Friday, August 12, 2011
An explanation
Sorry in advance that these don't always go in chronological order. I didn't see your comment until it was too late :( I did the best I could though to put them in some sort of order but toward the end it became more order of importance to which it pertains to the book in my mind. Again my bad!
And everybody died. the end.
"The fantasy never got beyond that- I didn't let it- and though the tears rolled down my face, I wasn't sobbing or out of control. I just waited a bit, then turned back to the car, to drive off to wherever it was I was supposed to be." Kathy Pg 288
This could just be me, but why is it that every book I have to read for school always has a depressing ending? Brave New World ended with John's death and everyone else being sent away to some desolate island. Now Never Let Me Go has ended with both the best friend and the lover dead and the narrator continuing on with her sad life. This is a very unsettling trend I see developing here... Now if I were playing devil's advocate I could say, "well in real life things don't always have happy endings" or "real literature isn't all about people falling in love or having everything go right for them". Well why not? Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoyed reading this book and it was very thought provoking; however, the books I enjoy reading the most do actually have happy endings despite all the troubles and woes they go through. The reason I favor those books above these is because it gives me hope that even when things go wrong in my own life, things will always fall back into place and be right again. That could just be me being an optimist but doesn't everyone wish for that? Sure everybody wants excitement and drama sometimes but in the end we just want to be happy and be loved. For me, reading has always been something I've enjoyed doing, and even though I like books that deal with social issues and such, I also like being able to believe that just maybe life doesn't really turn out so bad. So if you were looking for a book selection I beg you to find one with a happy cliche ending.
This could just be me, but why is it that every book I have to read for school always has a depressing ending? Brave New World ended with John's death and everyone else being sent away to some desolate island. Now Never Let Me Go has ended with both the best friend and the lover dead and the narrator continuing on with her sad life. This is a very unsettling trend I see developing here... Now if I were playing devil's advocate I could say, "well in real life things don't always have happy endings" or "real literature isn't all about people falling in love or having everything go right for them". Well why not? Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoyed reading this book and it was very thought provoking; however, the books I enjoy reading the most do actually have happy endings despite all the troubles and woes they go through. The reason I favor those books above these is because it gives me hope that even when things go wrong in my own life, things will always fall back into place and be right again. That could just be me being an optimist but doesn't everyone wish for that? Sure everybody wants excitement and drama sometimes but in the end we just want to be happy and be loved. For me, reading has always been something I've enjoyed doing, and even though I like books that deal with social issues and such, I also like being able to believe that just maybe life doesn't really turn out so bad. So if you were looking for a book selection I beg you to find one with a happy cliche ending.
Brave New World and Never Let Me Go: Strangely Similar.
"England, Late 1990s" no speaker Pg 1
If I had to guess it's no coincidence that these two novels are strongly related. On the surface they don't seem all that similar. One is about a bunch of slutty caste system snobs in the middle of their adulthood. The other is about a group of friend clones and their entire life story. But with a closer look they are quite similar. The first is that they both take place in England. But the connection goes much deeper than just their location. Both deal with some extremely controversial social issues ranging from conflict between individualism and society as a whole to genetic advancement or the limiting of such projects. They also deal with how society dehumanizes people in order to make the horrific things they do both acceptable and understandable. I'm looking forward to discovering what other connections others came up with in class discussions. Also as a side note I'm curious to figure out whether the choice of these british novels has something to do with you teaching Brit Lit. Just a thought :)
If I had to guess it's no coincidence that these two novels are strongly related. On the surface they don't seem all that similar. One is about a bunch of slutty caste system snobs in the middle of their adulthood. The other is about a group of friend clones and their entire life story. But with a closer look they are quite similar. The first is that they both take place in England. But the connection goes much deeper than just their location. Both deal with some extremely controversial social issues ranging from conflict between individualism and society as a whole to genetic advancement or the limiting of such projects. They also deal with how society dehumanizes people in order to make the horrific things they do both acceptable and understandable. I'm looking forward to discovering what other connections others came up with in class discussions. Also as a side note I'm curious to figure out whether the choice of these british novels has something to do with you teaching Brit Lit. Just a thought :)
The Real World: Cottages well as close as they'll get to its
"We certainly didn't think much about our lives beyond the Cottages, or about who ran them, or how they fitted into the larger world. None of us thought like that in those days." Kathy page 116
The characters in this book have their whole lives pretty much planned out for them. First they go to Hailsham where every aspect of their lives is run by guardians and other adults. Then once they are all grown up they either become carers or donators. But what about the middle adolescent period? That time is spent at the Cottages. The cottages are the closest thing to a real life that these teens will ever get. This is a place where they can do whatever they'd like, go wherever they want, and hook up with whomever they want. Not all the kids who stay at the cottages are from Hailsham though several all. They are normally separated into the new members and the veterans. In a way it almost seems like college. After all the characters are experiencing a sense of independence and fun. However, there doesn't seem to be a time limit on their stay. So why leave at all? Are they allowed to stay forever or does someone make them move on eventually. From what I understand they all just choose to leave but why? Why would you willingly just write away your life like that? But is that what growing up is like? I mean there are certainly a lot of negative aspects of adulthood but there always seem to be benefits that make us want to move along. But what are those benefits for them? I would really like to know what that would be for them...
