"'All this is something else. Kath, I don't want to be that way in front of you.'" Pg. 281
Tommy's decision to send Kathy away for his fourth donation was probably the most courageous and loving gestures in this book. It was loving because Tommy had grown to love Kathy great enough to know the things of greatest value to Kathy were her memories; not some old tape. It was also unselfish. Giving up your significant other to save them the pain of secondhand suffering takes courage and understanding. Kathy had always admired the motherly imagine from her cassette because it was a representation of miraculous love. I suppose the same could be said for Ruth, Kathy, and Tommy. They were utility beings that were never supposed to have any expression of passion or love. Out of some miracle, these three ultimately found true love for each other during a life of miraculous privelege. Through all the confusion and bickering, they also found out what love was not. They lived more, thought more, and felt more than any persons of their kind. In the end they had their memories, which, like the pillow, they never had to let go.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Explication-The Revelations and Rewards
"'But think of it. You were lucky pawns. There was a certain climate and now its gone.'" Pg. 266
This chapter revealed the scary and devastating nature of a society that could exist one day. When I try to read objectively and eliminate emotion it usually helps to analyze the story more effectively. However, this second to last chapter is just wrought with pure devastation at what humans have the power and ethics to create. The thought of clones growing up in the environment that Hailsham provided to be farmed for organs sounded cruel enough to me. Then Miss Emily explains how Tommy and Kathy are the lucky ones. For the sake of an ethical demonstration, they grew up not knowing they had it good. Of course Ishiguro created a storyline that is ethically debatable on many levels, but by hinting at the human factories that evidently exist while Tommy and Kathy are together makes Miss Emily and Madame seem like saviors. Throughout the book the reader has the understanding that the donors are stuck in a grim predicament. They are given hope when the deferral surfaces and then crushed by the words of Miss Emily. I believe it causes both the characters and the reader to appreciate the social maturity all the Hailsham kids have reached in light of the current clone world.
This chapter revealed the scary and devastating nature of a society that could exist one day. When I try to read objectively and eliminate emotion it usually helps to analyze the story more effectively. However, this second to last chapter is just wrought with pure devastation at what humans have the power and ethics to create. The thought of clones growing up in the environment that Hailsham provided to be farmed for organs sounded cruel enough to me. Then Miss Emily explains how Tommy and Kathy are the lucky ones. For the sake of an ethical demonstration, they grew up not knowing they had it good. Of course Ishiguro created a storyline that is ethically debatable on many levels, but by hinting at the human factories that evidently exist while Tommy and Kathy are together makes Miss Emily and Madame seem like saviors. Throughout the book the reader has the understanding that the donors are stuck in a grim predicament. They are given hope when the deferral surfaces and then crushed by the words of Miss Emily. I believe it causes both the characters and the reader to appreciate the social maturity all the Hailsham kids have reached in light of the current clone world.
Madame Oz
"'Poor creatures. What did we do to you ? With all our schemes and plans?'" Pg. 254
Just as with Ruth, the walls of their childhood begin to fall down for Kathy and Tommy. Now face-to-face with Madame and Miss Emily, they are confronted with women who have compassion beyond anything Hailsham students could have imagined. Madame hints that the way the students were brought up was unfair and not transparent. I believe it was done for a reason though. The Hailsham students were a whole new kind of nature and a whole new kind of being. The guardians were still figuring things out as these students grew up. They tried things like Madame's gallery without an explanation, leading to wild speculation and rumors among the students. At the heart of the operation though, I believe they had the best interest of the kids in mind. Just because they were copies of someone who already existed did not mean they were to be treated like lab rats. They were not trying to judge each student's self-expression. They had the task of nurturing something they knew little about.
Just as with Ruth, the walls of their childhood begin to fall down for Kathy and Tommy. Now face-to-face with Madame and Miss Emily, they are confronted with women who have compassion beyond anything Hailsham students could have imagined. Madame hints that the way the students were brought up was unfair and not transparent. I believe it was done for a reason though. The Hailsham students were a whole new kind of nature and a whole new kind of being. The guardians were still figuring things out as these students grew up. They tried things like Madame's gallery without an explanation, leading to wild speculation and rumors among the students. At the heart of the operation though, I believe they had the best interest of the kids in mind. Just because they were copies of someone who already existed did not mean they were to be treated like lab rats. They were not trying to judge each student's self-expression. They had the task of nurturing something they knew little about.
