Identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that is central to the theme of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, Never Let Me Go. Set in a dystopian society in which human clones are raised to be organ donors, the novel explores the ways in which identity is shaped by both external and internal factors.
One of the key themes of the novel is the concept of "becoming," or the process by which individuals come to understand and define themselves. The novel follows the lives of three main characters: Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, all of whom are clones who have been raised in a secluded boarding school called Hailsham. While the school is meant to be a place of education and enrichment, it is also a place where the students are subjected to a number of strict rules and regulations that are meant to prepare them for their eventual roles as organ donors.
Throughout the novel, Ishiguro uses the characters of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy to illustrate the various ways in which identity can be shaped and influenced. For example, Ruth is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent individual who is determined to forge her own path in life. In contrast, Tommy is depicted as more passive and reliant on others, struggling to assert his own identity and independence. Kathy, meanwhile, is positioned as the narrator of the novel, and her perspective provides insight into the complexities of identity and the ways in which it can be both shaped by external factors and influenced by one's own internal desires and motivations.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the way in which the characters' identities are shaped by the societal expectations that are placed upon them. As clones, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy are constantly reminded of their role as organ donors, and this understanding of their purpose in society heavily influences the way in which they view themselves. For example, Ruth becomes increasingly conflicted as she grapples with the knowledge that her body is meant to be used for the benefit of others, and this conflict ultimately leads to a rift in her relationships with the other characters.
In addition to external societal expectations, the characters' identities are also influenced by their relationships with one another. Throughout the novel, the three main characters form deep and complex bonds, and these relationships play a significant role in shaping their sense of self. For example, Kathy's relationship with Ruth and Tommy is a source of both conflict and support, and it ultimately shapes the way in which she understands and defines herself.
In conclusion, the theme of identity is a central and complex aspect of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, Never Let Me Go. Through the lives of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, the novel explores the various ways in which identity can be shaped and influenced by external societal expectations, as well as by one's own internal desires and motivations. Ultimately, the novel suggests that identity is a multifaceted and constantly evolving concept, and that it is shaped by a combination of external and internal factors.