The characters in this book have their whole lives pretty much planned out for them. First they go to Hailsham where every aspect of their lives is run by guardians and other adults. Then once they are all grown up they either become carers or donators. But what about the middle adolescent period? That time is spent at the Cottages. The cottages are the closest thing to a real life that these teens will ever get. This is a place where they can do whatever they'd like, go wherever they want, and hook up with whomever they want. Not all the kids who stay at the cottages are from Hailsham though several all. They are normally separated into the new members and the veterans. In a way it almost seems like college. After all the characters are experiencing a sense of independence and fun. However, there doesn't seem to be a time limit on their stay. So why leave at all? Are they allowed to stay forever or does someone make them move on eventually. From what I understand they all just choose to leave but why? Why would you willingly just write away your life like that? But is that what growing up is like? I mean there are certainly a lot of negative aspects of adulthood but there always seem to be benefits that make us want to move along. But what are those benefits for them? I would really like to know what that would be for them...
We all have that song....
"What made the tape so special for me was this one particular song: track number three, "Never Let Me Go".
When I discovered that the book was named after a specific song that the main character loved so much, I was ecstatic. I love music and believe it is one of the greatest communication tools for humans. So of course if this song was song was so important, I wanted to listen to it. But upon doing more research into it, I discovered not only does the actual song not exist, but the artist, Judy Bridgewater, is fictional as well. She is based off a singer named Julie London. As much as I love Julie London (whose song Cry Me a River is one of my favorites), I was extremely disappointed to learn that the inspiration is strictly made up. Still I am happy that Kazuo did choose to use music as such an important aspect of the novel. Maybe it's just my passion for music, but I think that generally everyone finds some kind of music to love. It acts as a unifier and in a society so separated they could use some. Maybe Kazuo didn't mean to make that connection or maybe he did, but I'm glad he did because it made Kath infinitely more relatable to me. Also in case you were curious, Never Let Me Go was made into a film in which Jane Monheit sings a version possibly created just for the movie. Though she's no Julie London I still enjoyed it. This is the link
When I discovered that the book was named after a specific song that the main character loved so much, I was ecstatic. I love music and believe it is one of the greatest communication tools for humans. So of course if this song was song was so important, I wanted to listen to it. But upon doing more research into it, I discovered not only does the actual song not exist, but the artist, Judy Bridgewater, is fictional as well. She is based off a singer named Julie London. As much as I love Julie London (whose song Cry Me a River is one of my favorites), I was extremely disappointed to learn that the inspiration is strictly made up. Still I am happy that Kazuo did choose to use music as such an important aspect of the novel. Maybe it's just my passion for music, but I think that generally everyone finds some kind of music to love. It acts as a unifier and in a society so separated they could use some. Maybe Kazuo didn't mean to make that connection or maybe he did, but I'm glad he did because it made Kath infinitely more relatable to me. Also in case you were curious, Never Let Me Go was made into a film in which Jane Monheit sings a version possibly created just for the movie. Though she's no Julie London I still enjoyed it. This is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMgyKNr-Vbk
These are the Questions that haunt me... ROUND 2!!!
"What we want to know now, Miss Emily, is if the rumour's true or not." Tommy pg 257
I know I did this for Brave New World but since it worked so well I decided I'd do it again!
so here they are....
I know I did this for Brave New World but since it worked so well I decided I'd do it again!
so here they are....
- Were the kids really cloned from criminals and prostitutes?
- If so why?
- How did Ms. Emily become involved in this movement?
- Is Madame insane?
- How were guardians chosen?
- Why didn't the kids choose to stay at the cottages forever?
- Did it never occur to them to run away?
- Why does everybody hate clones so much?
- Were these clones ever used for anything more than donations?
- What made Hailsham so special from the other clone schools?
- Did Ruth ever really love Tommy?
- Why did Ruth have to die?
- What was the big deal with the swamp boat?
- Where was Hailsham really located?
- Was Hailsham based off a real place?
- Was the name Ruth picked because she could be ruthless?
- Am I trying to hard to be funny? (I can answer that one: yes.)
- What was the inspiration for this book or where did the idea come from?
- Why did kazuo Ishiguro decide to write this book from a female prospective?
- How do you pronounce his name? Is it like the musical instrument?
- Why is this novel so depressing?
- What's up with the cover? Is it supposed to be kath?
- Whatever happened to her anyways?
- Did she ever donate?
