"I was talking to one of my donors a few days ago who was complaining about how memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don't go along with that. The memories I value most, I don't see them ever fading. I lost Ruth, then I lost Tommy, but I won't lose my memories of them." pg. 286
Much of this book is about facing the end of something, whether its a school year, a friendship, one's childhood, or even one's life. Like most people, Kathy has a hard time accepting the end of things. She wants to hold onto them forever. She needs physical reminders that they still exist for her. She needs to know that their is a possibility that she can return to what she loves at any time.
However, its a sad fact that we must all come to terms with that things end. We have to grow up and move on. We have to accept our own end. Kathy, after facing so many things ending in her life, the end to a dream, the end of her best friends, has taught her to better cope with the end. She is beginning to accept her own destiny.
Maybe that's the message of this book. We are going to face hardships in life. We may face discrimination and mistreatment, but we can fight against it. We can hope for something better. However, if we fail in the end, we must accept out own destiny. We must accept the end. Not only the end of ourselves, but the end of many things.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Never Let Me Go 19: Denouement
"'I was thinking,' I said, 'about back then, at Hailsham, when you used to go bonkers like that, and we couldn't understand it. We couldn't understand how you could ever get like that. And I was just having this idea, just a thought really. I was thinking the reason you used to get like that was because at some level you always knew.'" pg. 275
After their long talk with Miss Emily, Kathy and Tommy are now left to cope with their destiny. They have to settle for the fact that there will never be another option. There had never been another option. They had been lied to their whole life in some ways. They had never been properly informed about the path they were to take.
In knowing that their future is limited, they realize that their love is limited. They may have only a few more years together. Or, they may even have only a few more days.
It's difficult for them to accept that. It's hard for them to understand that many people don't even view them as human. They have pushed away the possibility that they have a soul for their own selfish benefit. They are victims of society's cruelty.
The discrimination made against them is similar to racism and slavery. Like in the colonial era, when African slaves were put to strenuous and exhausting work as if they were an animal, these clones were used for their bodies as if they were animals. Madame and Miss Emily were like Stephen Douglass or Harriet Tubman who worked to end this sort of discrimination. However, where African Americans were triumphant in their battle, these clones were not. Perhaps since they were part of science, they would always be seen as an experiment, disposable and unimportant.
After their long talk with Miss Emily, Kathy and Tommy are now left to cope with their destiny. They have to settle for the fact that there will never be another option. There had never been another option. They had been lied to their whole life in some ways. They had never been properly informed about the path they were to take.
In knowing that their future is limited, they realize that their love is limited. They may have only a few more years together. Or, they may even have only a few more days.
It's difficult for them to accept that. It's hard for them to understand that many people don't even view them as human. They have pushed away the possibility that they have a soul for their own selfish benefit. They are victims of society's cruelty.
The discrimination made against them is similar to racism and slavery. Like in the colonial era, when African slaves were put to strenuous and exhausting work as if they were an animal, these clones were used for their bodies as if they were animals. Madame and Miss Emily were like Stephen Douglass or Harriet Tubman who worked to end this sort of discrimination. However, where African Americans were triumphant in their battle, these clones were not. Perhaps since they were part of science, they would always be seen as an experiment, disposable and unimportant.
Never Let Me Go 18: The Climax
"'Is it the case, then, that deferrals don't exist? There's nothing you can do?'
She shook her head slowly from side to side. 'There's no truth in the rumour. I'm sorry. I truly am.'" pg. 258
This is the major tipping point in the story. Tommy and Kathy had waited all this time, almost sure that their theory was correct, only to find that their was no possible way to extend their love. There were no such things as deferrals. There was no other option.
After finding this out, their is not much else they can hope for. They will probably go on living the lives they had before they got this idea into their minds. Tommy will go back to being a donor and Kathy will be his carer. The only thing they can get real satisfaction from is knowing that they tried. They know that they at least attempted to follow their dream, to strengthen their love. They can be happy knowing that they honored Ruth's wish.
However, they must also live with the fact that it was all in vain. They can no longer dream because they are now sure that it is not true. It's not possible.
She shook her head slowly from side to side. 'There's no truth in the rumour. I'm sorry. I truly am.'" pg. 258
This is the major tipping point in the story. Tommy and Kathy had waited all this time, almost sure that their theory was correct, only to find that their was no possible way to extend their love. There were no such things as deferrals. There was no other option.
After finding this out, their is not much else they can hope for. They will probably go on living the lives they had before they got this idea into their minds. Tommy will go back to being a donor and Kathy will be his carer. The only thing they can get real satisfaction from is knowing that they tried. They know that they at least attempted to follow their dream, to strengthen their love. They can be happy knowing that they honored Ruth's wish.
However, they must also live with the fact that it was all in vain. They can no longer dream because they are now sure that it is not true. It's not possible.
