Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
PART TWO - THE COTTAGES
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(CH 10 – CH 17)
Arrival at the “cottages”.
a. What are the “cottages”? What function do they serve for the clones?
The “cottages” are the place the clones go, between leaving their childhood centres that include schools like Hailsham, but
before they began their careers as carer and later donors. It is a place where they are forced to become independent and
resilient, in preparation for the life as a carer.
b. How do other clones treat the students from Hailsham?
The other clones see Hailsham as a place of privilege as the clones there did not experience the same harsh upbringing. Kathy H
describes how Chrissie, one of the veterans, is “awestruck about our being from Hailsham. It is also rumoured that clones from
Hailsham have access to a “deferral” if they can prove that they are in love with another clone and it was only “something you
could do if you were a Hailsham student” (CH13 pg. 150 Chrissie and Rodney ask Ruth, Kathy H and Tommy about this rumour
during their trip to Norfolk, as they hope that since they are in a serious relationship that they might be able to access this
rumoured “deferral”. Despite Chrissie and Rodney being the more experienced “veterans” at the Cottages, they look up to Ruth,
Kathy H and Tommy in some ways, as they are from Hailsham, and this supposedly gives the more privileges. Ishiguro reveals
this dynamic to the reader in the way Kathy H describes how Chrissie and Rodney appeared “afraid” and “hopeful” when they
finally ask Kathy H, Ruth and Tommy about the “deferrals” (CH13, pg. 151), as supposedly only Hailsham students can get
“deferrals”.
Kathy H notices that many of the mannerisms the older veterans use come from television, and is critical of Ruth for adopting
them as well. Why is it significant that the clones copy expressions and mannerisms from television? What does it say about
their lives?
Kathy H is critical of the way many of the older veterans and later Ruth adopt mannerisms from television programs, as she tells
Ruth that it is not how “real families” (CH 10, pg. 122) or couples act.
By revealing how the clones like Ruth and others, copy mannerisms from television, Ishiguro is showing the reader the lack of
connection they have with the outside world. In particular, he uses the example of a veteran called Susie, who would “roll her
eyes” and mouth “Gawd help us”, whenever her partner Greg began a speech. His narrator, Kathy H soon discovers that Susie
has taken this from television. The choice of the phrase “Gawd help us” is significant as it an American colloquialism that seems
out of place in the novel’s setting of a dystopian Britian in the later 1990s. The fact that Susie and most of the clones don’t
realise the inappropriateness of that saying, highlight how removed they are from the rest of society at the cottages.
Furthermore, it highlights how the clones are forced to learn about the world through the medium of television since coming to
the cottages, as they have no adult figures like the Hailsham “guardians” to use as models.
Discuss the significance of the search for Ruth’s “possible” in the narrative.
a. What might it mean for a clone to find a “possible” for themselves?
According to the clones, a “possible” is the person who the original from which they have been cloned. Kathy H explains their
importance as being that “when you saw the person you were copied from, you’d get some insight into who you were deep
down, and maybe too, you’d see something of what your life” (CH12, pg.138). The potential “possibles” are a symbol in the
narrative of the clones’ desire both to belong to someone and have an independent sense of identity apart from the other clones,
as well as also representing they might have a different future from the rest.
b. How does Chrissie and Rodney’s description of a “possible” for Ruth mirror her dream future? What is ironic about
Ruth’s dream?
Chrissie and Rodney tell Ruth that they spotted her “possible” working in an office in a small Norfolk village called Cronmer. This
is very similar to Ruth’s dream future in which she sees herself working in an office rather then becoming a carer followed by
being a donor. Ruth’s dream future of working in an office, is somewhat ironic, like that of the other clones, who dream of being
a “postman or working on a farm” (CH12,pg.141). Ishiguro uses the lowly nature of Ruth’s ambition to work in the office to
reveal through irony how little the clones understand about the outside world, and that the most they can imagine for
themselves is a mundane future as office or farm worker. It is this lack of ambition by the clones in their dream futures, which
ends up distinguishing them from normal people, as they never desire to be “movie star(s)” (CH12,pg.140).
c. What happens when Ruth, Tommy and Kathy H go with Chrissie and Rodney to find Ruth’s possible? What does their
reaction say about the clones’ attitude to normal lives? How does Ishiguro use a range of techniques to reveal this
attitude to the reader?