These are just a few once again I'm sure more will come to me
The Love that Never Was: Kath and Tommy
"Is it the case, then, that deferrals don't exist? There's nothing you can do?".... "There's no truth in the rumour. I'm sorry. I truly am." Tommy and Ms. Emily respectively pg 258
Perhaps one of the saddest elements of this book is the lack of love. Though they are told they can have sex with whomever they want and there are virtually no consequences. Also kids always seem to couple up like normal teens, but even then they really don't share a true love connection. As sappy as that sounds I believe everyone deserves that chance even clones. But this society disagrees. Kath and Tommy were never able to be together because Ruth and Tommy had been dating. Also I don't think they ever really accepted it themselves. Then when they finally do get together, it seems like it's too late because Tommy is already a part of the donation process. Kath and Tommy attempt to get a sort of waiver to give them more time together before Tommy's next donation, but even then they weren't allowed. These two just can't get a break. But why not? What could letting them be together really do to harm them or the system? And is it possible that maybe if they were shown love and allowed to love that they might be more healthy and therefore when the time came give better donations? There are actually studies that show humans function better with love. This is just another way that society has tried to dehumanize the clones.
Perhaps one of the saddest elements of this book is the lack of love. Though they are told they can have sex with whomever they want and there are virtually no consequences. Also kids always seem to couple up like normal teens, but even then they really don't share a true love connection. As sappy as that sounds I believe everyone deserves that chance even clones. But this society disagrees. Kath and Tommy were never able to be together because Ruth and Tommy had been dating. Also I don't think they ever really accepted it themselves. Then when they finally do get together, it seems like it's too late because Tommy is already a part of the donation process. Kath and Tommy attempt to get a sort of waiver to give them more time together before Tommy's next donation, but even then they weren't allowed. These two just can't get a break. But why not? What could letting them be together really do to harm them or the system? And is it possible that maybe if they were shown love and allowed to love that they might be more healthy and therefore when the time came give better donations? There are actually studies that show humans function better with love. This is just another way that society has tried to dehumanize the clones.
What do clones, slaves, and Jews have in common? more than you'd think
"All around the country, at this very moment, there are students being reared in deplorable conditions, conditions you Hailsham students could hardly imagine. And now we're no more, things will only get worse." Ms. Emily Pg 260-261
Just like in Brave New World (I've used that phrase quite a bit) Never Let Me Go deals with some difficult moral issues, the biggest of which is genetic cloning of sorts. Both have people who seem to have gotten in a little over their heads with this whole science thing. What started with good intentions has snowballed into a catastrophe of one group of people who think they are superior dominating a smaller group of people. This doesn't just happen between Alphas and Epsilons or Society and clones. It also has happened several times throughout history. The biggest example being the Jews and the slaves. In all cases the weaker party was considered to be less than human simply because they were different from the more dominant group. These dominant groups were threatened by these differences so they decided to either kill or exploit the smaller group. Looking back now it seems completely insane and inhumane to treat people in such ways, but one of the biggest reasons they were able to get away with it was because they made them to be less than human. By making them appear this way they seemed to make it acceptable to treat them like animals because in their eyes that's what they were. They took away more than just their freedom, they took away their place in the human race which is a crime far greater than murder or any other I can think of. The Nazis, the southerners, and this english society were cowards who feared what these people could do, and instead of working through that fear and making allies, they tried to destroy them. Of course these books are just fiction but if they had had a future I don't think these horrible caste systems would have continued much longer. History proves that it never works and it never will.
Just like in Brave New World (I've used that phrase quite a bit) Never Let Me Go deals with some difficult moral issues, the biggest of which is genetic cloning of sorts. Both have people who seem to have gotten in a little over their heads with this whole science thing. What started with good intentions has snowballed into a catastrophe of one group of people who think they are superior dominating a smaller group of people. This doesn't just happen between Alphas and Epsilons or Society and clones. It also has happened several times throughout history. The biggest example being the Jews and the slaves. In all cases the weaker party was considered to be less than human simply because they were different from the more dominant group. These dominant groups were threatened by these differences so they decided to either kill or exploit the smaller group. Looking back now it seems completely insane and inhumane to treat people in such ways, but one of the biggest reasons they were able to get away with it was because they made them to be less than human. By making them appear this way they seemed to make it acceptable to treat them like animals because in their eyes that's what they were. They took away more than just their freedom, they took away their place in the human race which is a crime far greater than murder or any other I can think of. The Nazis, the southerners, and this english society were cowards who feared what these people could do, and instead of working through that fear and making allies, they tried to destroy them. Of course these books are just fiction but if they had had a future I don't think these horrible caste systems would have continued much longer. History proves that it never works and it never will.