Never Let Me Go 17: Hubris
"'Anyway, that's not the half of it, not even a small bit of it, actually. The main thing is, I kept you and Tommy apart.' Her voice had dropped again, almost to a whisper. 'That was the worst thing I did.'" pg. 332
Toward the end of her life, when she is reunited with Kathy and Tommy, Ruth has had time to realize what she did wrong and she wants to fix it. She should have never lied to Kathy about her feelings. She should have been a better friend. She should have never cheated on Tommy. She should have never kept Tommy and Kathy apart in the first place.
In the end, Ruth realizes that her own selfishness and greed are what led her to where she was. Had she not craved to be better than Kathy, she might have ended up with a life that suited herself. Instead, she tried to make Kathy jealous. She tried to seem perfect, and she wanted everything for herself. That was her downfall.
Had Ruth not been so selfish, she may have gone far in life. Her friendships with Kathy and Tommy may not have dissolved like they did. Instead, she was now going to die young and feeling terrible about her life.
However, Ruth tries to change it in the end. She wants to make amends with her friends, so she tries to get them together one last time. She apologizes to them for all the wrong she's done and encourages them to develop the love that they have for each other which she has held off for so long.
Even though her selfishness led to her downfall, the fact that she tried to fix what she'd done wrong allowed her to die with dignity.
Toward the end of her life, when she is reunited with Kathy and Tommy, Ruth has had time to realize what she did wrong and she wants to fix it. She should have never lied to Kathy about her feelings. She should have been a better friend. She should have never cheated on Tommy. She should have never kept Tommy and Kathy apart in the first place.
In the end, Ruth realizes that her own selfishness and greed are what led her to where she was. Had she not craved to be better than Kathy, she might have ended up with a life that suited herself. Instead, she tried to make Kathy jealous. She tried to seem perfect, and she wanted everything for herself. That was her downfall.
Had Ruth not been so selfish, she may have gone far in life. Her friendships with Kathy and Tommy may not have dissolved like they did. Instead, she was now going to die young and feeling terrible about her life.
However, Ruth tries to change it in the end. She wants to make amends with her friends, so she tries to get them together one last time. She apologizes to them for all the wrong she's done and encourages them to develop the love that they have for each other which she has held off for so long.
Even though her selfishness led to her downfall, the fact that she tried to fix what she'd done wrong allowed her to die with dignity.
Never Let Me Go 16: What Could Have Been
"'Don't you sometimes think,' I said to Ruth, 'you should have looked into it more? All right, you'd have been the first. The first one any of us would have heard of getting to do something like that. But you might have done it. Don't you wonder sometimes what might have happened if you'd tried?'" pg. 230
It's almost unfair the way that Tommy and Kathy sort of gang up on Ruth. Not only did they agree that she should quit talking about unimportant things, but they also keep bringing up how Ruth could have realized her dream if only she would have tried. Although it most likely wasn't even possible, they are giving her false hope and making her regret. They're almost trying to convince her that she made the wrong decisions in life.
Kathy is only bringing up these controversial topics about Ruth because she knows it will draw she and Tommy closer. Now that she has already been a carer for Ruth, she only cares about being close to Tommy. As a reader, I also suspect that she is romantically interested in him as well. Because she's never had a serious romantic relationship, she still longs for Tommy's approval and fondness that she craved when she was young as well.
Consequently, she makes Ruth feel bad about herself. She emphasizes the great opportunity she may have missed rather than making her situation now seem bearable. It's not fair how they criticize her so harshly when they are following the same path.
It's almost unfair the way that Tommy and Kathy sort of gang up on Ruth. Not only did they agree that she should quit talking about unimportant things, but they also keep bringing up how Ruth could have realized her dream if only she would have tried. Although it most likely wasn't even possible, they are giving her false hope and making her regret. They're almost trying to convince her that she made the wrong decisions in life.
Kathy is only bringing up these controversial topics about Ruth because she knows it will draw she and Tommy closer. Now that she has already been a carer for Ruth, she only cares about being close to Tommy. As a reader, I also suspect that she is romantically interested in him as well. Because she's never had a serious romantic relationship, she still longs for Tommy's approval and fondness that she craved when she was young as well.
Consequently, she makes Ruth feel bad about herself. She emphasizes the great opportunity she may have missed rather than making her situation now seem bearable. It's not fair how they criticize her so harshly when they are following the same path.
Never Let Me Go 15: Symbolism
"So we just kept walking, the clown and me, on and on along the deserted pavement still wet from the morning, and all the time the balloons were bumping and grinning down at me. Every so often, I could see the man's fist, where all the balloon strings converged, and I could see he has them securely twisted together and in a tight grip." pg. 213
Kathy is coping with the news that her old home, Hailsham is closing for good. It served as her comfort for so long that she wonders how she'll live without it. How will she stay the same person.