Let the Guard Down
"'Kathy,' she said, 'I don't really expect you to forgive me ever. I cant even see why you should. But I'm going to ask you to all the same.'" Pg. 231
Illness does amazing and profound things to the dying. Ruth is not exception. When all three go to see the boat, Ruth is weak and reserved. Kathy takes advantage of this to an extent, poking fun at Ruth that she should have done more to find her possible or a new future. Ruth finally breaks down and admits she kept Tommy and Kathy apart, urges them to seek a deferral, and enjoys a wonderful last summer with Kathy as her carer. I feel that it took the face of suffering and death to show Ruth what was important. She had spent a lifetime afraid of what she might experience if Kathy was truly happy with Tommy. She made Kathy feel isolated and alone. Now she was weak and felt that within herself. She knew she had to reconcile with Kathy to enjoy her last days as close friends. She stopped the battle and let her guard down with the intention of her two best friends continuing life together in sincere happiness.
Illness does amazing and profound things to the dying. Ruth is not exception. When all three go to see the boat, Ruth is weak and reserved. Kathy takes advantage of this to an extent, poking fun at Ruth that she should have done more to find her possible or a new future. Ruth finally breaks down and admits she kept Tommy and Kathy apart, urges them to seek a deferral, and enjoys a wonderful last summer with Kathy as her carer. I feel that it took the face of suffering and death to show Ruth what was important. She had spent a lifetime afraid of what she might experience if Kathy was truly happy with Tommy. She made Kathy feel isolated and alone. Now she was weak and felt that within herself. She knew she had to reconcile with Kathy to enjoy her last days as close friends. She stopped the battle and let her guard down with the intention of her two best friends continuing life together in sincere happiness.
Going Back
"It was almost like a part of me had alread made that decison, and Laura's words had simply pulled away a veil that had been covering it over." Pg.213
As soon as Ruth is mentioned by Laura in Chapter 18, the reconciliation with Kathy becomes inevitable. Predictably, caring takes much of the emotion out of Kathy and Ruth, but ultimately Kathy knows she be with her friend once again. Unlike many of the donors and carers, Kathy still feels her deepest connections to Hailsham because of its foundation in her short and fragile life. At a basic level, this is what sets Kathy apart from nearly every other carer/donor. She does not exactly have a rebel mentality, but she knows where to find solace. Throughout the whole book, she has reminisced about her journey. This is where she finds comfort. Not that the others have given up on being content; they have found that elsewhere. I suppose it is a bit of unfinished business as well. Kathy can sense that there is something more to be had from her friendships with Tommy and Ruth.
As soon as Ruth is mentioned by Laura in Chapter 18, the reconciliation with Kathy becomes inevitable. Predictably, caring takes much of the emotion out of Kathy and Ruth, but ultimately Kathy knows she be with her friend once again. Unlike many of the donors and carers, Kathy still feels her deepest connections to Hailsham because of its foundation in her short and fragile life. At a basic level, this is what sets Kathy apart from nearly every other carer/donor. She does not exactly have a rebel mentality, but she knows where to find solace. Throughout the whole book, she has reminisced about her journey. This is where she finds comfort. Not that the others have given up on being content; they have found that elsewhere. I suppose it is a bit of unfinished business as well. Kathy can sense that there is something more to be had from her friendships with Tommy and Ruth.
Abrupt Goodbye
"It wasn't long after that I made my decision, and once I'd made it , I never wavered." Pg.202
In a way, this could be Kathy's snap. Since returning from Norfolk, she, Ruth and Tommy had been growing ever farther apart. The incident in the churchyard seemed to indicate that Ruth had no true feelings for Tommy and she was bent on Tommy never having any for Kathy either. Then comes the bus stop conversation. Ruth hints that she probably will not be with Tommy much longer after they leave the Cottages, but Tommy does not look at Kathy as partner material anyway. Everything starts to add up here for Kathy. Ruth obviously has no intention for her best friend to be happy, and she senses that Tommy truly does not see her as a romantic pursuit. She is ready to move on. Unfortunately the only place she has to go is the lonliness and death of being a carer. Rightly so, she has given up on the "daft" hope of happiness and fulfillment. She even hints at what a shame it was that they all wasted their time "having rows" at each other during the freedom on their lives. They could have experienced so much more.
