Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go features such bleak themes as conformity, the nature of one's origins, and human mortality. However, though the themes and plot itself are depressing, Kathy's outlook and position on her situation are not bitter, angry, or saddened, in fact she looks back on her life and experiences with nostalgia and fondness, even trying to paint some of the most unpleasant people she encountered in a good light.
One reason Kathy might try to reflect on the positives of the people in her past is that she feels a responsibility to represent them with kindness. The clones in the novel live for only a short time, and get no chance to interact with the outside world, or accomplish any remarkable goal, nor do they probably leave behind any property as most of what they own is either purchased in "Sales" or made by the other children at Hailsham (Ishiguro,16). This is a regard in which Kathy is unique, as the novel itself seems to read as though it is a last will or a final account of Kathy's life which she is recording for the world to find. If this is the case and Kathy is aware of the fact that she is likely going to leave the only record of herself and any of her friend's lives, it seems respectful that she would try to speak of them fondly and respectfully, to paint them in a good light.
Kathy may also be attempting to thank those in her life who helped her to lead as happy a life as possible, namely the guardians at Hailsham. The reader finds out early in the novel that to live at Hailsham is to have a lucky and privileged childhood, and Kathy is trying to express gratitude at having had such a positive upbringing (Ishiguro, 5).
Kathy even talks fondly of the hospital room in which Ruth stays after donating, saying, "the center Ruth was in that time, it's one of my favourites, and I wouldn't mind at all if that's where I ended up" (Ishiguro, 17). Kathy wants to see the world in a good light, wants to make peace with the world, though she's been given a bad lot in life. There's a saying that says one should never go to bed angry, and perhaps that is what Kathy is trying to do, to be happy right up until the very end, with no grudges or bitterness left behind.
I think your claim that Kathy is representing people in her past in a positive manner because of her own feelings of responsibility to represent them is an interesting claim that wasn't made before. I agree with your claim as Kathy is indeed in a unique situation compared to the other clones as her story and her mark is left in the world while all the other clones seemingly disappear without a trace (except for the Hailsham clones who had their artwork in Madame's gallery). As Kathy says towards the end "I lost Ruth, then I lost Tommy, but I won't lose my memories of them" (Ishiguro, 286). All of her memories with Tommy and Ruth are precious to her, no matter how evil or rude her friends may seem in them. After the completion of Ruth and Tommy, her community that she grew up with at Hailsham is now gone, with nothing but her memories to keep her comfort. Kathy is lonely, symbolized by the fleeting balloons that the clown was holding on the street (213). The moment Hailsham closed down, seemingly the only link holding Hailsham students together was cut, just like the balloons. I think Kathy wants to remember her times with Ruth and Tommy in a positive light to keep her community together, and as you have stated, to be happy until the end.
ReplyDeleteAs unbelievable as it seems, Kathy remains positive and somewhat reminiscent throughout the depressing novel. While it is possible Kathy wants her final thoughts to be sweet, I also believe that Kathy’s optimism has to do with her job as a carer and her maturity.
ReplyDeleteEven in the beginning of the novel, Kathy describes her role as a carer. She reveals that she is held with high regard for her impact, stating, “I do know for a fact they’ve been pleased with my work, and by and large, I have too. My donors have always tended to do much better than expected” (Ishiguro 3). She further describes her position and, indirectly, how her maturity plays a part when she claims, “I know when to hang around and comfort them, when to leave them to themselves; when to listen to every word they say, and when just to shrug and tell them to snap out of it” (Ishiguro 3).
Kathy exemplifies her maturity and the reason why she views her past with such optimism when she describes life at the Cottage. She describes her relationship with Ruth by saying “however much we might have fallen out during the day, com bed-time, Ruth and I would still find ourselves sitting side by side on my mattress, sipping our hot drinks, exchanging our deepest feelings about our new life…” (Ishiguro 126).
I believe Kathy’s main reason for looking back with positivity has to do with her character and role as a carer.