A Room With A View by E.M. Forster and The Remains of the Day by Tovah Martin

'A Room with a View' by E.M. Forster and 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro are two novels that involve journeys of physical and spiritual discovery. Although the main characters of the stories are dissimilar in gender, age, and social status, both experience situations and encounters that challenge their perspectives and personal values. The authors of these books have included references to nature and landscape to emphasize, mirror, and reinforce the reactions and emotions of their characters. They have also used nature and landscape to highlight key events. Published in 1908, "A Room with a View" begins with its opening chapters set in Florence, Italy, a vibrant country where the high temperatures and natural beauty can stir one's emotions. Lucy Honeychurch, chaperoned by her spinster cousin, Charlotte Bartlett, is on a grand tour and struggles to understand the unfamiliar emotions stirring within her. "Lucy's rebellious thoughts swept out in words - for the first time in her life." As suppressed emotions are released, she discovers a newfound maturity, independence, and strength of character that allow her to analyze and perceive individuals in a new light. She even has the audacity to challenge Mr. Eager, who finds it "intolerable that she should disbelieve him." Lucy and Charlotte initially face disappointment with the views from their rooms. They had been promised "south rooms with a view," but instead, they were given north rooms overlooking a courtyard. This dull and uninteresting outlook reflects Lucy's upbringing in rural England, where she had restricted freedom and limited stimulation due to the damp and cloudy climate. This contrasted with her expectations for the holiday, where the promised rooms would have looked over the Arno, the river that flows through Florence. Eventually, both ladies get their rooms with views, and Lucy throws open her windows to admire the lights dancing over the Arno, in sharp contrast to the cypresses and Apennines, black against the rising sun. This is a metaphorical opening of Lucy's eyes and mind in preparation for the adventures that await her. Additionally, this black and white vignette is a romantic and idyllic view of the Arno, in contrast to the brightly colored, sunlit scene of the following morning, which is full of life, movement, and noise as the Italians go about their daily routines, and Lucy views the reality that is about to alter her world forever. By comparison, "The Remains of the Day" is set in the rolling countryside of England between the two World Wars. Stevens, the old butler at Darlington Hall, has spent his life in service, metaphorically confined within large country houses. He has led a sheltered, privileged life, acquiring his knowledge of England from his employers, guests, staff, and books, particularly "The Wonder of England" by Mrs. Jane Symons. His current employer, Mr. Farraday, an American, observes that "you're always locked up in these big houses" and encourages Stevens to explore "this beautiful country of yours." Stevens embarks on a journey along routes that "surprised" him due to their "familiarity." However, he soon experiences a "sense of unease mixed with exhilaration" as the surroundings become unrecognizable. This is similar to the familiar routines and environment in which Stevens has lived his life, providing security and confidence. However, now he is removed from them and faces new situations that cause discomfort but are also exciting and stimulating. The road curves around the side of a hill, and one side drops away steeply, obscured by trees and foliage. There is a sense of alarm that is likened to "speeding off in totally the wrong direction into a wilderness." This emphasizes that Stevens is leaving behind his old established world of order and predictability and exchanging it for the unknown and unexplored. He only has a map to guide him, but he has no idea what is around the corner, and he has to take risks, maybe losing his way altogether or falling over the edge. This accentuates the risks that he faces as he delves deep into his past and explores suppressed emotions and long-held opinions, all of which can be very painful experiences. There are no familiar landmarks to guide him, and he has to trust his ability and judgment to make the right decisions. The first time Stevens stops, he is directed to a spot where "you won't get a better view anywhere in the whole of England." The path is steep and rather rough, and it is quite a strenuous walk, but