting unstuck, but it is still a paraphrased guide, not a substitute for the reading itself. Double-check anything important before you turn in formal work.