You've Gotta Have Heart! and artistic ability to prove it
"We took away your art because we thought it would reveal your souls. Or to put it more finely, we did it to prove you had souls at all." Ms. Emily Page 260
In the novel artistic ability is the ultimate determinant of whether or not clones have a soul. Many people in real life believe that doing artistic activities reveals a piece of your soul and in some ways it does. But does a lack of artistic ability really mean you don't have a soul? I don't think so. Though I'm all for artistic things (being that I am not very athletic) I don't think that people who aren't good at art aren't fully human. Tommy struggles with this and works all his life to try and be good at art, but in all honesty he seemed most happy when he was playing football. That's what he was good at too. Although I don't think athletic ability reveals soul either. What I really think determines human soul is being truly passionate about something and loving and caring for something and someone. Tommy cared about football but then he also truly cared about his art as well which is what made him improve. Also his love for Kath made him work harder at it as well. That's what truly makes a person a person.
In the novel artistic ability is the ultimate determinant of whether or not clones have a soul. Many people in real life believe that doing artistic activities reveals a piece of your soul and in some ways it does. But does a lack of artistic ability really mean you don't have a soul? I don't think so. Though I'm all for artistic things (being that I am not very athletic) I don't think that people who aren't good at art aren't fully human. Tommy struggles with this and works all his life to try and be good at art, but in all honesty he seemed most happy when he was playing football. That's what he was good at too. Although I don't think athletic ability reveals soul either. What I really think determines human soul is being truly passionate about something and loving and caring for something and someone. Tommy cared about football but then he also truly cared about his art as well which is what made him improve. Also his love for Kath made him work harder at it as well. That's what truly makes a person a person.
SUSPENSE!!!! DUHH! DUUHH! DUUUHHH! (insert suspenseful music)
"Yes, why Hailsham at all?" Ms. Emily Pg 260
One of the key elements of this novel is the suspense. From beginning to end, it constantly provides more questions than answers, and always leaves you wanting more. Even though we kind of start at the end with Kath as an adult we still start off not knowing much about her life at all. In fact Kath doesn't even know as much about her life as she thinks she does. Of course we don't know that at the beginning either. There is a lot we don't know.... Then as the novel continues though some of our questions are answered, but even more arise. Then as the novel comes to a close all the questions are answered in a very surprising manner. Though this novel is suspenseful it's not suspenseful in the big action sequence kind of way but it still grips my attention the whole way through. After all the most intriguing things are weapons or fight scenes, but rather human interaction itself. The use of the constant questions and guessing gives the novel depth and a human quality.
One of the key elements of this novel is the suspense. From beginning to end, it constantly provides more questions than answers, and always leaves you wanting more. Even though we kind of start at the end with Kath as an adult we still start off not knowing much about her life at all. In fact Kath doesn't even know as much about her life as she thinks she does. Of course we don't know that at the beginning either. There is a lot we don't know.... Then as the novel continues though some of our questions are answered, but even more arise. Then as the novel comes to a close all the questions are answered in a very surprising manner. Though this novel is suspenseful it's not suspenseful in the big action sequence kind of way but it still grips my attention the whole way through. After all the most intriguing things are weapons or fight scenes, but rather human interaction itself. The use of the constant questions and guessing gives the novel depth and a human quality.
We really are real! The external conflict to prove that clones are people too
"Together, we became a small but very coal movement, and we challenged the entire way the donations programme was being run." Ms. Emily Pg 261
At the end of the novel we discover that the students of Hailsham and other academies like it were comprised of kids who are clones created specifically for the purpose of donating organs for other people in need. We also learn that prior to and after the existence of these institutions everyone simply treated them as nothing more than tools of medicine. However, a group of people (e.g. the guardians, Ms. Emily, and Madame) believed this was absolutely wrong, and they created this school to prove that they were real people with real, human emotions who deserved to be treated well. In order to prove this they had the kids do projects such as art and poetry and held big events to show people that they did in fact have souls. If they didn't how could they create such things? So though the mystery of the Gallery is solved! For awhile this appeared to be working. The advocates for fair treatment of the clones were winning! But then when a scientist attempted to make super humans with supreme abilities, people got scared and stop supporting the movement. This conflict between establishments like Hailsham and the rest of society provides not only base for this whole novel but also a plethora of difficult social issues that I believe the world isn't facing purposely. Deep down I think these people knew that what they were doing is inhumane but if you refuse to face it then you can't feel guilty for it. I truly believe that was the case here, and I think it's unfortunate society ended up winning the war on this one.
At the end of the novel we discover that the students of Hailsham and other academies like it were comprised of kids who are clones created specifically for the purpose of donating organs for other people in need. We also learn that prior to and after the existence of these institutions everyone simply treated them as nothing more than tools of medicine. However, a group of people (e.g. the guardians, Ms. Emily, and Madame) believed this was absolutely wrong, and they created this school to prove that they were real people with real, human emotions who deserved to be treated well. In order to prove this they had the kids do projects such as art and poetry and held big events to show people that they did in fact have souls. If they didn't how could they create such things? So though the mystery of the Gallery is solved! For awhile this appeared to be working. The advocates for fair treatment of the clones were winning! But then when a scientist attempted to make super humans with supreme abilities, people got scared and stop supporting the movement. This conflict between establishments like Hailsham and the rest of society provides not only base for this whole novel but also a plethora of difficult social issues that I believe the world isn't facing purposely. Deep down I think these people knew that what they were doing is inhumane but if you refuse to face it then you can't feel guilty for it. I truly believe that was the case here, and I think it's unfortunate society ended up winning the war on this one.
