Themes

Question 1

What is the definition of ‘bildungsroman’?

Answer 1

‘Bildungsroman’ is a novel of one person’s education.

Question 2

Who is the narrator and protagonist of ‘Never Let Me Go’?

Answer 2

Kathy H.

Question 3

What are the two main settings where Kathy H. details her education?

Answer 3

• Hailsham
• The Cottages

Question 4

What themes characterize Kathy H.’s experiences as she matures?

Answer 4

• Disappointments
• Anxieties
• Moments of happiness

Question 5

What do Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth learn about their existence?

Answer 5

They learn that they are clones who will serve as organ donors.

Question 6

How do the students react to Miss Lucy’s revelation about their future?

Answer 6

They feel embarrassed and confused rather than shocked.

Question 7

What does Ruth struggle with throughout the novel?

Answer 7

• Anger
• Self-absorption
• Desire to appear ‘in the know’

Question 8

What change occurs in Tommy’s character over time?

Answer 8

He loses his youthful impetuosity and temper tantrums.

Question 9

What role does Kathy take on as she matures?

Answer 9

She becomes a skilled carer.

Question 10

What is the main conflict in ‘Never Let Me Go’ regarding the characters’ futures?

Answer 10

The conflict between individual goals and social expectations.

Question 11

What does Ruth desire above all else?

Answer 11

To have a ‘normal’ office job.

Question 12

What is the only allowable job for the clones after leaving Hailsham?

Answer 12

• Carer
• Donor

Question 13

What does Ishiguro imply about the nature of choice for both clones and humans?

Answer 13

Our lives have a beginning, middle, and end, and we cannot avert our ultimate fate.

Question 14

What symbolizes freedom for the characters in the novel?

Answer 14

The Judy Bridgewater tape of the song ‘Never Let Me Go.’

Question 15

What emotional experience does Kathy associate with the song ‘Never Let Me Go’?

Answer 15

Feelings of love and human attachment.

Question 16

What does Kathy ultimately accept about her life?

Answer 16

That her life is small, brief, and filled with uncontrollable obstacles.

Question 17

True or False: Kathy feels that life is not worth living despite its challenges.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

What is a key characteristic of the novel’s structure?

Answer 18

A pattern of losing and finding, both of people and objects.

Question 19

Where is the primary setting for the theme of losing and finding?

Answer 19

Norfolk, a seaside town in a ‘lost corner’ of England.

Question 20

How do the characters interpret Norfolk?

Answer 20

As a whimsical place where all lost things are sent to be collected.

Question 21

What does Kathy wonder about her missing Judy Bridgewater tape?

Answer 21

If it might have ‘found’ its way to Norfolk.

Question 22

What significant event happens when Tommy and Kathy visit a second-hand store?

Answer 22

They find a copy of the Judy Bridgewater tape.

Question 23

What does Kathy realize about the magic of Norfolk?

Answer 23

It is a fantasy.

Question 24

What bond do Tommy and Kathy form in the novel?

Answer 24

They find each other later as Ruth’s health falters.

Question 25

What concern do couples in the novel have regarding their futures?

Answer 25

They fear losing one another once assigned as carers and donors.

Question 26

What possibility do Chrissie and Rodney discuss regarding Hailsham students?

Answer 26

The idea of postponement.

Question 27

What does Tommy work on to match with his love?

Answer 27

His 'animals' or art projects.

Question 28

What are the two larger concepts that are 'lost' in the novel?

Answer 28

* Hailsham * The characters' innocence.

Question 29

What does the closing of Hailsham represent?

Answer 29

Society losing its sense of the humanity of clones.

Question 30

How do Tommy and Kathy react to the closure of Hailsham?

Answer 30

They feel a double-layered sadness.

Question 31

What must clones learn to cope with in their lives?

Answer 31

* Romantic failures * Excitements * Realities of their own deaths.

Question 32

What is a notable trait of the clones regarding their fate?

Answer 32

They are remarkably passive in accepting their fates.

Question 33

How does Ishiguro initially present the concept of social donation?

Answer 33

By revealing information slowly and intending to shock the reader.

Question 34

What deeper point does Ishiguro make about the clones' acceptance of their fate?

Answer 34

It prompts readers to reflect on their own lives and choices.

Question 35

What is the irony regarding the clones' lives compared to 'normal' humans?

Answer 35

Clones experience similar emotions and life transitions but are marginalized.

Question 36

What does Kathy's adult life consist of?

Answer 36

Driving around and checking in on the donors for whom she cares.

Question 37

What does Kathy find comfort in despite her loneliness?

Answer 37

Her deep friendships with Tommy and Ruth.

Question 38

True or False: The clones are depicted as having fundamentally different lives from normal humans.

Answer 38

True.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: Hailsham was an 'experiment' in a certain type of _______.

Answer 39

[compassionate, school-like environment for clones]

Question 40

What is the most important theme in the novel?

Answer 40

Love, care, and donation

Question 41

How is 'care' defined in the context of the novel?

Answer 41

The human interaction a donor needs when facing the pain of organ donation

Question 42

What does 'donation' refer to in the novel?

Answer 42

The giving away of organs or the giving away of art at Hailsham

Question 43

How does art function for the students at Hailsham?

Answer 43

It is a representation of the students and conditions them to the necessity of giving away a part of themselves

Question 44

What does Kathy realize about the clones at Hailsham?

Answer 44

They have been educated to find the donation of a part of themselves integral to their lives

Question 45

What is considered a social obligation for the clones?

Answer 45

Caring for their donors and giving and appreciating the art of their fellow students

Question 46

What does Kathy's love for Tommy and Ruth signify?

Answer 46

A genuine connection and an attempt to mend the rifts of the past

Question 47

What does Kathy acknowledge about her life at Hailsham?

Answer 47

It made them feel safe and special compared to the rest of society

Question 48

What song does Kathy associate with a normal life?

Answer 48

'Never Let Me Go'

Question 49

What does Kathy's relationship with Ruth and Tommy provide her?

Answer 49

A meaningful life based on loving, caring interactions

Question 50

What does the Judy Bridgewater tape symbolize for Kathy?

Answer 50

Her innocence at Hailsham and her desire for connection

Question 51

What is the significance of Madame's reaction to Kathy dancing to the tape?

Answer 51

It reflects the cruel world that clones will face

Question 52

What does the Bridgewater tape represent for Tommy?

Answer 52

His longing for emotional connection with Kathy

Question 53

What does Ruth associate with the Bridgewater tape?

Answer 53

A secret connection between Tommy and Kathy

Question 54

What is Hailsham described as in the beginning?

Answer 54

A paradise and refuge for the students

Question 55

What do the students realize about Hailsham as they grow older?

Answer 55

It is a well-groomed way-station for them as organ donors

Question 56

What happens to Hailsham at the end of the novel?

Answer 56

It closes due to loss of funding and public favor

Question 57

What does Kathy learn about her memories of Hailsham?

Answer 57

They will never deteriorate and the bond shared there was powerful

Question 58

Fill in the blank: Kathy realizes she loves _______.

Answer 58

Tommy

Question 59

Fill in the blank: Hailsham was a social experiment in more humane conditions for _______.

Answer 59

clones

Question 60

True or False: Hailsham students are unaware of their purpose as organ donors.

Answer 60

False