Hailsham had meant so much to her. It was where she had made her best memories. It was where she had made her collection and found the Judy Bridgewater tape. It was where she had learned her fate. Most importantly, it was where she had met Ruth and Tommy, the people who had made the most impact on her life. To her, Hailsham's pure existence was her stability. It kept even people who were far away intertwined with one another.
Like the clown's fist had on the balloons, Hailsham had a tight grip on its old students. No matter where they went or how far apart they were, they could always trace their beginnings back to the same place. Closing Hailsham was like cutting the strings of the balloons. The students would no longer have this place to go look at that kept them together. Like the balloons they would go far away and never return to that same place.
Kathy is coping with the news that her old home, Hailsham is closing for good. It served as her comfort for so long that she wonders how she'll live without it. How will she stay the same person.
Hailsham had meant so much to her. It was where she had made her best memories. It was where she had made her collection and found the Judy Bridgewater tape. It was where she had learned her fate. Most importantly, it was where she had met Ruth and Tommy, the people who had made the most impact on her life. To her, Hailsham's pure existence was her stability. It kept even people who were far away intertwined with one another.
Like the clown's fist had on the balloons, Hailsham had a tight grip on its old students. No matter where they went or how far apart they were, they could always trace their beginnings back to the same place. Closing Hailsham was like cutting the strings of the balloons. The students would no longer have this place to go look at that kept them together. Like the balloons they would go far away and never return to that same place.
Never Let Me Go 14: Dynamic Character
"It wasn't long after that I made my decision, and once I'd made it, I never wavered. I just got up one morning and told Keffers I wanted to start my training to become a carer." pg. 202
This is a major turning point for Kathy in the story. Where she had once been a nostalgic girl, hoping for romance, trying to maintain her long-time friendships, she was now looking toward the future.
All it took to change Kathy was Ruth's speech about how Tommy had never looked at her like that. Tommy was the closest thing Kathy would ever have to love, and he was dating Ruth. Though there was some hope that they might break-up, Ruth had just reassured Kathy that even if they did, she and Tommy would not be together.
I think this knowledge caused a real epiphany in Kathy. She realized that it was time to stop living in the past. It was time to start getting childish ideas out of her head. If it wasn't part of her destiny, then she would have to accept it and move forward.
Instead of trying to maintain her old life, Kathy wants to start her training to become a carer. She is growing up and taking on her adult role.
This is a major turning point for Kathy in the story. Where she had once been a nostalgic girl, hoping for romance, trying to maintain her long-time friendships, she was now looking toward the future.
All it took to change Kathy was Ruth's speech about how Tommy had never looked at her like that. Tommy was the closest thing Kathy would ever have to love, and he was dating Ruth. Though there was some hope that they might break-up, Ruth had just reassured Kathy that even if they did, she and Tommy would not be together.
I think this knowledge caused a real epiphany in Kathy. She realized that it was time to stop living in the past. It was time to start getting childish ideas out of her head. If it wasn't part of her destiny, then she would have to accept it and move forward.
Instead of trying to maintain her old life, Kathy wants to start her training to become a carer. She is growing up and taking on her adult role.
Never Let Me Go 13: Simile
"In fact, it took a moment to see they were animals at all. The first impression was like one you''d get if you took the back off a radio set: tiny canals, weaving tendons, miniature screws and wheels were all drawn with obsessive precision, and only when you held the page away could you see it was some kind of armadillo, say, or a bird." pg. 187
Tommy's drawings have become very important. Now he has realized why Miss Lucy was so regretful of telling him it didn't matter if he was creative. In reality, it did matter. His artwork would be the determining factor of a longer life.
Once, Tommy realized that his artwork would have such a great influence on his life, he had to start getting better. He had to be really good if he wanted Madame to accept him into the deferral program.
As he practiced, he found that he was much better at drawing as long as the subject was small. He became better and better at drawing these small animals, and when he shows them to Kathy, she is amazed. She tries to give an accurate description of their complexity by describing them like the inside of a radio. They consist of many dimensions and lines. Each one is very precise.
Tommy hopes that this will be enough. Although he pretends not to care that he missed his chance, he is hiding his feelings that he does care. Like every other clone, Tommy wants to hope that there is a possible extension to his short life.
Tommy's drawings have become very important. Now he has realized why Miss Lucy was so regretful of telling him it didn't matter if he was creative. In reality, it did matter. His artwork would be the determining factor of a longer life.
Once, Tommy realized that his artwork would have such a great influence on his life, he had to start getting better. He had to be really good if he wanted Madame to accept him into the deferral program.
As he practiced, he found that he was much better at drawing as long as the subject was small. He became better and better at drawing these small animals, and when he shows them to Kathy, she is amazed. She tries to give an accurate description of their complexity by describing them like the inside of a radio. They consist of many dimensions and lines. Each one is very precise.