In a way, this could be Kathy's snap. Since returning from Norfolk, she, Ruth and Tommy had been growing ever farther apart. The incident in the churchyard seemed to indicate that Ruth had no true feelings for Tommy and she was bent on Tommy never having any for Kathy either. Then comes the bus stop conversation. Ruth hints that she probably will not be with Tommy much longer after they leave the Cottages, but Tommy does not look at Kathy as partner material anyway. Everything starts to add up here for Kathy. Ruth obviously has no intention for her best friend to be happy, and she senses that Tommy truly does not see her as a romantic pursuit. She is ready to move on. Unfortunately the only place she has to go is the lonliness and death of being a carer. Rightly so, she has given up on the "daft" hope of happiness and fulfillment. She even hints at what a shame it was that they all wasted their time "having rows" at each other during the freedom on their lives. They could have experienced so much more.
Subdued Warfare
"But I didn't say or do anything. It was partly, I suppose, that I was so floored by the fact that Ruth would come out with such a trick." Pg. 195
With this latest incident in the churchyard, I began to question the strength of Ruth's friendship with Kathy. Beyond the periodic irritations Ruth throws on Kathy (consciously or not), she has a perceived plan to make sure Tommy never sees Kathy as more than a platonic friend. She feels threatened by the way they are able to connect on a deep level and this concerns her. This goes back to her happiness before anyone else. She takes advantage of Tommy, making him think he needs Ruth for guidance and reassurance. Kathy, on the other hand, accepts Tommy as his own person. The aspect of Ruth and Kathy's relationship that is so perplexing is the personal agenda Ruth holds. Beyond the common friend behavior of laughing and comforting someone, Ruth holds out the valuable friend advice she is so capable of giving. Kathy endures the mind games, hoping one day Tommy might come around.
With this latest incident in the churchyard, I began to question the strength of Ruth's friendship with Kathy. Beyond the periodic irritations Ruth throws on Kathy (consciously or not), she has a perceived plan to make sure Tommy never sees Kathy as more than a platonic friend. She feels threatened by the way they are able to connect on a deep level and this concerns her. This goes back to her happiness before anyone else. She takes advantage of Tommy, making him think he needs Ruth for guidance and reassurance. Kathy, on the other hand, accepts Tommy as his own person. The aspect of Ruth and Kathy's relationship that is so perplexing is the personal agenda Ruth holds. Beyond the common friend behavior of laughing and comforting someone, Ruth holds out the valuable friend advice she is so capable of giving. Kathy endures the mind games, hoping one day Tommy might come around.
Criteria for Love
"'But the point is whoever decides, Madame or whoever it is, they need something to go on.'" Pg. 175
Throughout Kathy and Tommy's private talk, the deep feelings and sentiments they both feel are increasingly motivating their young adult behavior. At Hailsham, if someone had come across adult entertainment, they would be eager just to flip through the pages for hours on end because of the simple fact that it was something new. Now, Kathy has looked through the magazines to find her possible, knowing her model may very well be the trash of society. But none of that matters to Kathy. Just like her imagining herself holding a baby while listeing to Bridgewater, she has an intrinsic longing for a genetic connection-someone to belong to. Tommy is much the same. Assuming his theory is right, he has to prove something that is already there. He has mature and deep feelings and thought, but struggles with the truth that, because of his physical nature, he must prove this to someone he does not know through a form for which he has no penchant. As if living a life for spare parts was not bad enough, he has to stuggle with the freedom to feel.
Throughout Kathy and Tommy's private talk, the deep feelings and sentiments they both feel are increasingly motivating their young adult behavior. At Hailsham, if someone had come across adult entertainment, they would be eager just to flip through the pages for hours on end because of the simple fact that it was something new. Now, Kathy has looked through the magazines to find her possible, knowing her model may very well be the trash of society. But none of that matters to Kathy. Just like her imagining herself holding a baby while listeing to Bridgewater, she has an intrinsic longing for a genetic connection-someone to belong to. Tommy is much the same. Assuming his theory is right, he has to prove something that is already there. He has mature and deep feelings and thought, but struggles with the truth that, because of his physical nature, he must prove this to someone he does not know through a form for which he has no penchant. As if living a life for spare parts was not bad enough, he has to stuggle with the freedom to feel.