Ruth, Tommy and Kathy H with Chrissie and Rodney’s help find Ruth’s possible working in an office. The clones watch the people
in the office like animals in the zoo.
Ishiguro draws attention to the distance between the clones and the real world, by emphasizing how they had to view Ruth’s
possible and her co-workers through the “big glass front” of the office. This “glass” is again another medium like the television
at the cottages, through which the clones learn about the outside world. He describes in careful literal detail the sheer
ordinariness of the office with “a dozen desks arranged in irregular L-shapes”, “potted palms” and “desk lamps” (CH 13, pg. 156),
to emphasize how out of the ordinary the clones reaction to this scene is as they stand staring at the people at work. Tommy’s
comment, “Look…its their lunch break, but they don’t go out. Don’t blame them either.”, adds to the zoo-like quality of the
scene as his observations are similar to what a person might make about a caged animal they are observing.
d. After this disappointment, Ruth attacks Kathy H about her interest in pornography that has been trying to comfort her.
Ruth’s tirade reminds the reader of Kathy H’s earlier interest in pornography at the cottages. Why has Kathy H been so
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interested in pornography at the cottages? What is she looking for? What fear might the pornography symbolise to
Kathy H?
After Ruth’s disappointment at realising the woman in the office is not her “possible”, she responds angrily to Kathy’s attempts
to comfort her. Her bitter tirade in which she states, that “We’re modelled from trash. Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps” and
“Look down the toilet, that’s where you’ll find where we all come from” (CH14,pg. 164) highlights that many clones fear that
their original models were society’s “trash” and by association that makes them “trash” too. Ishiguro deliberately uses slang
words with a strong negative connotation - “Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps” both to reveal Ruth’s bitterness, but also her
fears that she and the other clones are no better than “trash”. It is also a direct contrast to the usual clinical nomenclature used
to describe the cloning process in “carers”, “donor” and “completed”. This tirade by Ruth also reminds the reader of Kathy H’s
own inner fears about where the clones come from, as evidenced in her search for a possible in pornography magazines.
What taboo is there about the students who have already who have already left the Cottages, and how does this reflect the
general attitude of those at the Cottages towards their future?
Clones who have already left the cottages to begin their work as carers and donors, are rarely ever mentioned by others still
there. Kathy H describes how there was a “big hush” around “certain veterans” (CH11, pg.130) when they went off to do
courses. Furthermore, Kathy H and Tommy are reluctant to join Chrissie, Rodney and Ruth in visiting a carer, who used to live at
the cottages, as it isn’t encouraged. By highlighting how reluctant Kathy H and the others are to find out about life after the
cottages, Ishiguro is reminding the reader again, of how these clones willingly accept their fate. Their lack of interest is evidence
of their acceptance that they can do nothing to prevent their future as a carer and donor.
Much to Kathy’s surprise, Tommy has started to draw again, but this time in a much more detailed and creative way.
a. What are Tommy’s reasons for drawing again?
After their trip to Norfolk, Tommy begins to draw again, as he hopes to create something good enough for Madame’s Gallery.
He has previously explained to Kathy H that he overheard Miss Emily telling some other students that their artwork “revealed
what you like inside…they revealed your soul” (CH15, 173). Tommy hopes that if he creates something good enough for the
gallery, his previous lack of non-creativity will be forgiven, and he might have a chance of gaining a deferral with Ruth.
b. What are Kathy and Ruth’s reactions to the drawings?
Kathy H realises that Tommy’s new drawings are quite unique and after her intial surprise, tells him that they are “Really good.”
(CH16, pg. 186). However, when Ruth describes them disparagingly to Kathy H, she agrees with her and later laughs at Tommy’s
drawings.
