In effect, his inability to accept the new order forces him to pretend to accept it as part of his complete dedication toward his role as butler; and he maintains his dignity inwardly by giving it up externally.

Stevens' outward acceptance of the new order serves as a metaphor for Britain as a nation accepting the new circumstances it found itself after the dissolution of it former Empire. Ishiguro attempts to demonstrate how many English see their society in the 1950's, and how they attempt to deal with their new situation. Stevens faces this new world by falling back on his old traditions. Ironically, Stevens accepts a more democratic society because his traditional duty requires him to accept his master's point-of-view, without regard for his own feelings. Since his new American employer is more democratically inclined, as demonstrated by his need to banter with Stevens, and even though this was...
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