Tommy hopes that this will be enough. Although he pretends not to care that he missed his chance, he is hiding his feelings that he does care. Like every other clone, Tommy wants to hope that there is a possible extension to his short life.
Never Let Me Go 12: Situational Irony
"I didn't exclaim, the way I'd been doing when I'd come across other items that had mildly excited me. I stood there quite still, looking at the plastic case, unsure whether or not I was delighted. For a second, it even felt like a mistake. The tape had been the perfect excuse for all this fun, and now it had turned up, we'd have to stop."
pg. 172
While Chrissie, Rodney, and Ruth go off to see Martin, Tommy and Kathy have over an hour to do something. Tommy finds that this is the opportune time to tell Kathy that he knew about her missing tape and had been looking for it all this time. Kathy is surprised and touched, so when Tommy asks if she would like to look for it, she is completely sold.
As they wander through the different stores, looking for the old tape, Kathy and Tommy have lots of fun. they explore antiques, war medals, and, many other vintage items as they make their way through the stores to look at the old tapes. Before Kathy and Tommy have even realized, it has become less about finding the tape and more about having fun together.
Unexpectedly, Kathy is even upset to find the tape. She had been looking for this for years. Why would she have wished that she didn't find it? To her, it was something nostalgic. It brought back happy memories, but it also meant that this happy time with Tommy had to come to an end. That was why Kathy resented finding the tape. Although it was important to her, Tommy had become more important.
pg. 172
While Chrissie, Rodney, and Ruth go off to see Martin, Tommy and Kathy have over an hour to do something. Tommy finds that this is the opportune time to tell Kathy that he knew about her missing tape and had been looking for it all this time. Kathy is surprised and touched, so when Tommy asks if she would like to look for it, she is completely sold.
As they wander through the different stores, looking for the old tape, Kathy and Tommy have lots of fun. they explore antiques, war medals, and, many other vintage items as they make their way through the stores to look at the old tapes. Before Kathy and Tommy have even realized, it has become less about finding the tape and more about having fun together.
Unexpectedly, Kathy is even upset to find the tape. She had been looking for this for years. Why would she have wished that she didn't find it? To her, it was something nostalgic. It brought back happy memories, but it also meant that this happy time with Tommy had to come to an end. That was why Kathy resented finding the tape. Although it was important to her, Tommy had become more important.
Never Let Me Go 11: External Conflict
"'What you've got to realise,' she said to Chrissie, 'is that even though Tommy was at Hailsham, he isn't like a real Hailsham student. He was left out of everything and people were always laughing at him. So there's no point in asking him about anything like this. Now, I want to go and fine this person Rodney saw.'
A look had appeared in Tommy's eyes that made me catch my breath. It was one I hadn't seen for a long time and that belonged to the Tommy who'd had to be barricaded inside a classroom while he kicked over desks." pg. 155
Ruth has become obsessed with the idea of fitting in, and she even drags her friends into her lies. When she makes up stories about getting a deferral, she expects Kathy and Tommy to play along. She needs their support if she wants Chrissie and Rodney to believe her and continue paying attention.
Kathy knows how much Ruth wants to fit in. She knows that Ruth feels like she is doing this as a gift for everyone, and she doesn't want to ruin it for her. So, Kathy plays along.
On the other hand, Tommy is confused when he hears Ruth talking about things he doesn't remember as if he should. Kathy tries to hint at him, but Ruth is just angry. When Tommy realizes what is going on, he doesn't want to play along. He completely denies knowing anything about the deferrals Ruth is speaking of.
Ruth becomes outraged and she makes a blow at Tommy. She disregards his feelings completely and tells Chrissie and Rodney that Tommy wouldn't know what she was talking about because he was an outcast at Hailsham. In response, Tommy's temper flares, but he controls it before he acts out.
Although Chrissie and Rodney are unaware, Ruth, Tommy, and Kathy know what's going on. They know how hurtful and disrespectful Ruth's comment about Tommy was. The reader knows as well how tense this moment is, even if some of the characters don't.
A look had appeared in Tommy's eyes that made me catch my breath. It was one I hadn't seen for a long time and that belonged to the Tommy who'd had to be barricaded inside a classroom while he kicked over desks." pg. 155
Ruth has become obsessed with the idea of fitting in, and she even drags her friends into her lies. When she makes up stories about getting a deferral, she expects Kathy and Tommy to play along. She needs their support if she wants Chrissie and Rodney to believe her and continue paying attention.
Kathy knows how much Ruth wants to fit in. She knows that Ruth feels like she is doing this as a gift for everyone, and she doesn't want to ruin it for her. So, Kathy plays along.
