Injustice in Never Let me Go

Introduction

Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go dives deep into the eerie world of human cloning and the ethical mess that comes with it. The story centers around three clones—Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth—who grow up at Hailsham, a boarding school that seems perfect on the outside. But they soon find out their real purpose: to donate their organs to “normal” humans. Ishiguro uses their lives to touch on heavy themes like dehumanization, fate, and moral neglect. This essay argues that the biggest injustice in Never Let Me Go is how the clones are systematically exploited and emotionally manipulated, stripping them of their agency, individuality, and the chance for a meaningful life.

Organ Harvesting and Dehumanization

The first big injustice in Never Let Me Go is the way clones are used for organ harvesting. From day one, they’re raised to serve one purpose: to give their organs to non-clones. This dehumanizing practice is set in stone, with the clones being made to accept their fate without batting an eyelid. At Hailsham, the guardians prepare the kids for their future roles, focusing on creativity and health but hiding the dark truth. This system takes away their autonomy, treating them like objects only valuable for their organs. It’s a deep moral issue, raising questions about the ethics of scientific progress and the worth of every human being.

Emotional Manipulation and False Hopes

Another big injustice is the emotional manipulation the clones go through. The guardians at Hailsham create a fake sense of normalcy and hope. They let the clones have friendships, education, and art, making it seem like they have a normal childhood. But it’s all a trick to keep them calm and obedient. The idea of “deferrals,” where clones in love might delay their organ donations, gives them false hope and messes with their emotions. This cruel trick not only makes their suffering worse but also shows the ethical failure of those running the system. They use the clones’ feelings to keep control.

Predetermined Futures and Loss of Choice

The clones’ lack of choice and their set-in-stone lives are another huge injustice. From birth, their futures are locked in, tied to their roles as donors. They can’t choose their paths, making their lives feel pointless. Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth try to find meaning, love, and individuality, but the strict system always stops them. This lack of choice not only strips away their humanity but also highlights the ethical problems in a system that decides people’s lives for the benefit of others.

Societal Complicity and Moral Blindness

The acceptance and normalization of the clones’ exploitation by society add another layer to the injustice. The general public’s willingness to ignore or justify the clones’ suffering shows a deep moral blindness and a scary ability to dehumanize others. By ignoring the clones’ plight, society supports a system that goes against basic principles of justice and equality. This societal complicity not only continues the clones’ suffering but also serves as a chilling reminder of how ethical standards can erode in the face of scientific and medical progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Never Let Me Go lays bare the many injustices faced by clones in a dystopian world. Through systemic exploitation, emotional manipulation, denial of choice, and societal complicity, Ishiguro paints a grim picture of a world where scientific progress tramples over basic ethical principles. The novel is a strong reminder to protect human dignity and autonomy, urging readers to think about the moral limits of technology and the intrinsic value of every human life. In exploring these themes, Never Let Me Go remains a powerful critique of a society ready to sacrifice its moral compass for the illusion of progress.

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