The Theme of Dignity in What Remains of the Day The novel, What Remains of the Day, contains a recurring theme of dignity. This theme is stated and reaffirmed throughout the novel. Dignity, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “a composed and serious manner/style, the state of being worthy of honor or respect.” In the novel, dignity is found esoterically in the form of true gentlemen, as well as butlers who allow nothing to distract or discourage them from doing their duty. What about everyday definition in the modern world. This dignity is rarely encountered today except at the highest levels of old-fashioned society, politics, and perhaps serious economic matters. For all our education, culture and modernization, few have retained what was known as the dignity of half a century ago. No one has the time to cultivate and develop their dignity to a reasonable potential anymore, as they find fewer and fewer reasons to do so, relying instead on sheer ingenuity, instinct, and professional tact. What I think is meant when we talk about dignity is the following. Take an imaginary case. You are faced with a difficult or abnormal situation, but you can maintain the same level of thinking and try to deal with the situation. Or, you're forced to answer a question, and there's a chance it might get out of hand, but you control yourself and instead respond with focus and a civil manner. This is dignity. As is evident throughout the novel, it is a quality inherent in all people. The author's intention and a look from below become clear: during his car journey. Mr. Stevens becomes acutely aware of the dignity present in the people he meets, for example in the family who takes him in when he runs out of gas. These are certainly not high-class people, yet their behavior warms him and places them all on the same level. From there, communication tends to get easier. Thanks to the dignity of these people, Mr. Stevens has little trouble adapting to his situation and is able to make the most of it. Here, I believe, lies the author's intention regarding dignity. He is saying that we should look beyond where we perceive dignity to be found; we should look more closely, at ordinary people; we should look at it even more closely, find it within ourselves.