The novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro has compelling themes, including identity, humanity and societal roles. Your GCSE English Literature exam requires a clear understanding of these themes. The main characters are Kathy, Ruth and Tommy. They are clones who have been created for the sole purpose of organ donation. Ishiguro uses their experiences to present complex themes that challenge our understanding of ethics, memory and relationships.
If you need further guidance in understanding these themes, TeachTutti has a list of qualified GCSE English Literature tutors who can provide personalised support in this and other topics in the English Literature curriculum.
Identity and self-discovery theme
The three clones struggle to understand their identity in a world that views them as clones serving a singular purpose as organ donors. The theme of identity explores the fundamental question of what makes us human.
Kathy reflects throughout the novel on her time at Hailsham and the Cottages. She compares herself with others to understand her own identity, in particular the "possibles" - the humans they have been cloned from. Kathy works as a carer and can see the fate of the other clones. This makes her more introspective about her identity and purpose.
Meanwhile, Ruth imitates the older students and has aspirations for her future. This shows her desire to create her own future beyond what has been predetermined for her.
The author uses the experiences of Kathy, Ruth and Tommy to challenge the readers' perceptions of identity and individuality. Despite being clones, they each have unique personalities, emotions and desires. It highlights that identity is more than just genetic makeup or the nature of being human.
Nostalgia and memory theme
Nostalgia is ever present in the novel with the clones recalling past experiences at Hailsham and the Cottages. The memories are comforting because they feel a sense of belonging and distracts from the ever present reality that they are organ donors. Kathy often recalls her time as a child in Hailsham, where her and the other children created art and formed friendships. Hailsham represents a safe place in Kathy's nostalgic memories, where she felt safe and valued.
Nostalgia is a double-edged sword in the novel. The benefits discussed are counteracted by associating with inextricably linked to their present suffering. Ishiguro gives detailed descriptions of Hailsham and the relationships developed, stressing the importance of memory to a person's identity. It is presented as idyllic, which makes the revelation of its trye purpose even more upsetting.
The theme of nostalgia and memory highlights the inevitability of change as time progresses. Kathy acts as the narrator in in Never Let Me Go and her recollections stress the fleeting nature of experiences. Nostalgic memories reflect a human desire in to retain moments of happiness and to find meaning in our lives, even and especially when our future is uncertain.
Friendship and relationships theme
The friendship between the main characters is often tumultuous: sometimes it is a source of strength and comfort, while other times it is defined by conflict and jealously.
Kathy has a strong, meaningful relationship with Ruth and Tommy, experiencing the same emotional roller-coaster that any friendship would. This includes Ruth's manipulative behaviour towards Kathy and her eventual reconciliation, which adds realism to the relationship. The friendships also show the humanity of the clones. Society views them as commodities but they can develop complex relationships that further show loyalty and sacrifice as they often place the needs of their friends above their own.
These relationships also allow the characters to explore their own identity and self-worth. Their interactions help them understand themselves better and give emotional support to their friends, all the more needed in a hostile world for clones.
The ethics of human cloning theme
In a dystopian reality where human cloning for organ donation is normalised, the ethics of such a practice is a constant theme. Kathy, Ruth and Tommy are fully aware of their fate but unable to change it in a society that has accepted clones as a means to an end, far secondary in importance to their human counterparts.
Organ donation is already observed in current medical practice: some people donate an organ when they can survive the treatment (such as donating a kidney), while others will have their organs donated when they die. It is because of this and the technological leaps in society that the concept of cloning organ donors is both believable shortly and more horrifying. A culture that accepts this practice raises ethical questions about the universal sanctity of life and the extent that which science should interfere with nature. The main characters are dehumanised in the eyes of society, despite being replicas of their human counterparts with unique personalities and experiences.
The depiction of the cloning program in Ishiguro's novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation. The authors encourage us to reflect on the implications of modern medical practices and keeping a balance between innovation and humanity.
Loss and acceptance theme
Kath, Ruth and Tommy all experience loss in "Never Let Me Go". This profoundly affects their lives as they come to terms with mortality and ultimately resign themselves to the pre-determined nature of their lives.