Chrissie and Rodney ask the former Hailsham students about a “deferment”, and how to access it. This rumour about a delay
in becoming a donor drives the action for much of Part 2 and 3 of the book. Consider the implications of what a “deferment”
might mean for the clones.
a. What is a “deferment”? Why does it seem so attractive to Chrisse and Rodney? How is this rumour associated with
Hailsham?
Chrissie and Rodney ask Ruth, Kathy H and Tommy about this rumour during their trip to Norfolk, as they hope that since they
are in a serious relationship that they might be able to access this rumoured “deferral”. Despite Chrissie and Rodney being the
more experienced “veterans” at the Cottages, they look up to Ruth, Kathy H and Tommy in some ways, as they are from
Hailsham, and this supposedly gives the more privileges. Ishiguro reveals this dynamic to the reader in the way Kathy H
describes how Chrissie and Rodney appeared “afraid” and “hopeful” when they finally ask Kathy H, Ruth and Tommy about the
“deferrals” (CH13, pg. 151), as supposedly only Hailsham students can get “deferrals”.
b. Consider the fact that the clones are only interested in seeking a “deferment” (or delay) from becoming a donor? What
does it say about the clones and their understanding of their role in society? How does this rumour connect with the
novel’s title?
The clones in Never Let Me Go are unwilling to rebel or escape from the system in which they will become a carer than a donor.
Ishiguro has carefully chosen the word “deferral” to describe some clones’ desire to delay becoming carers, as it means a
temporary delay against an inevitable future commitment. This choice of word really emphasizes how the clones like Kathy H
accept their fate within the system as inevitable, only hope to delay it by three years.
The title, Never Let Me Go, refers to the way the clones and their futures are inextricably linked with the carer-donor system.
On occasions, the clones might dream of “deferral” or a dream future in an office or working on a farm, but through-out the
novel there is never any hint of rebellion against a system that will “Never let” them “go”. The use of the word “me” in the title,
also emphasizes how the clones ultimately rely on this system for an identity as in Kathy H, who has been “a carer for eleven
years”, and are unwilling to separate themselves from it.
Describe how the relationship between Kathy, Ruth and Tommy has changed through-out this section of the novel.
Passages for close reading.
a. ARRIVAL AT COTTAGES: Look closely at the section starting with “Eight of us” (CH10, pg. 114 to “unable to quite let
each other go” (CH10, pg. 118).
I. Describe the cottages and the life the clones lead. Why is this so different from Hailsham for Kathy H?
The cottages are a run-down former farm where the clones live until they begin their job as carers. For Kathy H, and the other
former Hailsham students, the cottages lack the well-ordered sense of familiarity of Hailsham where they had the guardians to
take care of them but here they “would have to look after each other” (CH10, pg.115). The caretaker, Keffers, is disinterested in
the clones and is irritated and impatient with them. Intially, Kathy H and the others from Hailsham struggle with the lack of
structure “spending large parts of the day awkwardly standing outside the farmhouse not knowing what else to do” (CH10, pg.
117). The physical condition of the cottages is also such a contrast to Hailsham that had a well-maintained sporting pavilion,
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dorm rooms, an art room and separate dining room, as they are run-down, dirty and cold for the students. The clones mostly
stay at the cottages, apart from the occasional trip, where they are mostly isolated and cut-off from contemporary society.
II. Who is Keffer? How does he treat the clones? What does his attitude reveal about society in general’s view of
the clones?
Keffer is the caretaker for the cottages and the clones. He is described as a “grumpy old guy” in a “muddy old van”, who is
responsible checking on the clones. Yet he “didn’t like to talk to” to the clones, and often shook his “disgustedly” (CH10, pg. 114)
at the state the clones kept the cottages. Ishiguro uses Keffer as an example of how most of the society treats the clones, he
clearly has some responsibility for their well-being but barely acknowledges them and their needs as evidenced in the way he is
so reluctant to give them more gas for heating. The description of the way he sighed “disgustedly” at their living quarters
reflects his own attitude to the clones that he sees as some disgusting scientific abomination that is yet necessary in this
dystopian world.