First place for great use of First person narration goes to Kazuo Ishiguroo
"My name is Kathy H. I'm thirty-one years old, and I've been a carer now for over eleven years." Kathy Page 1
The book Never Let Me Go is told through a first person narrative. I have always personally favored first person told stories, but this book has done it in one of the best ways I've read. Normally the benefits of a first person work is that you feel more in tune with a certain character which allows you to relate to it more and quite frankly get more into the book. However, a major drawback of a first person narrative is that they are normally so bias. In some cases it even seems like it's the author telling the story or their opinions, not the character simply retelling an important part of their life. Kazuo (got to love the name) avoids this and actually enhances the book by doing a few good things. Firstly he makes the main character a female and what's more is it actually reads as though the narrator is a female. Also she is an extremely likable character who you want to root for. Unlike Bernard Marx in Brave New World (who I personally wanted to strangle myself), Kath seems to be fairly level headed and wise beyond her years. Also Kath's character narration isn't outrageously bias, but rather objective in a sense. She takes the time to try to understand another person's reasoning or behavior, which I think most people do. Still she isn't completely unbiased which I think makes her a much more realistic read. I don't think the story could have been told in third person because you would have lost the emotional connection. The whole point of this book is to view it from the side of those who are a minority of sorts. It also fuels the idea that they are real people with real emotions- not just science experiments.
The book Never Let Me Go is told through a first person narrative. I have always personally favored first person told stories, but this book has done it in one of the best ways I've read. Normally the benefits of a first person work is that you feel more in tune with a certain character which allows you to relate to it more and quite frankly get more into the book. However, a major drawback of a first person narrative is that they are normally so bias. In some cases it even seems like it's the author telling the story or their opinions, not the character simply retelling an important part of their life. Kazuo (got to love the name) avoids this and actually enhances the book by doing a few good things. Firstly he makes the main character a female and what's more is it actually reads as though the narrator is a female. Also she is an extremely likable character who you want to root for. Unlike Bernard Marx in Brave New World (who I personally wanted to strangle myself), Kath seems to be fairly level headed and wise beyond her years. Also Kath's character narration isn't outrageously bias, but rather objective in a sense. She takes the time to try to understand another person's reasoning or behavior, which I think most people do. Still she isn't completely unbiased which I think makes her a much more realistic read. I don't think the story could have been told in third person because you would have lost the emotional connection. The whole point of this book is to view it from the side of those who are a minority of sorts. It also fuels the idea that they are real people with real emotions- not just science experiments.
This book is certainly Moody...
"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." Kathy Page 286 (I realize I skipped a few pages)
This book definitely creates a heavy emotional atmosphere. I'd say the atmosphere is somewhat an onion though with several layers. The first layer is nostalgic. Throughout the whole novel there is a feeling of longing for that Kath has for her time at Hailsham without her friends. Though she's dealt with a lot in that time she still looks back on it as a happy and enjoyable time. Then the next layer is that of tension. There is tension between the faculty and the students, the students and their peers, and even within the students themselves. They keep alluding to something to going on that is clearly a touchy subject, but we don't know exactly what it is. Which brings me to the next and most intriguing layer which is that of mystery. I'm still not sure what's going on or why everyone is being so secretive. This whole array of emotions makes a mood that adds an element of compassion and excitement to the novel which has kept me reading.
This book definitely creates a heavy emotional atmosphere. I'd say the atmosphere is somewhat an onion though with several layers. The first layer is nostalgic. Throughout the whole novel there is a feeling of longing for that Kath has for her time at Hailsham without her friends. Though she's dealt with a lot in that time she still looks back on it as a happy and enjoyable time. Then the next layer is that of tension. There is tension between the faculty and the students, the students and their peers, and even within the students themselves. They keep alluding to something to going on that is clearly a touchy subject, but we don't know exactly what it is. Which brings me to the next and most intriguing layer which is that of mystery. I'm still not sure what's going on or why everyone is being so secretive. This whole array of emotions makes a mood that adds an element of compassion and excitement to the novel which has kept me reading.
Secrets, Secrets are no fun. Not unless you tell someone. or at least hint at it...