The characters are fully aware of their purpose when the novel begins. They know they will become donors for their human counterpoints and die eventually in the process, casting a shadow over their lives. Despite this, they still look for happiness and meaning, reflecting a human desire to make the most of the time we have. Ruth, Kathy and Tommy gradually accept their fate over the years, which has flashpoints of denial, anger, and ultimately, resignation.
Loss also allows the characters to grow. As narrator, Kathy's recollections of her past experiences reflect on the potential life she may have led. Meanwhile, the final donations of Ruth and Tommy stress the temporary nature of their lives. This shows the character's acceptance of their fate as both a strength and a tragedy. They show dignity, grace and resilience in embracing their donations, while also underscoring helpfulness and a lack of control over their lives. The author builds empathy and contemplation with the responses of the main characters and how humanity more widely responds to loss and the inevitable.
There is also a wider societal expectation that we should accept decisions out of our control. The clones accept their roles, leading us to question the ethics of normalising exploitation. Using this theme, Ishiguro critiques the social systems that dictate our lives and encourages the reader to question how we deal with the losses we face and accept life's uncertainties.
Conformity and free will theme
Conformity is expected of the clones from their time at Hailsham and the Cottages. They are taught to blindly accept their roles as donors from a young age. Social structures are in place to ensure they don't deviate from this: the younger students at Hailsham ape the behaviours and attitudes of their older peers, cementing this conformity.
The interactions and decisions of the characters reflect this theme. Ruth wants to fit in and seeks approval from others. She copies the older students and mimics their behaviours. Conversely, while Tommy's outbursts are acts of rebellion, they have limited scope and are permitted socially.
There is also a lack of free will. The characters have desires and aspirations but they can change the nature of their lives as organ donors. This is shown by their gradual acceptance of their role in society. Kathy works as a carer, Ruth wants a career in an office and Tommy dreams of being an artist. However, the reality of their lives is inescapable and cannot be denied.
The acceptance of their tragic fate reflects a disturbing complacency in society about the exploitation and dehumanisation of individuals. Society looks the other way rather than confront this medical practice that has historical comparisons, such as the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany. We are encouraged to question the value of a society prioritising conformity and control over individual freedom and moral agency.
Hope and despair theme
Hope and despair are interwoven throughout the novel. Ishiguro shows that hope can sustain a person even in the worst circumstances. However, despair is inevitable with the predetermined fate of the clones.
The characters keep hope through the possibility of deferral - a rumour that clones can postpone their donation if they are in love. This hope helps them cope with their lives and gives them a reason to continue. However, this plot device is also a source of despair when it's revealed to the characters that deferrals don't exist. It shatters their aspirations and leads to disillusionment. This is a turning point in the novel as the clones realise there is no escape and must accept their fate. The fleeting nature of hope by Ishiguro makes despair all the more tragic when it is cruelly snatched away.
There are other outlets for hope in the novel, which shows the characters' humanity as they continue to strive for meaning and small moments of joy. For example, Kathy is reflective and finds solace in her memories and the relationships she has developed with Ruth and Tommy. Ishiguro uses these polar emotions to draw attention to the responsibility of those who create and perpetuate false hope, while also considering the moral implications of sustaining individuals with promises that will be broken.
Conclusion - Never Let Me Go themes
We explored the key themes in Never Let Me Go, including identity, nostalgia, friendship, hope, and despair. This commentary on broader societal issues deepens our understanding and appreciation for Ishiguro's novel and reflects its profound insight into human nature.
Ishiguro uses a dystopian setting to challenge our perception of what makes us human and what is moral. It encourages us to question the implications of scientific advancements, particularly ethical ones. The main characters struggle with the inevitability of their fates, looking for meaning and identity in the face of this bleak reality.
Understanding the themes in "Never Let Me Go" enriches our reading experience and deepens our appreciation of Kazuo Ishiguro's work. The novel's exploration of identity, nostalgia, friendship, the ethics of human cloning, loss and acceptance, conformity and free will, hope and despair, and the role of art and creativity, prompts us to reflect on profound ethical and philosophical questions. These themes are integral to the characters' lives and resonate with broader societal issues, making the novel a powerful commentary on the human condition. Follow the link for a greater understanding of the context in which Ishiguro wrote the book.
To further understand the novel, you may want to consider TeachTutti's list of GCSE English Literature tutors to give you personalised guidance for your examinations.
This post was updated on 15 Jul, 2024.