On the other hand, Tommy is confused when he hears Ruth talking about things he doesn't remember as if he should. Kathy tries to hint at him, but Ruth is just angry. When Tommy realizes what is going on, he doesn't want to play along. He completely denies knowing anything about the deferrals Ruth is speaking of.
Ruth becomes outraged and she makes a blow at Tommy. She disregards his feelings completely and tells Chrissie and Rodney that Tommy wouldn't know what she was talking about because he was an outcast at Hailsham. In response, Tommy's temper flares, but he controls it before he acts out.
Although Chrissie and Rodney are unaware, Ruth, Tommy, and Kathy know what's going on. They know how hurtful and disrespectful Ruth's comment about Tommy was. The reader knows as well how tense this moment is, even if some of the characters don't.
Never Let Me Go 10: The Possibility Of a Possible
"When they'd met up again, Rodney was all excited and had told Chrissie how he'd been wandering the side-streets off the High Street, and had gone past an office with a large glass front. Inside had been a lot of people, some of them at their desks, some walking about and chatting. And that's where he'd spotted Ruth's possible." pg. 140
When Kathy and Ruth are walking on the sidewalk, Ruth stops and stares at an office magazine. She's entranced and very impressed. She even comments on how it would be a wonderful way to work. Her love of an office work space obviously connects to her possible.
When Chrissie and Rodney return from Norfolk, they tell Ruth that they might have seen her possible. Her possible is the woman whom she was cloned from. Although Kathy assumes they are lying, Ruth begins to get ideas in her head.
When Kathy and Ruth are walking on the sidewalk, Ruth stops and stares at an office magazine. She's entranced and very impressed. She even comments on how it would be a wonderful way to work. Her love of an office work space obviously connects to her possible.
It's sad because Ruth wishes she could live that life. She is an actual person, but her role has already been set out for her because she is viewed as only a clone. To society, she doesn't deserve to pick her own career. She has been put her for one purpose and one purpose only. Her desires don't matter.
After seeing the magazine, Ruth wants to go to Norfolk to see her possible. However, this could prove to be a devastating idea. If Ruth begins to believe there are other options for her life, she will only be disappointed in the future.
Never Let Me Go 9: A Recurring Theme
"'Remember the guardians, before we left, how they kept reminding us we could take our collections with us. So I'd taken everything out of my box and put it into this holdall bag. My plan was I'd find a really good wooden box for it all once I got to the Cottages. But when we got there, I could see none of the veterans had collections. It was only us, it wasn't normal.'" pg. 130
I think a very prevalent theme of this book is wanting to fit in. Many of the characters go through journeys in this book trying to find their place and make friends with the "normal" people.
In the beginning, Tommy struggled to find acceptance. His temper, arrogance, and lack of artistic skill made him an outcast. He often burst out in fits of anger if he was excluded from an activity or if someone made fun of him. He just wanted to be accepted so he changed himself to be more like other people.
All of the teenagers at Hailsham tried to fit in when they became older and started having sex. They would even lie to one another to make themselves sound more experienced and similar to what they thought was the majority.
Now in this section of the book, Ruth is struggling to make herself fit-in. She is working hard to help all of her Hailsham friends appear "normal" so that no one is left behind. She and Tommy copy all of the older couples. They go out with these veterans a lot. She even copies moves from television because another couple did.
It's interesting how much people will change in order to fit it, but it's even more curious how so many people are worried about fitting in. If everyone could realize that they go through the same train of thought, would fitting in seem important at all?
I think a very prevalent theme of this book is wanting to fit in. Many of the characters go through journeys in this book trying to find their place and make friends with the "normal" people.
In the beginning, Tommy struggled to find acceptance. His temper, arrogance, and lack of artistic skill made him an outcast. He often burst out in fits of anger if he was excluded from an activity or if someone made fun of him. He just wanted to be accepted so he changed himself to be more like other people.
All of the teenagers at Hailsham tried to fit in when they became older and started having sex. They would even lie to one another to make themselves sound more experienced and similar to what they thought was the majority.
Now in this section of the book, Ruth is struggling to make herself fit-in. She is working hard to help all of her Hailsham friends appear "normal" so that no one is left behind. She and Tommy copy all of the older couples. They go out with these veterans a lot. She even copies moves from television because another couple did.
It's interesting how much people will change in order to fit it, but it's even more curious how so many people are worried about fitting in. If everyone could realize that they go through the same train of thought, would fitting in seem important at all?
Never Let Me Go 8: Suspense
"But Miss Emily had been there instead and she'd told them Miss Lucy couldn't come just at that moment, so she would take the class. For the next twenty minutes or so everything had gone quite normally. Then suddenly--right in mid-sentence apparently--Miss Emily had broken off from talking about Beethoven and announced that Miss Lucy had left Hailsham and wouldn't be returning." pg. 111
It's shocking to hear that such an influential character in the novel has left the school. This guardian who gave so much advice and extra wisdom to the children has now vanished, and they didn't get a chance to ask her more about her messages.
