Questions about "Never Let Me Go"

While reading "Never Let Me Go," a lot of questions are raised about the existence of these future organ donors. Why are these students here? Why bother teaching these children? Why so much emphasis on art, and what is the significance of art? Why so much emphasis on sex?

I think that by considering these questions, we can see that all are related and have a very similar answer. The students are basically a commodity, and their organs and bodies are the most important parts of themselves, obviously. I think that everything in the students lives that is pleasing or encourages the student's intelligence is a means to create a more happy existence for the students. Afterall, the happier that these students may be, the healthier they may be as well. It is scientifically proven that attitude and outlook on life is directly correlated to the health of a person, so I believe that at Hailsham, the number one priority is to keep students happy, healthy, and safe.

I don't think that the art that these students are creating serves as evidence of the "human-ness" of these children. i think that the art can be seen as a therapeutic release for these children, a way of immersing themselves in a healthy activity that allows their mind to be stimulated. I think that the child's education and studies serves a similar purpose. The children learn about history, science, reading, writing, and arithmetic in an effort to stimulate their intellect. After all, it can be assumed that these guardians are connecting mental health with physical health.

I think this is also the reason so much emphasis is put on sex. Sexual intercourse is vital to the physical health of an individual. Ask any "Cosmopolitan" reader, people who have more sex are often healthier and happier.

So in the end, I think that everything that students engage in at Hailsham is a means to an end. I believe that the guardians are not really concerned with anything but the preservation and health of the student's organs, otherwise their job would have been in vain. Since happiness is directly correlated to healthiness, then it is a priority of the guardian's to ensure the student's happiness. I think this is the reason why art and studies and sex is so emphasized at Hailsham. Which is very good for the students, because they live a much better life than, say, free range poultry or grade A beef, which is basically what the students ultimately are. Everything is a means to an end to cultivate and collect healthy, thriving organs.