Michelle JACOB - 11 English Lit. - Novel NLMG - RTT: Critical Perspectives 2025 by Michelle JACOB

How does Never Let Me Go Portray the Clones as an Oppressed Underclass? In What Ways do they Internalise their Oppression, and how does this Mirror Class Struggle in Real-world Societies?

michellejacob3 — 2025-04-04 01:37:10 UTC

Never Let Me Go explores themes of exploitation by portraying the clones as the oppressed underclass through the Marxist lens while mirroring class struggles. Ishiguro delves into the exploitation of the clones, who are raised solely to serve society’s needs, exemplified through Ms Lucy’s statement, ‘Your lives are set out…you’ll start to donate your vital organs.’ (pg. 80). This portrayal of oppression explores the subjugated class that exists to serve the elite class; ‘the normals,’ who gain improved lives at the expense of the clones. The clones often internalise their oppression by accepting their predetermined roles. Ishiguro reflects on this insight and ties the character’s passive acceptance to class struggles, stating, ‘What fascinated me was the extent to which people didn’t rebel…, people worked, died as slaves’ (Faber Books; 2025). Ishiguro’s themes allow the audience, especially those of African descent to think intellectually about tragedies such as African American slavery. In this period, enslaved communities passively accepted to serve their roles in an oppressive system, mirroring the clones. However, Ishiguro positions the audience to reflect on whether the giving of one’s body is akin to being enslaved, fostering an intellectual understanding of underclass inequality. Marxist audiences are challenged to consider the ethical implications of the treatment of clones, mirroring real-world exploitation.

The Clones’ Belief in the “Deferral” Rumor Reflects the “Illusion of Hope” Archetype often seen in Mythology and Literature. How does this Situation Reinforce or Subvert Traditional Narratives of Redemption?

michellejacob3 — 2025-04-04 01:43:01 UTC

Never Let Me Go reflects the ‘Illusion of Hope’ through the clones’ belief in the ‘deferral’ rumour. Ishiguro emphasises the clone’s ability to dream despite being oppressed through the archetypal lens. When conversing with Kathy, Tommy recounts that ‘...pictures, poetry…that kind of stuff… reveals your souls’ (pg.272) reinforcing to the audience his belief that romantic connections can be validated through measurement. This ideology emotionally ties the audience as the clone's innate need for these strong bonds makes their circumstances more poignant. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes apparent Tommy’s belief is an illusion of hope the clones grasp onto as they have been conditioned to see no alternative future for themselves. This is evident when Tommy mentions ‘I've thought about this a lot…It all fits,’ (pg. 265) portraying his longing for Kathy’s validation of his theory. In traditional narratives of redemption, characters ultimately achieve freedom after overcoming hardships. On the contrary, Never Let Me Go subverts the typical redemption narrative as the ‘deferral rumour’ was a false hope for Kathy and Tommy. The clone’s futile yearning for a changed life emotionally connects the audience, allowing them to empathise with the clone's hope and longing for a future beyond their inevitable fate.

How does Kathy Embody the Archetype of the “Caretaker” or “Witness” Figure? In What Ways does her Role as a Carer Reinforce or Challenge this Archetypal Function?

michellejacob3 — 2025-04-04 01:56:27 UTC

Through an archetypal lens, Kathy embodies the ‘Caretaker’ figure in Never Let Me Go while reinforcing and challenging the ‘Caretaker’ function throughout the novel. Kathy embodies the ‘Caretaker’ through her carer profession, where she supports other donors. This archetype reinforces Kathy’s nurturing side as she mentions ‘It means a lot to me…to do my work well’ (pg.1) exemplifying her dedication to being a carer. However, it also challenges the function as unlike traditional caretakers, who have the power to improve the lives of others, Kathy’s support is confined to preparing others for their inevitable fate rather than protesting for a path of freedom. This portrays to the audience her passive acceptance of the system that oppresses her. Kathy’s role is also assigned to her as she states ‘this was the natural course to follow.’ (pg. 306) portraying to readers that choosing the pathway to become a carer isn’t necessarily a choice but rather an expectation imposed on the clones. However, the audience may also have a nuanced understanding that Kathy represents resilience in the face of fate through her quiet endurance despite the limitations placed on her, thus positioning the audience to psychologically connect with the clones’ struggles through their mental strength in the face of oppression.

Miss Emily and Madame Claim that the Students’ Artwork was Used to Prove They Had Souls. How does this Reflect the Marxist Idea that Art is Often Used as a Tool for Ideological Control?

michellejacob3 — 2025-04-04 03:33:46 UTC

Never Let Me Go reflects that art is used as a tool for ideological control which is emphasised through the Marxist Theory. Miss Emily’s statement, ‘We took away your art…to prove you had souls,” (pg. 399) underlines how the true purpose of art as self-expression is stripped and instead serves the interests of the elite class, the ‘normals’ to justify the humanity of the underclass, the clones. A Marxist audience can reflect that the art was used to reinforce the status of the ruling class through a psychological understanding, evoking a sense of disillusionment as something as personal as art can be manipulated for ideological purposes. Furthermore, Tommy’s animal drawings are significant as despite being ridiculed by his peers, he continues his work with passion. Kathy mentions ‘the more excited he (Tommy) got telling me about his animals, the more uneasy I was growing.’ (pg. 278) This becomes an emotional experience for the audience as they recognise the journey of Tommy’s art to realise it was only a tool to justify his humanity to a society that views the clones as mere underclassmen. Thus, Ishiguro positions the audience to reflect the Marxist idea that art was used as a tool for ideological control throughout the novel.

michellejacob3 — 2025-04-04 03:35:29 UTC

Faber Books (2025). Kazuo Ishiguro on why the characters in Never Let Me Go don’t run. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIYx14nN9Cw. (Accessed 24/03/2025)