Having miss Lucy leave so abruptly gave the book even more of a sense of mystery and secretiveness. I feel like the children who are simply curious as to where she could have gone after she provided them with such confusing information. Who would explain to them what she meant now? I wonder what is in store for these kids now. They have all of this information but have no way to apply it. Are they going to figure it out? Will they ever see Miss Lucy again? Where did this mysterious woman go? Her departure simply leaves me wanting to know more.
This turning point in the story successfully re-engages the reader. If at any point he or she was becoming bored with the novel or if he or she was confused and wanted to give up, this little twist in the plot draws the reader back in.
It's shocking to hear that such an influential character in the novel has left the school. This guardian who gave so much advice and extra wisdom to the children has now vanished, and they didn't get a chance to ask her more about her messages.
Having miss Lucy leave so abruptly gave the book even more of a sense of mystery and secretiveness. I feel like the children who are simply curious as to where she could have gone after she provided them with such confusing information. Who would explain to them what she meant now? I wonder what is in store for these kids now. They have all of this information but have no way to apply it. Are they going to figure it out? Will they ever see Miss Lucy again? Where did this mysterious woman go? Her departure simply leaves me wanting to know more.
This turning point in the story successfully re-engages the reader. If at any point he or she was becoming bored with the novel or if he or she was confused and wanted to give up, this little twist in the plot draws the reader back in.
Never Let Me Go 7: The Concept of Sex
"The theory I think came closest was the one put forward by Ruth. 'They're telling us about sex for after we leave Hailsham,' she said. 'They want us to do it properly, with someone we like and without getting diseases. But they really mean it for after we leave. They don't want us doing it here, because it's too much hassle for them.'" pg. 97
I actually found this chapter pretty interesting because it reminded me so much of how American teenagers now view sex. It's almost seen as a fad. Both at Hailsham and in many American high schools, if you're not having sex, you're part of the minority. And, if you're part of the minority, you're viewed as "uncool".
The desire to fit in and be part of the "cool crowd" leads people to lie about things like sex at Hailsham, and American teenagers will lie not only about sex but about drugs and alcohol as well. Whether its curiosity or a desire to push limits, people are dying to try it. And if they haven't tried it, their dying to tell people they have. When something like this becomes the "popular" thing to do, consequences and danger are pushed aside. The importance of waiting for the right time or until one is emotionally capable of handling sex is disregarded.
That is a statement that is true both in our society and in this fictional one. It is funny how no matter the circumstances, a person, like the author of the book, still sees teenagers as falsely invincible.
I actually found this chapter pretty interesting because it reminded me so much of how American teenagers now view sex. It's almost seen as a fad. Both at Hailsham and in many American high schools, if you're not having sex, you're part of the minority. And, if you're part of the minority, you're viewed as "uncool".
The desire to fit in and be part of the "cool crowd" leads people to lie about things like sex at Hailsham, and American teenagers will lie not only about sex but about drugs and alcohol as well. Whether its curiosity or a desire to push limits, people are dying to try it. And if they haven't tried it, their dying to tell people they have. When something like this becomes the "popular" thing to do, consequences and danger are pushed aside. The importance of waiting for the right time or until one is emotionally capable of handling sex is disregarded.
That is a statement that is true both in our society and in this fictional one. It is funny how no matter the circumstances, a person, like the author of the book, still sees teenagers as falsely invincible.
Never Let Me Go 6: Characterization
"Tommy thought it possible the guardians had, throughout all our years at Hailsham, timed very carefully and deliberately everything they told us, so that we were always just too young to understand properly the latest piece of information." pg. 82
Once I learned the real situation that these students at Hailsham were in, I understood better the outlook and perspective that Kathy has on her life. Although to someone like me, it seems tragic to not be able to have children if you want them, she has been taught from a young age that it is not in her destiny. She developed an opinion on this fact when she was young and she hasn't thought enough about it to change it. Like Miss Lucy told the students, they had been "told and not told."
Even though the students were informed of their destiny to become donors, their futures of a short life without children, they were told about it too early for them to properly understand the concept. At the early age which they were told, they couldn't fathom the seriousness of the idea. But, by the time they were older, it had just become something they were used to, and they didn't thing twice about it.
So, even though to someone like me, discovering that I was infertile or incapable of having children would be devastating, Kathy has already come to terms with the idea, or at least developed a perspective on it. Knowing the Kathy has been somewhat misled as to the realness of her future as a donor, it is easier for me, the reader, to see why she takes it so lightly.
