Plot Puzzles
Why was Hailsham created for the clones?
Control their development, and get them ready to be harvested
Who do you think is the Protagonist?
Kathy
Why might orphans not deserve human dignity? (Hint: Think about clones and why they don't)
Their origin
When Ruth says "We’re modeled from trash. Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps. That’s what we come from." in response to not finding her possible, how is this a reflection of the clones' perspectives of themselves?
They feel alienated, as it shows they feel that their origins dictate them as a person more than their soul, and because their origins are different, they never truly belong. Bonus: If someone had an innovative Shuming-type perspective that will count as a point if Adam, Rohan, Victoria, and Sarah all agree it is valid.
What can a song like the cassette tape that Kathy had, symbolize while the character is emotionally in a dark place?
Comfort, escape, reminiscing of the past where they were in a better place, coping mechanism
In Never Let Me Go, who do many characters latch onto hope of a different path, even with a predestined fate?
gives the clones a sense of purpose to propel them forward in the face of hardships.
Why would one change their behaviors in a new environment (Hint Ruth)?
To fit in with the norm
From the book, should people know their life is predetermined, or should they never find out?
Not knowing offers tranquility until the truth is revealed, then they feel betrayed. Knowing the truth makes them more aware, but it is a psychological burden that negatively affects the rest of their life.
Who do you think this quote was said to? “None of you will go to America, none of you will be film stars. And none of you will be working in supermarkets as I heard some of you planning the other day. Your lives are set out for you.”
The clones
What would Kathy's collection of many small drawings, paintings, and objects over time represent?
Memories
Why do the clones have different reactions to the reveal of their predestined purpose? (Hint: does it relate to divirsity)
To show their individuality, and how their diversity is another nod toward how similar they are to humans?
Why would one accept their terrible fate rather than take action? (Hint: Kathy and Tommy)
If they feel that there fate is inevitable, thus all retaliation is futile
Is it morally correct to sacrifice lives to benefit others?
If we value autonomy then no, or if we view things from a utilitarian perspective then yes (At least one point must be identified) (if it's a religious answer, give them the points to avoid backlash)
"It had never occurred to me that our lives, so closely interwoven, could unravel so quickly." what does this quote say about the clones relationships?
Even Strong connections are like a fabrojay egg because they're fragile, especially when new struggles arise
What did art symbolize in the book Never Let Me Go?
Individuality, creative output
How does not giving all the information affect one's ability to make choices?
It causes them to view a manipulated perspective of reality
What character in the book is most likely to throw a tantrum? (Hint: This character is sensitive, insecure, emotional, frustrated, naïve and vulnerable)
Tommy
What ideals are questioned if a person isn't created to exist as a free human being with dignity, and instead is created to be farmed like livestock?
Free will, consent, human dignity etc. (just kinda throw a dart in that direction)
What emotion was Kazuo Ishiguro trying to evoke in the readers between the scene where Tommy is speaking to Kath at the end of the book: “I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast. And these two people in the water, trying to hold onto each other, holding on as hard as they can, but in the end it’s just too much. The current’s too strong. They’ve got to let go, drift apart. That’s how I think it is with us. It’s a shame, Kath, because we’ve loved each other all our lives. But in the end, we can’t stay together forever.”
Sadness, Empathy of the reluctance of clones in their parting, sympathy
What does the school Hailsham symbolize if it is both a school about learning as well as a place of confinement? (This is difficult sorry)
Cultivation + synonyms
In Never Let Me Go, 2 thirds of the book is a flashback, why might the Ishiguro have done this? (Hint the title)
Never Let Me Go
Which characters may have said this "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."
Madame Marie-claude
What makes a person "human"? Or what is Humanity?
emotions, consciousness, human characteristics, individuality, and creativity are primary traits shared by humans
Does Ms. Emily think informing the clones of their predestined future is the right or wrong decision based on this quote from her "You need to remember that. If you’re to have decent lives, you have to know who you are and what lies ahead of you, every one of you."
"
Right decision
Why might the topic of harvesting organs be referred to in such a gentle and calm manner throughout the book?
Because that is the purpose of their lives as clones and the harvesting is inescapable. Another answer could be that they always knew about it since they were young and thus became desensitized to the topic.