I’m curious about the usage of the word “indeed.” How does it both hide and reveal emotion? In this specific scene, Miss Kenton grows exceedingly agitated with each invocation of the word “indeed,” taking Mr. Stevens’ succinct replies to mean that he is upset with her. How does his limited knowledge of the language, his insistence on using a “brutally professional” tone in all situations, bring out Miss Kenton’s emotions? Can Mr. Stevens’ stoicism enhance Miss Kenton’s feelings? Does this make theirs a one-sided relationship? These are all entangled ideas, let me know what you all think!

As Alexandra notes, Mr. Stevens and his father prize “dignity” above all other virtues. While this is obviously beneficial to their professions, it wreaks havoc on their relationship as a father and son. “Dignity” is a bearing that doesn’t allow for vulnerability. Indeed, it seems to mean that one can withstand enormous pressures and pains without betraying one’s own suffering. The elder Mr. Stevens struggles to remain “dignified” throughout his illness, thus allowing no opening for the younger Mr. Stevens to step in and care for him. Of course, the mask of dignity is reciprocal. The younger Mr. Stevans duly refuses to acknowledge his father’s illness except in terms of its effect on the elder butler’s job performance.

I really like Alexandra’s emphasis on the phrase “limited command of English.” Even if we are only speculating on the term’s shades of meaning, as she writes, it is a useful metaphor to turn on the text. In this case, I think both father and son can be said to have a severely limited command of the language (emotional? social?) that would allow them to function as father and son rather than simply professionals in relation to each other.

I could go on further, since this post has lots of really interesting points, but I suppose this comment is long enough as it is!