Never Let Me Go 5: A Tone Of Sympathy
"'Madame's probably not a bad person, even though she's creepy. So when she saw you dancing like that, holding your baby, she thought it was really tragic, how you couldn't have babies. That's why she started crying.'" pg. 73
Even though the narrator does not seem hurt by it, the fact that she can not have children evokes a sort of pity and sympathy in the reader. It is a feeling similar to that which is displayed by Madame.
Before even Kathy was fully aware that she was infertile, she had grasped the idea in her mind and, according to Tommy's theory, developed a meaning for the Judy Bridgewater song that inspired a hope for children in the future. When Madame saw her longing face as she danced around pretending to hold her baby, she was moved to tears.
Even the reader feels for Kathy. Knowing that even as a child she wanted nothing more than to hold her baby in her arms, the reader is devastated that she will never in her life get this satisfaction. The reader tries to understand what it would feel like knowing this about oneself at such a young age.
Though even Kathy doesn't completely understand why her situation is so tragic, Madame's reaction shows that an outsider knows what kind of struggle people must go through when they can't have their dreams. Kathy has learned to live with it, but like Madame, readers know the pain she keeps from surfacing.
Even though the narrator does not seem hurt by it, the fact that she can not have children evokes a sort of pity and sympathy in the reader. It is a feeling similar to that which is displayed by Madame.
Before even Kathy was fully aware that she was infertile, she had grasped the idea in her mind and, according to Tommy's theory, developed a meaning for the Judy Bridgewater song that inspired a hope for children in the future. When Madame saw her longing face as she danced around pretending to hold her baby, she was moved to tears.
Even the reader feels for Kathy. Knowing that even as a child she wanted nothing more than to hold her baby in her arms, the reader is devastated that she will never in her life get this satisfaction. The reader tries to understand what it would feel like knowing this about oneself at such a young age.
Though even Kathy doesn't completely understand why her situation is so tragic, Madame's reaction shows that an outsider knows what kind of struggle people must go through when they can't have their dreams. Kathy has learned to live with it, but like Madame, readers know the pain she keeps from surfacing.
Never Let Me Go 4: Kathy's Internal Conflict
""Still, I hated it when Ruth hinted in this way. I was never sure, of course, if she was telling the truth, but since she wasn't actually 'telling' it, only hinting, it was never possible to challenger her. So each time it happened, I'd have to let it go, biting my lip and hoping the moment would pass quickly." pg. 57
Kathy's friendship with Ruth began when they were young, and Ruth asked Kathy to be part of Miss Geraldine's secret guard. However, when Ruth expels Kathy from the group, Kathy becomes somewhat bitter about it. Truthfully, she longs for the group. She wants to find out the solutions to mysteries, and she is jealous of those who still get the chance.
In passing members of the secret guard on the school grounds, Kathy is attracted to their conversations. She watches them and eavesdrops because she longs to participate. She is even bitter to Moira B. who was once part of the group but was also kicked out.
She is also somewhat jealous but also skeptical of Ruth though. When Ruth hints that she is getting special treatment and gifts of reward from Miss Geraldine, Kathy becomes angry. She thinks Ruth is lying but she has no way of knowing or finding out. It is a conflict that takes place in her mind as to whether she despises the secret guard or not and also whether Ruth is being truthful or not, and it was serving as a source of her frustration and anger that was showed outwardly.
Kathy's friendship with Ruth began when they were young, and Ruth asked Kathy to be part of Miss Geraldine's secret guard. However, when Ruth expels Kathy from the group, Kathy becomes somewhat bitter about it. Truthfully, she longs for the group. She wants to find out the solutions to mysteries, and she is jealous of those who still get the chance.
In passing members of the secret guard on the school grounds, Kathy is attracted to their conversations. She watches them and eavesdrops because she longs to participate. She is even bitter to Moira B. who was once part of the group but was also kicked out.
She is also somewhat jealous but also skeptical of Ruth though. When Ruth hints that she is getting special treatment and gifts of reward from Miss Geraldine, Kathy becomes angry. She thinks Ruth is lying but she has no way of knowing or finding out. It is a conflict that takes place in her mind as to whether she despises the secret guard or not and also whether Ruth is being truthful or not, and it was serving as a source of her frustration and anger that was showed outwardly.
Never Let Me Go 3: A Bit Confused
"Madame was afraid of us. But she was afraid of us in the same way someone might be afraid of spiders. We hadn't been ready for that." pg. 35
So far, this book has confused me a lot. I can't determine whether it is supposed to be realistic to our world or it takes place in an imaginary society.
I don't understand the concepts of Hailsham, the Exchanges and Sale, Madame's fear of the children, or why it's so important that the children don't question the processes. Right now, I just feel very out of the loop with this book. It's difficult for me to understand the things that are happening next when I don't really understand what happened previously.