Snap
"If you want to look for possibles, if you want to do it properly , then you look in the gutter. You look in rubbish bins. Look down the toilet, that's where you'll find where we all came from." Pg. 166
Chapter 14 comes as a complete surprise to anyone in touch with the characters. A characterization of Ruth would suggest that she believes she was modeled from the respectable of the country's citizens. Ruth never had lofty dreams of what her possible or she might end up doing; she too was realistic. My belief is that Ruth's outburst was a moment of weakness. Throughout the story she has been overly sure about herself. She has confidence in her pursuits, but has recently started to split from her friends in search of something more. Failing to find her possible left Ruth humbled and discouraged. As a defense, she decides to try to bring everyone else down with her. If she has lost hope, why should Kathy or Tommy enjoy its happiness? While reading, I thought Ruth had finally embraced the cruel world of which she is a part. However, Ruth had suppressed reality until now, and it finally snapped on her.
Chapter 14 comes as a complete surprise to anyone in touch with the characters. A characterization of Ruth would suggest that she believes she was modeled from the respectable of the country's citizens. Ruth never had lofty dreams of what her possible or she might end up doing; she too was realistic. My belief is that Ruth's outburst was a moment of weakness. Throughout the story she has been overly sure about herself. She has confidence in her pursuits, but has recently started to split from her friends in search of something more. Failing to find her possible left Ruth humbled and discouraged. As a defense, she decides to try to bring everyone else down with her. If she has lost hope, why should Kathy or Tommy enjoy its happiness? While reading, I thought Ruth had finally embraced the cruel world of which she is a part. However, Ruth had suppressed reality until now, and it finally snapped on her.
Unpleasant Rumors
"And I had a kind of vision of Chrissie and Rodney, back at the Cottages, in the months leading up to this moment, probing and prodding this subject between them." Pg. 154
In the thirteenth chapter, Chrissie and Rodney plan a day trip to ask the Hailsham kids in private whether they can defer donations if they fall in love. The responses are mixed and telling of each character's motivation. Ruth and Kathy both play along with the rumor. They most likely have never heard it from any person of authority but they want to keep it alive in hopes it could be true. Tommy reacts completely different. He denies hearing anything about it at Hailsham. With this serious response, Tommy once again goes into a state of self doubt. I believe he naturally equates loving with creativity. If he was never good at self expression, which Miss Lucy told him was crucial, how can he possibly convince anyone of his deep, true love for Ruth. If Tommy rejects the rumor, he eliminates the measuring stick on which he feels he would most assuredly fall short. He, more than anyone in his group, tries to avoid the disappointment of hope.
In the thirteenth chapter, Chrissie and Rodney plan a day trip to ask the Hailsham kids in private whether they can defer donations if they fall in love. The responses are mixed and telling of each character's motivation. Ruth and Kathy both play along with the rumor. They most likely have never heard it from any person of authority but they want to keep it alive in hopes it could be true. Tommy reacts completely different. He denies hearing anything about it at Hailsham. With this serious response, Tommy once again goes into a state of self doubt. I believe he naturally equates loving with creativity. If he was never good at self expression, which Miss Lucy told him was crucial, how can he possibly convince anyone of his deep, true love for Ruth. If Tommy rejects the rumor, he eliminates the measuring stick on which he feels he would most assuredly fall short. He, more than anyone in his group, tries to avoid the disappointment of hope.
