Now that we are finally half way through Never Let Me Go I feel like the plot has really started to pick up. Every night it seems that the author reveals more and more about donors and what they really are. We have found out that the students at Hailsham are special because they are cloned from other people and raised so that they can donate their organs when they are older. However, with all of the things that we learn about the students there seem to be even more questions about them.
One of the biggest changes in the novel's plot has been the change in setting. At the beginning of the book the main characters were at Hailsham where they lived up until they turned 16. Since then the main characters have moved to a place called the Cottages where they have met other kids like themselves who have come from places other than Hailsham. At the Cottages they are treated much differently than some of the other students and they are rumors going around about Hailsham students being 'special'. There have been some hints about 'deferrals' as something that only Hailsham students can do, but not much else. I am hoping that soon we will find out more about what make Hailsham students so special and different.
That's really interesting that the author only reveals a little bit at a time to the readers. I have never read this book before, but that seems a like it would make it pretty confusing to read. I don't know what the author's goal in this style could be, perhaps she is trying to show how we are ignorant of the workings of our society, or that the characters themselves are not completely clear with the progression of their lives. Those seem like stretches, so maybe she is just trying to heighten suspense for the readers.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that the characters are in some ways unaware of their purpose. Ishiguro's world is very different from a place like Gilead, because the characters seem to understand and accept their roles without much fear or confusion. I think Ishiguro is exploring how we might act in the generations after Gilead, when roles are clearly established and individuals don't feel the need to rebel - indeed, they don't even consider rebellion as an option.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for these characters because they have no sense of purpose, therefore they cannot fully understand the ultimate reality. They will never see life for what it truly is. Their reality is ripped away from them, and they will never be able to enjoy their life, because they have no real motive. Although it does minimize the chance of rebellion against the people that rule Hailsham, it is still not fair to them that they can't set goals and really live life. I also really dislike all of the false hope that the characters have to endure throughout the book. They all must donate at some point, and eventually die because of it, but they don't realize that this is their fate, and they have zero control over their future. This is so different from our reality, but at the same time, there are some circumstances that can relate to the ones in this story. For example, somebody with a terminal illness knows that they will die young, and that it may be painful. They could have anywhere from days, to months, to years to live, but this just isn't enough to fully enjoy life and enjoy growing old with people that you love, which is why I feel bad for the characters in this story.
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