"If you're to have decent lives, you have to know who you are and what lies ahead of you, every one of you." Ms. Lucy Page 81
There is some shady business going down at Hailsham. Guardians are being secretive and seem to be on edge. No one has yet to explain the Gallery or why being so artistic matters. Or does it even matter? Now Ms. Lucy has hinted to Tommy that being artist really isn't that important? However she did this in a very cryptic manner. Then she goes on to tell them that they don't really know the severity of their circumstances. Why all the secrecy and deceit? WHY CAN'T ADULTS JUST BE STRAIGHTFORWARD AND HONEST??!! It always seems like adults try to hint to us all these bad things that go on in "the real world" but they won't ever just be 100% honest about what those things are. So instead of preparing me for these horrible happenings, I just sit here completely scared and panicked. I'm not sure if adults just have good intentions and are trying to warn us but shield us at the same time, but just to be clear, it's not working. Instead of whatever intended affect being successful (whatever that may be), now my childhood innocence is ruined and I am left completely defenseless to a world of worrying and issues far beyond my realm of consciousness that I'm not even clear on! If adults really wanted to do us a favor they would just be clear about what it is we're going to face and actually try to prepare us for it. No secrets, no hints, just honest answers and information. I think that the students in this novel could use some of that honesty too.
There is some shady business going down at Hailsham. Guardians are being secretive and seem to be on edge. No one has yet to explain the Gallery or why being so artistic matters. Or does it even matter? Now Ms. Lucy has hinted to Tommy that being artist really isn't that important? However she did this in a very cryptic manner. Then she goes on to tell them that they don't really know the severity of their circumstances. Why all the secrecy and deceit? WHY CAN'T ADULTS JUST BE STRAIGHTFORWARD AND HONEST??!! It always seems like adults try to hint to us all these bad things that go on in "the real world" but they won't ever just be 100% honest about what those things are. So instead of preparing me for these horrible happenings, I just sit here completely scared and panicked. I'm not sure if adults just have good intentions and are trying to warn us but shield us at the same time, but just to be clear, it's not working. Instead of whatever intended affect being successful (whatever that may be), now my childhood innocence is ruined and I am left completely defenseless to a world of worrying and issues far beyond my realm of consciousness that I'm not even clear on! If adults really wanted to do us a favor they would just be clear about what it is we're going to face and actually try to prepare us for it. No secrets, no hints, just honest answers and information. I think that the students in this novel could use some of that honesty too.
Why is Ruth so controlling? Her motivation
"...But there was no doubt she was the leader." Kathy Page 49
Every school has a girl like Ruth. She's a sort of queen bee who all the girls follow and listen to. She's controlling and some would even say a little bit of a bully. She has even been know to tell some white lies here and there. However, there are still times when Ruth genuinely seems like a good and caring person. For example she tries to help Kath find her tape without causing a scene. So why does she act so witchy? In truth I think the motivation behind her behaviors is that she is insecure and unsure about who she is. She is still young and on top of having what appears to be a very confusing and special entity, she also has the feeling of just wanting to be accepted and liked. She makes up certain things so she appear more cool or elite. Also she often acts like things don't both her so she keeps her cool and controlling image in tact. It also might stem from the fact that she really seems to have no control of her life. She always has to do what the guardians say and then her career and life path from here on out is already planned for her. So it seems right that she would want to control some aspect of her life.
Every school has a girl like Ruth. She's a sort of queen bee who all the girls follow and listen to. She's controlling and some would even say a little bit of a bully. She has even been know to tell some white lies here and there. However, there are still times when Ruth genuinely seems like a good and caring person. For example she tries to help Kath find her tape without causing a scene. So why does she act so witchy? In truth I think the motivation behind her behaviors is that she is insecure and unsure about who she is. She is still young and on top of having what appears to be a very confusing and special entity, she also has the feeling of just wanting to be accepted and liked. She makes up certain things so she appear more cool or elite. Also she often acts like things don't both her so she keeps her cool and controlling image in tact. It also might stem from the fact that she really seems to have no control of her life. She always has to do what the guardians say and then her career and life path from here on out is already planned for her. So it seems right that she would want to control some aspect of her life.
Madame seems flat, as a character that is
"We called her "Madame" because she was French Belgian- there was a dispute as to which- and that was what the guardians always called her. She was tall, narrow woman with short hair, probably quite young still, though at the time we wouldn't have thought of her as such. She always wore a sharp grey suit, and unlike the gardeners, unlike the drivers who brought in our supplies- unlike virtually anyone else who came in from outside- she wouldn't talk to use and kept us at a distance with her chilly look." Kathy page 32
If there is one character that seems utterly one dimensional it's Madame. Every time we've encountered her she seems cold and disgusted almost. Kath even makes the observation that she views the children as spiders or vial creatures she doesn't want to touch. She seems to be scared of them in a way as well. And yet she is connected to this whole idea of the Gallery. So why is this uptight lady who seems to be scared of children come to a school full of kids to collect the art they created? Also there's the whole incident when Kath catches her watching her dance to the song "Never Let Me Go" and she's crying. Why would she be crying for a child she seems to dislike so much? Maybe she's more dynamic than she appears but for now she seems completely one dimensional.