Almighty Hailsham
"But when we got there, I could see none of the veterans had collections. It was only us, it wasn't normal." Pg. 130
As Ruth, Kathy, and Tommy settle into life in the Cottages, they discover that their old school has made them different than their donor counterparts from other schools. First they realize no one had the collections of crafts which they accumulated over their years. Then they speak nonsense about the job they will take when they grow older-daring to dream of a future greater than the one they have arraigned. Others like Chrissie seem to admire Hailsham and what it has done to its students. She constantly asks about the smallest details of the place to compare her experience with the Hailsham experience. Much was still the same between the kids however. They all shied away from indulging themselves too much on foolish thoughts or taboo subjects.They all knew their fate and possibly avoided dreaming to save disappointment in the end. The Hailsham kids lived in the surreal and the fantasy because they had an inkling that there was something greater out there for them that they could not have. Miss Lucy tried to get this across, but was futilely fighting the system.
As Ruth, Kathy, and Tommy settle into life in the Cottages, they discover that their old school has made them different than their donor counterparts from other schools. First they realize no one had the collections of crafts which they accumulated over their years. Then they speak nonsense about the job they will take when they grow older-daring to dream of a future greater than the one they have arraigned. Others like Chrissie seem to admire Hailsham and what it has done to its students. She constantly asks about the smallest details of the place to compare her experience with the Hailsham experience. Much was still the same between the kids however. They all shied away from indulging themselves too much on foolish thoughts or taboo subjects.They all knew their fate and possibly avoided dreaming to save disappointment in the end. The Hailsham kids lived in the surreal and the fantasy because they had an inkling that there was something greater out there for them that they could not have. Miss Lucy tried to get this across, but was futilely fighting the system.
Irony
"'Oh Kathy, the great expert on real families. So sorry. But thats what it is, isn't it?'" Pg. 124
This was one of the first times any speaker uses irony to get a point across, and it seems fitting that it would be used in an argument such as this. Throughout their days at Hailsham, the friends were always able to settle disputes in a civilized manner. I believe the subject matter of the argument and they way it was carried out have much to do with the new chapter in the Hailsham students' lives. They had moved beyond the fickle relationships of the senior years to more mutually meaningful intimacy. They were also experimenting with new behaviors and philosophies. With guardians no longer around and still in isolation, the students had to figure things out for themselves. Thus Miss Lucy's pleading makes more sense. She aimed to stimulate Tommy's thinking about his future before he had to figure things out for himself. She wanted him to wonder why they all were special and act-to break the cycle of submission
This was one of the first times any speaker uses irony to get a point across, and it seems fitting that it would be used in an argument such as this. Throughout their days at Hailsham, the friends were always able to settle disputes in a civilized manner. I believe the subject matter of the argument and they way it was carried out have much to do with the new chapter in the Hailsham students' lives. They had moved beyond the fickle relationships of the senior years to more mutually meaningful intimacy. They were also experimenting with new behaviors and philosophies. With guardians no longer around and still in isolation, the students had to figure things out for themselves. Thus Miss Lucy's pleading makes more sense. She aimed to stimulate Tommy's thinking about his future before he had to figure things out for himself. She wanted him to wonder why they all were special and act-to break the cycle of submission
Confusion
"'She said our art's important, and 'not just because it's evidence.'" Pg. 108
When I think of the situation Tommy is in during chapter nine, I am struck by the number of directions in which he is being pulled. He has just broken up with Ruth and would undoubtedly like to reconcile the relationship. Then Miss Lucy comes along and tells him that despite his maturation, he needs to be concerned with his art once again-something that caused him great ridicule in years past. Tommy definitely feels as though this issue has passed. He became much more stable once he reserved himself to the fact that his art did not define his character. As far as Tommy was concerned, he was focused on choosing smart relationships towards the end of his time at Hailsham. Miss Lucy's words must also have been confusing for Kathy as well. As she herself said, Tommy was still not the most mature student at Hailsham. Why then should Miss Lucy entrust him with such profound revelations? What did she mean by "evidence?"
Clearly Miss Lucy saw it as a moral obligation to give Tommy this clue. Then she was gone.
When I think of the situation Tommy is in during chapter nine, I am struck by the number of directions in which he is being pulled. He has just broken up with Ruth and would undoubtedly like to reconcile the relationship. Then Miss Lucy comes along and tells him that despite his maturation, he needs to be concerned with his art once again-something that caused him great ridicule in years past. Tommy definitely feels as though this issue has passed. He became much more stable once he reserved himself to the fact that his art did not define his character. As far as Tommy was concerned, he was focused on choosing smart relationships towards the end of his time at Hailsham. Miss Lucy's words must also have been confusing for Kathy as well. As she herself said, Tommy was still not the most mature student at Hailsham. Why then should Miss Lucy entrust him with such profound revelations? What did she mean by "evidence?"
