The title The Remains of the Day refers to the latter part of one’s life, particularly the time left after the prime years have passed. The novel, written by Kazuo Ishiguro, explores themes of regret, loyalty, and the passage of time through the eyes of its protagonist, Stevens, an aging butler who reflects on his life and career.
The phrase ‘the remains of the day’ suggests the remnants or what is left of one’s life, much like the remnants of a day after the sun has set. It symbolizes the twilight years, where one looks back on their life and contemplates the choices made and the opportunities missed. The title encapsulates the central theme of the novel, which is the reflection on the past and the realization of what remains as life nears its end.