Kazuo Ishiguro's "Never Let Me Go" explores the ethical implications... Show more
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16 Feb 2026
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Never Let Me Go: Cloning, Morals, and Big Themes
Viki
@vickymicky
"Never Let Me Go" Context and Themes
Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Never Let Me Go" is set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the ethical implications of human cloning. The story unfolds in a dystopian version of England, where clones are created and raised for the purpose of organ donation.
Definition: Dystopian - An imagined state or society where there is great suffering, injustice, or corruption.
The novel explores several key themes that resonate with real-world debates on scientific ethics and human rights:
-
The Importance of Cloning in "Never Let Me Go": The entire premise of the novel revolves around the creation and use of human clones for medical purposes. This central theme allows Ishiguro to explore the morality in Never Let Me Go and the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement.
-
Societal Myths and Discrimination: The novel portrays how society develops myths about clones, such as the belief that they lack souls. This misconception leads to widespread discrimination against clones, drawing parallels to real-world prejudices.
Highlight: The discrimination faced by clones in the novel is compared to racial prejudice, highlighting the societal themes of othering and dehumanization.
-
Scientific Progress and Ethics: The creation of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, in the 1990s serves as a historical backdrop for the novel. This real-world event sparked controversy and debates about the ethics of cloning, which are reflected in the fictional world of "Never Let Me Go."
-
Personal Identity and Humanity: Through the experiences of the protagonist, Kathy, and her friends, the novel explores what it means to be human and the nature of the soul, challenging readers to consider these philosophical questions.
Quote: "Many people disagreed with the idea of cloning as they believed it's not right for us to play God."
-
Education and Upbringing: The novel's setting of Hailsham, a boarding school for clones, draws inspiration from Ishiguro's own experiences as an outsider in a British boarding school. This setting allows for an exploration of how education and upbringing shape identity and purpose.
-
Genre and Narrative Structure: "Never Let Me Go" combines elements of dystopian fiction with the bildungsroman genre, following Kathy's development from childhood to adulthood. This unique blend allows for a deep exploration of character growth against the backdrop of a morally complex society.
Vocabulary: Bildungsroman - A genre of novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood.
By interweaving these themes, Ishiguro creates a compelling narrative that encourages readers to reflect on the ethical implications of scientific advancement, the nature of humanity, and the societal constructs that shape our understanding of identity and worth. The novel's exploration of these themes in "Never Let Me Go" continues to resonate with readers, sparking discussions on bioethics, human rights, and the potential consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Never Let Me Go: Cloning, Morals, and Big Themes
Viki
@vickymicky
Kazuo Ishiguro's "Never Let Me Go" explores the ethical implications of human cloning in a dystopian society, focusing on the lives of clones raised for organ donation. The novel delves into themes of identity, humanity, and the moral consequences of... Show more
"Never Let Me Go" Context and Themes
Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Never Let Me Go" is set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the ethical implications of human cloning. The story unfolds in a dystopian version of England, where clones are created and raised for the purpose of organ donation.
Definition: Dystopian - An imagined state or society where there is great suffering, injustice, or corruption.
The novel explores several key themes that resonate with real-world debates on scientific ethics and human rights:
-
The Importance of Cloning in "Never Let Me Go": The entire premise of the novel revolves around the creation and use of human clones for medical purposes. This central theme allows Ishiguro to explore the morality in Never Let Me Go and the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement.
-
Societal Myths and Discrimination: The novel portrays how society develops myths about clones, such as the belief that they lack souls. This misconception leads to widespread discrimination against clones, drawing parallels to real-world prejudices.
Highlight: The discrimination faced by clones in the novel is compared to racial prejudice, highlighting the societal themes of othering and dehumanization.
-
Scientific Progress and Ethics: The creation of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, in the 1990s serves as a historical backdrop for the novel. This real-world event sparked controversy and debates about the ethics of cloning, which are reflected in the fictional world of "Never Let Me Go."
-
Personal Identity and Humanity: Through the experiences of the protagonist, Kathy, and her friends, the novel explores what it means to be human and the nature of the soul, challenging readers to consider these philosophical questions.
Quote: "Many people disagreed with the idea of cloning as they believed it's not right for us to play God."
-
Education and Upbringing: The novel's setting of Hailsham, a boarding school for clones, draws inspiration from Ishiguro's own experiences as an outsider in a British boarding school. This setting allows for an exploration of how education and upbringing shape identity and purpose.
-
Genre and Narrative Structure: "Never Let Me Go" combines elements of dystopian fiction with the bildungsroman genre, following Kathy's development from childhood to adulthood. This unique blend allows for a deep exploration of character growth against the backdrop of a morally complex society.
Vocabulary: Bildungsroman - A genre of novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood.
By interweaving these themes, Ishiguro creates a compelling narrative that encourages readers to reflect on the ethical implications of scientific advancement, the nature of humanity, and the societal constructs that shape our understanding of identity and worth. The novel's exploration of these themes in "Never Let Me Go" continues to resonate with readers, sparking discussions on bioethics, human rights, and the potential consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Never Let Me Go (novel)
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user