Clearly Miss Lucy saw it as a moral obligation to give Tommy this clue. Then she was gone.
English Vernacular
"Next, I didn't fancy him that much, but I didn't find him sick-making." Pg. 98
I believe the author has done something quite intelligent with the last few chapters. Instead of placing stock dialogue and common expressions throughout the story, he chose to write unique phrases which give the characters and the storyline more flavor. Some expressions are a function of the taboo life which the children live in. Consequently, euphemisms like "sick-making" stand in place of "odious" or "repulsive." When one of the children was "told off," the connotation was one of punishment. Instinctively, I think of vernacular as a language of a particular region. In this case, the vernacular that evolved was more because of the physical boundaries imposed upon the children. Maybe most Englishmen and women in fact did not talk like the students at all, but with their limited contact to the outside world, the kids had developed their own dialect. Perhaps the way they talked was also another tool to combat the unpleasantries that I spoke of before. If one can make something sound not so bad, it takes away the sting.
I believe the author has done something quite intelligent with the last few chapters. Instead of placing stock dialogue and common expressions throughout the story, he chose to write unique phrases which give the characters and the storyline more flavor. Some expressions are a function of the taboo life which the children live in. Consequently, euphemisms like "sick-making" stand in place of "odious" or "repulsive." When one of the children was "told off," the connotation was one of punishment. Instinctively, I think of vernacular as a language of a particular region. In this case, the vernacular that evolved was more because of the physical boundaries imposed upon the children. Maybe most Englishmen and women in fact did not talk like the students at all, but with their limited contact to the outside world, the kids had developed their own dialect. Perhaps the way they talked was also another tool to combat the unpleasantries that I spoke of before. If one can make something sound not so bad, it takes away the sting.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Paradox
"So I'd say Miss Lucy had it about right when she said, a couple of years later, that we'd been 'told and not told.'" Pg. 88
This is obviously a prime example of a paradox. Without any context, the words would seem to be polar opposites; to know and not to know. In light of the storyline however, they make an understandable phrase explained by the protagonist. When analyzing paradoxes, I am usually struck with the realization that they connect the story to reality better than any literary device. The fact of the matter is that we humans tend to naturally focus on the pleasant aspects of life and live in the moment rather than dwell on the macabre experiences we all must face. We accept the fact that we must submit to fate in order to fully live the enjoyable times we have left. Most lives exist as this man-made paradox. The world favors disorder and difficulty. We try with the greatest amount of effort possible to tame the disorder, ultimately knowing that we can never live in happiness at all times. We can have but we cannot have. The students at Hailsham knew the same. They ultimately knew they were spare parts for the regular humans. Why not enjoy each other while they were ripe?
This is obviously a prime example of a paradox. Without any context, the words would seem to be polar opposites; to know and not to know. In light of the storyline however, they make an understandable phrase explained by the protagonist. When analyzing paradoxes, I am usually struck with the realization that they connect the story to reality better than any literary device. The fact of the matter is that we humans tend to naturally focus on the pleasant aspects of life and live in the moment rather than dwell on the macabre experiences we all must face. We accept the fact that we must submit to fate in order to fully live the enjoyable times we have left. Most lives exist as this man-made paradox. The world favors disorder and difficulty. We try with the greatest amount of effort possible to tame the disorder, ultimately knowing that we can never live in happiness at all times. We can have but we cannot have. The students at Hailsham knew the same. They ultimately knew they were spare parts for the regular humans. Why not enjoy each other while they were ripe?