If there is one character that seems utterly one dimensional it's Madame. Every time we've encountered her she seems cold and disgusted almost. Kath even makes the observation that she views the children as spiders or vial creatures she doesn't want to touch. She seems to be scared of them in a way as well. And yet she is connected to this whole idea of the Gallery. So why is this uptight lady who seems to be scared of children come to a school full of kids to collect the art they created? Also there's the whole incident when Kath catches her watching her dance to the song "Never Let Me Go" and she's crying. Why would she be crying for a child she seems to dislike so much? Maybe she's more dynamic than she appears but for now she seems completely one dimensional.
The Gallery: Good connotation or Bad connotation?
"But did we really believe in the Gallery? Today, I'm not sure. As I've said, we never mentioned it to the guardians and looking back, it seems to me this was a rule we imposed on ourselves, as much as anything the guardians had decided." Kathy Page 32
In a book that is turning out to be much of a mystery (not the love story my friends told me it would be) another perplexity is the Gallery. There is no doubt that there are certain good emotions associated with this supposed museum of students' best work. After all who wouldn't be proud to have their creation showcased and admired? It's even occasionally used as a sort of compliment. However, the Gallery almost seems to be a taboo topic. Though it is often mentioned here or there, there is often a solemn undertone that seeps into the rest of the conversation, and it is never discussed with the guardians or other adults. I'd say this stems from the idea that, at Hailsham, there is almost nothing more important than being artistic. Why is that? The Gallery seems to be yet another tool to create the air of mystery that surrounds this school and the students that attend it.
In a book that is turning out to be much of a mystery (not the love story my friends told me it would be) another perplexity is the Gallery. There is no doubt that there are certain good emotions associated with this supposed museum of students' best work. After all who wouldn't be proud to have their creation showcased and admired? It's even occasionally used as a sort of compliment. However, the Gallery almost seems to be a taboo topic. Though it is often mentioned here or there, there is often a solemn undertone that seeps into the rest of the conversation, and it is never discussed with the guardians or other adults. I'd say this stems from the idea that, at Hailsham, there is almost nothing more important than being artistic. Why is that? The Gallery seems to be yet another tool to create the air of mystery that surrounds this school and the students that attend it.
Tommy's Temper Tantrums: Normal kids stuff or the sign of something more troubling?
"He was just raving, flinging his limbs about, at the sky, at the wind, at the nearest fence post." Kathy Page 10
Lately it seems as though Tommy can't seem to control himself when it comes to his temper. The littlest thing could send him into a flying fit of rage which includes cursing, stomping around, and other violent motions. He seems to almost transcend into a trace in which he doesn't even realize what he's doing. At one point he even hits Kath on accident. But is all the teasing and taunting from the other kids really the cause of all this anger or is there something more serious lying under the surface? The narrator, Kath, alludes to the possibility of Tommy's lack of artistic ability and, what's more, lack of interest in improvement having something to do with it. But why is being artistic so important here? By the way it's depicted, Hailsham sounds like a school that produces highly intelligent kids and takes a significant interest in their education. But no one subject is more highly regarded or valued than that of the arts. Whether it's poetry or drawing or sculpting, it seems almost pertinent that each student must be able to succeed in one of these areas. Does this high regard for the arts have something to do with how smart these kids are? And if there is any truth behind this, then would it be considered a serious mistake for schools across the country today to be cutting fine arts programs? Or are Tommy's bursts of anger an indication that enforcing artistic ability is in fact harmful to a child's psyche? It will be interesting to see where this goes in the novel.
Lately it seems as though Tommy can't seem to control himself when it comes to his temper. The littlest thing could send him into a flying fit of rage which includes cursing, stomping around, and other violent motions. He seems to almost transcend into a trace in which he doesn't even realize what he's doing. At one point he even hits Kath on accident. But is all the teasing and taunting from the other kids really the cause of all this anger or is there something more serious lying under the surface? The narrator, Kath, alludes to the possibility of Tommy's lack of artistic ability and, what's more, lack of interest in improvement having something to do with it. But why is being artistic so important here? By the way it's depicted, Hailsham sounds like a school that produces highly intelligent kids and takes a significant interest in their education. But no one subject is more highly regarded or valued than that of the arts. Whether it's poetry or drawing or sculpting, it seems almost pertinent that each student must be able to succeed in one of these areas. Does this high regard for the arts have something to do with how smart these kids are? And if there is any truth behind this, then would it be considered a serious mistake for schools across the country today to be cutting fine arts programs? Or are Tommy's bursts of anger an indication that enforcing artistic ability is in fact harmful to a child's psyche? It will be interesting to see where this goes in the novel.
Over the hills and to the woods to Hailsham's Campus we go!