III. Carefully read over this passage again, and make notes about the techniques that Ishiguro uses to describe the
cottages and Keffer. How does Ishiguro create a sense of the clones as being isolated from the rest of society ?
 ANALEPTIC DEVICE - Device of Kathy H’s essay on the Victorian novel, and her desire to work on it again, used as a device to
transition the reader into her flashback to the cottages.
 SYMBOLISM: The “hills” near the cottages are “oddly crooked” unlike the ones at Hailsham, symbolising the differences
between the cottages and Hailsham, as in this new place everything is run-down or falling apart.
 SIMILE: Again Ishiguro highlights how disquieting moving to the cottages is for the former Hailsham students originally, as
Kathy H likens its to a “not quite” “picture of a friend” that “gives you the creeps.” By associating the cottages with the
feeling of being given the “creeps”, Ishiguro draws the reader’s attention to how different the clones are treated there by
society in comparison to Hailsham.
o “We could see hills in the distance that reminded us of the ones in the distance at Hailsham, but they seemed to
us oddly crooked, like when you draw a picture of a friend and its almost right but not quite and the face on the
sheet gives you the creeps” (CH10, p.116)
 EMPHASIS & LITERAL DESCRIPTION: By emphasizing how dilapidated the cottages are, Ishiguro is revealing to the reader
how most of society views the clones, as a necessary evil that should be kept separate and in the most basic rudimentary
conditions as opposed to more progressive places like Hailsham.
 “remains of a farm that had gone out of business”
 “grumpy old guy” with a “muddy van” (CH10, pg.114)
 “leaking gutters and mop up after floods” (CH10, pg. 115)
 “I remember a lot of the time …. being chilly” (CH10, pg. 115)
 “with all the puddles frozen over and the rough ground frosted bone hard” (CH10, pg.116)
 “There were other buildings…that were virtually falling down…” (CH10, pg. 114)
b. KATHY AND TOMMY FIND A COPY OF THE JUDY BRIDGEWATER TAPE: Look closely at the section starting from “At the
start…” (CH 15 pg. 169) to “…in any particular hurry” (CH 15 pg. 177)
I. What do the clones, whom have been at Hailsham, associate Norfolk with? Why might this be considered
symbolic?
 Earlier in the novel, Kathy H describes how they came to call Norfolk, the “lost corner”, as when they had geography
lessons at Hailsham it was the only county that Miss Emily was unable to show them as she didn’t own a Norfolk picture
calendar. Kathy H describes how as they had “never seen a picture of the place” it “only added to its mystique” (CH6,
pg.67).
II. Look closely at the description of the place in the shop where Kathy and Tommy found the tape. “And I
suddenly….” To “out of my hand” pg. 171. What techniques does Ishiguro use to draw a parallel between this
place in the shop and the clones’ status in the wider society?
o QUOTE : “And I suddenly became very conscious of the fact that we were the only people in the shop, except for
the old guy behind the counter at the front engrossed in his paperwork. We were right at the back of the shop, on
a raised platform where it was darker and more secluded, like the old guy didn’t want to think about the stuff in
our area and had mentally curtained it off.” (CH15, pg.117)
 Ishiguro uses this description of Kathy H and Tommy searching for the Judy Bridgewater tape in an old op shop as an
analogy to remind the reader, how this dystopian society wishes to keep the clones and the donor system hidden from
view. Kathy H describes how she and Tommy were “right at the back of the shop…where it was darker and more secluded”
in an area of the shop that the “old guy” had “mentally curtained…off”. The “old guy” represents the rest of society and its
attitude to clones like Kathy H and Tommy, where they are best kept “secluded” and “curtained …off” that is hidden away
from view. Ishiguro’s choice of words in this passage are also significant as words like “darker” and “secluded” emphasize
the negative way society views the clones.