Anecdotes
"There was one strange incident around this time I should tell you about here." Pg. 70
A pattern common throughout the beginning of the book is the use of stories to add to the plot. Most often, they furthur explain a character indirectly. Anecdotes of Kathy saving Ruth's secrets and Tommy's reactions to Miss Lucy let the reader in on their thought processes. Moreover, anecdotes lead on to the dilemmas the main characters must face and hint at the untolds of the story. Ishiguro had the option to plainly state through Kathy the future each student had in store, but he chose to give instances of perplexion and enlightenment to weave the story together. Another aspect of the anecdotes is the small, choice details woven into the story. When thinking about those extra descriptions, they all seem insignificant and unnescessary at first. Why would I need to know what the house looked like at the top of the hill when Kathy was talking to Ruth? What difference does the weather make? The answer is that the details give us something to relate to. I wager not many people have lived the lives of the students at Hailsham. Even though the situations are novel to the reader, they can identify with the physical and mental nuances of the protagonist and her friends.
A pattern common throughout the beginning of the book is the use of stories to add to the plot. Most often, they furthur explain a character indirectly. Anecdotes of Kathy saving Ruth's secrets and Tommy's reactions to Miss Lucy let the reader in on their thought processes. Moreover, anecdotes lead on to the dilemmas the main characters must face and hint at the untolds of the story. Ishiguro had the option to plainly state through Kathy the future each student had in store, but he chose to give instances of perplexion and enlightenment to weave the story together. Another aspect of the anecdotes is the small, choice details woven into the story. When thinking about those extra descriptions, they all seem insignificant and unnescessary at first. Why would I need to know what the house looked like at the top of the hill when Kathy was talking to Ruth? What difference does the weather make? The answer is that the details give us something to relate to. I wager not many people have lived the lives of the students at Hailsham. Even though the situations are novel to the reader, they can identify with the physical and mental nuances of the protagonist and her friends.
Motivation
"And suddenly my behavior seemed to me udderly baffling. All this planing, all this effort just to upset my dearest friend." Pg. 60
Reflecting over Kathy's occasional annoyances and bickering with Ruth made me wonder why Kathy would believe Ruth was her best friend. In reality, Ruth seems predominantly strongheaded and inconsiderate of the feelings of others. Immediately I thought of the relationship between Finny and Gene in A Separate Peace. What Kathy describes between she and Ruth closely resembles this friendship. One person has behaviors that, deep down, the other abhors, but there remains some inescapable feeling of loyalty towards that person. In A Separate Peace, the friendship complex ultimately left Gene with a dead best friend. Perhaps Kathy's motivation in recalling her social progression with Ruth is to show that the roles have flipped. Due to her strong personality, Ruth probably grew up having things that Kathy wanted. Now Kathy is speaking from the role of a carer. She had to watch Ruth through her donations while she remained fine. I do not think Kathy thinks back on the memories for vengeance, but rather because she savors the days when every experience was new and enlightening.
Reflecting over Kathy's occasional annoyances and bickering with Ruth made me wonder why Kathy would believe Ruth was her best friend. In reality, Ruth seems predominantly strongheaded and inconsiderate of the feelings of others. Immediately I thought of the relationship between Finny and Gene in A Separate Peace. What Kathy describes between she and Ruth closely resembles this friendship. One person has behaviors that, deep down, the other abhors, but there remains some inescapable feeling of loyalty towards that person. In A Separate Peace, the friendship complex ultimately left Gene with a dead best friend. Perhaps Kathy's motivation in recalling her social progression with Ruth is to show that the roles have flipped. Due to her strong personality, Ruth probably grew up having things that Kathy wanted. Now Kathy is speaking from the role of a carer. She had to watch Ruth through her donations while she remained fine. I do not think Kathy thinks back on the memories for vengeance, but rather because she savors the days when every experience was new and enlightening.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Guardian Discrepancy
"...we were just at that age when we knew a few things about ourselves-about who we were, how we were different from our guardians, from the people outside-but hadn't yet understood what any of it meant." Pg. 36
Moving through chapters three and four, I encountered a "puzzle piece" moment when details that seem significant start to stick in my mind. They bring up important questions that can lead to piecing together the plot. What struck me in these last pages was the very differing personalities of Madame, Miss Emily, and Miss Lucy. Clearly Miss Lucy is a guardian who is not exactly rogue, but does not follow the standard practices. Madame and Miss Emily are clearly figures of authority with information that could disrupt the status quo. Kathy goes into a somewhat lengthy explanation of the reaction Madame gave when the students surrounded her car. She explained that they were viewed as distinctly different and undesirable to even touch. At the beginning of the novel, Kathy says that the Hailsham children are special. Whatever their distinction, Kathy's somber recollections suggests that Miss Lucy sought to reveal an inconvenient truth to the kids about their grim future.