I'm sure that my reading will all come together soon. I would just like it to clear up so that I can enjoy reading the rest of the novel rather than becoming frustrated and overwhelmed. However, it is a bit intriguing to read a book that is such a mystery to me. It makes me want to know more. I'm sure that as I uncover the answers to all my questions, I'll begin to enjoy reading the book more. Although I feel as though the author should have been more clear, maybe it's secretly a good thing that the book is confusing and odd.
So far, this book has confused me a lot. I can't determine whether it is supposed to be realistic to our world or it takes place in an imaginary society.
I don't understand the concepts of Hailsham, the Exchanges and Sale, Madame's fear of the children, or why it's so important that the children don't question the processes. Right now, I just feel very out of the loop with this book. It's difficult for me to understand the things that are happening next when I don't really understand what happened previously.
I'm sure that my reading will all come together soon. I would just like it to clear up so that I can enjoy reading the rest of the novel rather than becoming frustrated and overwhelmed. However, it is a bit intriguing to read a book that is such a mystery to me. It makes me want to know more. I'm sure that as I uncover the answers to all my questions, I'll begin to enjoy reading the book more. Although I feel as though the author should have been more clear, maybe it's secretly a good thing that the book is confusing and odd.
Never Let Me Go 2: Foreshadowing
"'There's something else,' he went on. 'Something else she said I can't quite figure out. I was going to ask you about it. She said we weren't being taught enough, something like that.'" pg. 29
In this section of the novel, Kathy speaks to Tommy about the changes that have taken place in him lately. As he explains the advice and truths that Miss Lucy told him, he also slips in the fact that she thinks they aren't being "taught enough".
Though Tommy is oblivious to what she meant now, I have a strong feeling that the meaning will be addressed some time throughout the rest of the book. It may even become an important or central issue. For now, it is simply an idea which is not understood by the two children, but they will learn the meaning in the chapters to come.
By using this technique of foreshadowing, Ishiguro gives readers clues as to what might be in store for the rest of the novel. He creates a mystery which succeeds in intriguing people so that they will read on fervently. Curiosity trumps any boredom a reader might face, and instead he wants to know more.
In this section of the novel, Kathy speaks to Tommy about the changes that have taken place in him lately. As he explains the advice and truths that Miss Lucy told him, he also slips in the fact that she thinks they aren't being "taught enough".
Though Tommy is oblivious to what she meant now, I have a strong feeling that the meaning will be addressed some time throughout the rest of the book. It may even become an important or central issue. For now, it is simply an idea which is not understood by the two children, but they will learn the meaning in the chapters to come.
By using this technique of foreshadowing, Ishiguro gives readers clues as to what might be in store for the rest of the novel. He creates a mystery which succeeds in intriguing people so that they will read on fervently. Curiosity trumps any boredom a reader might face, and instead he wants to know more.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Never Let Me Go 1: Anecdotes About Hailsham
"This was all a long time ago so I might have some of it wrong; but my memory of it is that my approaching Tommy that afternoon was part of a phase I was going through around that time--something to do with compulsively setting myself challenges.." pg. 13
I can already tell after the first chapter that this novel will probably have a lot of anecdotes. It seems to be an effective method of characterization for this author.
Through just the personal experiences that the narrator, Kathy, relates in the beginning of the story, the reader has already developed an idea of what her personality might be like.
Rather than being shallow and falling into sync with those around her, Kathy is not afraid to be different. When all of her friends are making fun of Tommy, she is the one who views the situation differently. She's more concerned with the fact that Tommy is going to ruin his new shirt than the fact that he is causing a scene in front of everyone. Rather than viewing him as a misfit and an outcast, she tries to see things from his point of view. She even steps out of the crowd and tries to reason with him.
By knowing that this was how Kathy handled the situation, readers can develop their perspective on her. She seems understanding and compassionate. She wants to cross boundaries and make a difference.
Just by hearing stories from her past, one can see how she came to her present occupation as a carer and can predict where she might end up in the future.
I can already tell after the first chapter that this novel will probably have a lot of anecdotes. It seems to be an effective method of characterization for this author.
Through just the personal experiences that the narrator, Kathy, relates in the beginning of the story, the reader has already developed an idea of what her personality might be like.
Rather than being shallow and falling into sync with those around her, Kathy is not afraid to be different. When all of her friends are making fun of Tommy, she is the one who views the situation differently. She's more concerned with the fact that Tommy is going to ruin his new shirt than the fact that he is causing a scene in front of everyone. Rather than viewing him as a misfit and an outcast, she tries to see things from his point of view. She even steps out of the crowd and tries to reason with him.
By knowing that this was how Kathy handled the situation, readers can develop their perspective on her. She seems understanding and compassionate. She wants to cross boundaries and make a difference.
Just by hearing stories from her past, one can see how she came to her present occupation as a carer and can predict where she might end up in the future.
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