Like Icing on a Cake

" I realize that if one looks at the matter objectively, one has to concede my father lacked various attributes one may normally expect in a great butler. But those same absent attributes, I would argue, are every time those of a superficial and decorative order, attributes that are attractive, no doubt, as icing on the cake, but are not pertaining to what is really essential. I refer to things such as good accent and command of language, general knowledge on wide-rangng topics such as falconing or newt-mating - attributes none of which my father could have boasted. Furthermore, it must be remembered that my father was a butler of an earlier generation who began his career at a time when such attributes were not considered proper, Let alone desirable in a butler"

          Throughout this passage Stevens talks about the attributes of his father. He discusses that the attributes his father possed were those that made him a great butler. He then explains the attributes that his father did not have that others thought that were esential in a great butler. Stevens compares these attributes to icing on a cake. By doing so it is convayed that these attributes are not nessacary, but instead they are desirable. He implies that the true greatness of a butler lies within the person not what is clearly on top. By using this comparison we get a closer look on what Stevens sees in a great butler.
     
      The tone of this passage is also very defensive. Although it is very proper, it seems he is arguing about the matter of his father being a great subject. The tone of this passage is also very respectful and full of admiration. This shows that his father meant a lot to him. Furthermore, this passage can be applied to how people really are. Itmis the inside that matters the most and the inside is what makes up the post of the person . It is ironic how the attributes that dont matter the most are the most desirable. This passage also reveals that Stevens looks at people from the inside and nit thw outside.