Moving through chapters three and four, I encountered a "puzzle piece" moment when details that seem significant start to stick in my mind. They bring up important questions that can lead to piecing together the plot. What struck me in these last pages was the very differing personalities of Madame, Miss Emily, and Miss Lucy. Clearly Miss Lucy is a guardian who is not exactly rogue, but does not follow the standard practices. Madame and Miss Emily are clearly figures of authority with information that could disrupt the status quo. Kathy goes into a somewhat lengthy explanation of the reaction Madame gave when the students surrounded her car. She explained that they were viewed as distinctly different and undesirable to even touch. At the beginning of the novel, Kathy says that the Hailsham children are special. Whatever their distinction, Kathy's somber recollections suggests that Miss Lucy sought to reveal an inconvenient truth to the kids about their grim future.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Characterization
"In fact, the harder he tried, the more laughable his efforts turned out. So before long, Tommy had gone back to his original defence, producing work that seemed deliberately childish, work that said he couldn't care less." pg. 20
Throughout the second chapter, the reader is given a glimpse into the personalities of several friends seemingly close to Kathy H., Tommy being the most prominent figure. At first it seemed easy to classify Kahty H.'s decripition of her friend as direct. With his constant tantrums and slacking, Tommy could have easily been characterized as an immature preteen with a social downfall. As the storyline progresses however, the reader witnesses Tommy grow out of his social clashes. His subpar work continues, but he seems to have escaped the confusing behaviors of other adolescents. Later, he tells Kathy of his discussion with Miss Lucy, who hints that the kids may not be being told all they should. At this point, Tommy's characterization starts to become indirect. He himself is becoming more aware of the complexties and untolds of his surroundings, and all the hints at his revelations show he is becoming a more complex character. I suspect the hints of the new Tommy will continue, leading to a smarter and more plot-revealing character.
Throughout the second chapter, the reader is given a glimpse into the personalities of several friends seemingly close to Kathy H., Tommy being the most prominent figure. At first it seemed easy to classify Kahty H.'s decripition of her friend as direct. With his constant tantrums and slacking, Tommy could have easily been characterized as an immature preteen with a social downfall. As the storyline progresses however, the reader witnesses Tommy grow out of his social clashes. His subpar work continues, but he seems to have escaped the confusing behaviors of other adolescents. Later, he tells Kathy of his discussion with Miss Lucy, who hints that the kids may not be being told all they should. At this point, Tommy's characterization starts to become indirect. He himself is becoming more aware of the complexties and untolds of his surroundings, and all the hints at his revelations show he is becoming a more complex character. I suspect the hints of the new Tommy will continue, leading to a smarter and more plot-revealing character.
Colloquialism
"I don't know how it was where you were, but at Hailsham we had to have some form of medical almost every week-..." Pg. 13
Beginning this reading endeavor, the first thing that struck me was the informality with which Ishsiguro captures the reader. I suppose this may be a function of the timeframe in which the novel was written. As a more modern composition than mid-20th century classics, its writing style reflects the literary progression. However, the use of colloquialism actually accomplishes an intended and ingenious effect. As I traversed through the first chapter, the familiarity of the memories and everyday details which the narrator speaks of caused me to speculate more strongly about the details of the plot. What is a carer or a donor? What kind of school is Hailsham? I felt more immersed in the life of Kathy H. due to her talking directly to me that it caused a hightened sense of cuiosity. Well done, colloquialism.
Beginning this reading endeavor, the first thing that struck me was the informality with which Ishsiguro captures the reader. I suppose this may be a function of the timeframe in which the novel was written. As a more modern composition than mid-20th century classics, its writing style reflects the literary progression. However, the use of colloquialism actually accomplishes an intended and ingenious effect. As I traversed through the first chapter, the familiarity of the memories and everyday details which the narrator speaks of caused me to speculate more strongly about the details of the plot. What is a carer or a donor? What kind of school is Hailsham? I felt more immersed in the life of Kathy H. due to her talking directly to me that it caused a hightened sense of cuiosity. Well done, colloquialism.
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