"Driving around the country now, I still see things that will remind me of Hailsham. I might pass the corner of a misty field, or see part of a large house in the distance as I come down the side of a valley, even a particular arrangement of poplar trees up on a hillside, and I'll think: "Maybe that's it! I've found it! This actually is Hailsham!" Then I see it's impossible and I go on driving, my thoughts drifting on elsewhere." Kathy page 6
Throughout the book Never Let Me Go one place remains the center of all controversy, nostalgia, and excitement: Hailsham School. From the beginning Hailsham is regarded as a conservatory for "special" students. The imagery used to describe it helps paint not only a vivid mental picture, but also takes the reader to a deeper emotional level. Hailsham is something of a paradox, much like it's students. It is described as elegantly beautiful; however, the reader gets the sense there is something almost ominous or frightening about it at the same time. It's prestigious grounds and quaint places to relax and play make it sound like a perfect oasis from the real world. At certain times though it almost seems like Hailsham is more like a castle dungeon used to lock away something special while barricading any harm that might come along. These conflicting images make Hailsham seem mysterious. This mystery matches that which surrounds the students themselves and their unique circumstances. It will be interesting to see if Hailsham ends up being the answer or a key clue to the mystery of these students' predicament or if it will only bring forth more questions.
Throughout the book Never Let Me Go one place remains the center of all controversy, nostalgia, and excitement: Hailsham School. From the beginning Hailsham is regarded as a conservatory for "special" students. The imagery used to describe it helps paint not only a vivid mental picture, but also takes the reader to a deeper emotional level. Hailsham is something of a paradox, much like it's students. It is described as elegantly beautiful; however, the reader gets the sense there is something almost ominous or frightening about it at the same time. It's prestigious grounds and quaint places to relax and play make it sound like a perfect oasis from the real world. At certain times though it almost seems like Hailsham is more like a castle dungeon used to lock away something special while barricading any harm that might come along. These conflicting images make Hailsham seem mysterious. This mystery matches that which surrounds the students themselves and their unique circumstances. It will be interesting to see if Hailsham ends up being the answer or a key clue to the mystery of these students' predicament or if it will only bring forth more questions.
a POSSIBLE foreshadow (oh the irony)
"The point is, they claim they saw this... person. Working there in this open-plan office. And, well, you know. They reckon this person's a possible. For me." Ruth Pg. 139
Aside from wondering whether the irony of my title counts as a use of a lit term (I won't take my chances), I'm also very curious to see where this whole idea of possibles goes and what it means. I was floored when I discovered that all the kids were created in the likeness of other people who are still roaming around the world. They don't really know anything about the people they're modeled after but they are always on the look out for their possible. Then one day Rodney tells Ruth he might have found her possible and they go on an adventure to find her. When they do at first they think it could be but the more they follow her they see less and less of a resemblance they see. At one point she even bursts out about how they are just made from loser convicts and prostitutes. Could this be the vital piece of the puzzle? Are they clones; is that the big secret? This definitely is foreshadowing some bigger news and a lot more answers to come. This has definitely given me hope as a reader that the book is going somewhere and more importantly somewhere exciting!
Aside from wondering whether the irony of my title counts as a use of a lit term (I won't take my chances), I'm also very curious to see where this whole idea of possibles goes and what it means. I was floored when I discovered that all the kids were created in the likeness of other people who are still roaming around the world. They don't really know anything about the people they're modeled after but they are always on the look out for their possible. Then one day Rodney tells Ruth he might have found her possible and they go on an adventure to find her. When they do at first they think it could be but the more they follow her they see less and less of a resemblance they see. At one point she even bursts out about how they are just made from loser convicts and prostitutes. Could this be the vital piece of the puzzle? Are they clones; is that the big secret? This definitely is foreshadowing some bigger news and a lot more answers to come. This has definitely given me hope as a reader that the book is going somewhere and more importantly somewhere exciting!
Flashbacks
"There have been times over the years when I've tried to leave Hailsham behind, when I've told myself I shouldn't look back so much. But then there came a point when I just stopped resisting." Kathy Page 5
When I first started reading this book I thought it would be the story of a woman, Kath, who has spent many years at a job known as a Carer. However, as the story progresses the real story is in the flashbacks that Kath recalls and reflects on her memories involving Hailsham and her friends and peers. These flashbacks not only provide a very intriguing story in itself but also gives pertinent information about her current state. It also almost acts as a foreshadowing tool too. Certain memories from her past actually reveal information that are like clues to her future. The use of these Flashbacks is effective because it gives us more insight into who these characters really are. This insight creates a bond between the reader (Me and several of my classmates) and the characters. The bond makes the characters and their predicament seem both more realistic and relatable.
When I first started reading this book I thought it would be the story of a woman, Kath, who has spent many years at a job known as a Carer. However, as the story progresses the real story is in the flashbacks that Kath recalls and reflects on her memories involving Hailsham and her friends and peers. These flashbacks not only provide a very intriguing story in itself but also gives pertinent information about her current state. It also almost acts as a foreshadowing tool too. Certain memories from her past actually reveal information that are like clues to her future. The use of these Flashbacks is effective because it gives us more insight into who these characters really are. This insight creates a bond between the reader (Me and several of my classmates) and the characters. The bond makes the characters and their predicament seem both more realistic and relatable.
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