Never let me go essay ishiguro PDF

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A-levels essay practice for english literature...

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(a) Ishiguro makes us see the students in the novel as more than “poor creatures” How far and in what ways do you agree with this comment?

In the novel revolving clones which are created by humans for their own selfish wishes, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, the author plays on the theme of humanity and the question that makes the readers wonder if the clones, the main characters, are more than just 'poor creatures'. Ishiguro's flawless method of attempting to humanise them while constantly reminding us that they are just clones can be seen through his structure of writing and the literary devices he uses such as irony as well as characterisation and narration. Ishiguro attempts to humanise the clones, mainly Kathy, Tommy and Ruth by simply giving life to the characters in a way us human beings live; by splitting the most significant stages in their lives into three parts in the book. This enables the readers to clearly distinguish the different phases the clones go through which is important as they endure different obstacles and issues, therefore readers are able to see their character development in terms of their emotions and how they react to the different situations as they grow up. In the first part of the book, Ishiguro concentrates on their lives in Hailsham, which is an institution, somewhat a boarding school, where the clones receive their education and where they were 'nurtured', in order to prove that they have souls. At this stage, the three main characters are presented as adolescents whereby they begin to question not only their identity and existence, but the systems they are forced to oblige to such as having to produce art. This specifically applies to Tommy as he is constantly trying to find answers as to why they are asked to make art especially after Miss Lucy tells him that “if I (he) didn't want to be creative…., that was perfectly all right”. They also question Madame's distance and odd behaviour, assuming she is “scared of us (them)” which then leads them to their 'plan' to “swarm out all around her”. Their curiosity perfectly mirrors the typical behaviour of an adolescent. Furthermore, their intrigue with the concept of sexual intercourse which is seen throughout the whole novel, evidently in the constant mention of “sex” also strengthens the view that the clones do have humane values as this reflects the common amusement adolescents have regarding sex. However, in the second part of the book, the readers are able to see that the characters' mindsets have evolved as young adults. This can be seen through their discussions and their expressed thoughts such as their perspective towards death which has become more mature and serious rather than just a cynical yet awkward topic for them to address. Ishiguro reveals Kathy, Tommy and Ruth's fear of death in a subtle way as they wonder about the possibility of 'deferrals'. Besides that, Kathy's sexual urges as she tells Ruth that she feels that “there might be something not quite right with me (her) down there” and that “sometimes I (she) just really, really need to do it” also mirrors the theme of coming-of-age which mirrors how humans start having desires once they hit puberty. Finally, the third part of the book, Ishiguro characterises the clones as adults and have their own 'careers' and responsibilities, for instance Kathy who has been “a carer..for eleven years” whereas Tommy and Ruth were 'donors'. Moreover, their emotions become more mature and instead of being bitter to one another, such as Ruth, especially, despite her actions being questionable in terms of sincerity and genuineness. She confronts Kathy and wishes the best for her and Tommy which is different from how she used to feel about the two being together. Therefore, the readers can clearly see Ishiguro's seamless attempt at humanising the clones. Besides structure, Ishiguro also plays on literary devices, mainly irony, to present them as humans. He sublty criticises human beings in his characterisation of the clones, making them seem as if they are much more humane than actual human beings. This can be seen through Ishiguro's display of love between Kathy and Tommy, how they transitioned from being best friends to lovers yet their love somehow remains the same; pure and genuine, compared to some real life friendships and romantic relationships which are merely superficial. This is ultimately proven when Tommy has

nearly 'completed' and told Kathy that he doesnt “want you (Kathy) as my (his) carer anymore” because he doesn't want her to “see me (him) like this”. Futhermore, it was when Kathy confessed to Ruth about her strange yet strong sexual desires and shamed her for having them, telling Kathy that it's “strange” and “what you're (Kathy's) saying is a bit weird” even though it is revealed later on that Ruth felt the same way too, as she apologises to Kathy and told her “how it was the same for me (Ruth)”. This reminds readers of how easy it is for humans to shame others and how hypocritical we are. The most significant irony is how the clones don't take their lives for granted, even though they have a set path they're require to just follow, even when they know that whatever happens, they will 'complete' or die eventually whereas human beings tend to not appreciate or value their lives and rather take it for granted although we are free to make wise choices and live a worthful life. This demonstrates how the clones have the values some of us might not have, hence making them seem more than just poor creatures.

However, despite Ishiguro's attempts to humanise them, he seems to always remind us, subtly, that they're merely clones. One of the ways he does this is through Kathy's narration, whereby Kathy gives the imagery of being restricted in Hailsham and not being able to roam around freely and not knowing anywhere else besides Hailsham. This is displayed whenever Kathy talks about 'the woods' or 'Norfolk', the only pieces of information she is able to provide for the readers are the rumours she has heard about the place. This may give off the image of being restricted in a farm, with 'fences' and therefore making them seem like caged animals, giving readers the impression that they are nothing more than just poor creatures. Besides that, the education they receive is practically pointless as they will eventually become 'donors' and 'complete' as they don't have any other choice. This again, symbolises reared animals which are groomed and well-fed just to ensure their products are at its best. Moreover, Ishiguro gives the clones a tragic life, in the sense that they are constantly trying to find the purpose of living and trying to prove that they have souls but their fate is the same and unalterable; compared to the lives of humans. The fact that they're always under surveillance and control of the guardians also presses on the point that they seem like caged animals. This is proven when Kathy states that “although there was no one around the pond, there was always the possibility of people eavesdropping...”, hence implying that they never have the freedom we humans have. In conclusion, Ishiguro's evident attempts to humanise the clones overpowers the view that the main characters are nothing more than mere poor creatures. However, the question of humanity is what keeps the plot interesting and is Ishiguro's way to somehow connect with the readers by giving the readers the feeling of empathy, sorrow and the realization of the selfish wishes of the human race....