Never Let Me Go, Morality and Technology
!SPOILERS AHEAD!
Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go delves into themes of humanity, identity, and the complex ethical boundaries of scientific progress. Set in a dystopian world where human clones are raised solely for organ donation, the novel confronts readers with profound moral dilemmas about the value of life, the consequences of scientific innovation, and the ethical responsibilities of society. Through its nuanced portrayal of these themes, Never Let Me Go offers a powerful exploration of morality in a world where the lines between progress and exploitation are blurred.
Ethical Boundaries
At the core of Never Let Me Go is the troubling question of the morality of cloning and using clones as organ donors. The students of Hailsham - Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth - initially live unaware of their true purpose, only to slowly discover that they were created to serve as a source of organs for “real” humans. This unsettling truth forces readers to grapple with the ethical implications: Is it ever justifiable to create life solely to sustain others?
Ishiguro confronts us with the uncomfortable realities of such a scenario, where clones, who think, feel, and form deep emotional bonds, are systematically stripped of autonomy and agency. By portraying the clones as fully human in their emotions and experiences, particularly for the first half of the novel, Ishiguro critiques the dehumanisation that arises when ethical boundaries are sacrificed for scientific gain, highlighting the dangers of advancing technology without moral consideration.
Dehumanisation as Justification
A key aspect of the novel’s moral critique is the systematic dehumanisation of the clones, which rationalises their exploitation. Society labels them with terms like “donors” and “carers,” reducing their existence to their biological utility and stripping them of their humanity. This linguistic dehumanisation reflects how societies often justify unethical actions by objectifying those they exploit.
Ishiguro’s portrayal resonates with real-world instances where marginalised groups have been devalued or dehumanised to excuse morally reprehensible behaviour. The novel is a reminder of the ease with which ethical boundaries can be crossed when empathy is absent, forcing readers to consider the consequences of disregarding the intrinsic value of the human life.
Hailsham: A Facade of Morality
Hailsham, the boarding school where the clones are raised, epitomises society’s conflicted moral stance. The guardians provide the students with an environment rich in art and education, presenting a facade of care and normalcy. Yet this nurturing exterior masks a grim reality: the students are being groomed for a life of sacrifice.
This duality reflects the moral ambiguity of the guardians, who, despite their genuine affection for the students, remain complicit in a system designed to exploit them. Their actions highlight a broader moral hypocrisy, questioning whether good intentions can ever justify participation in an inherently unethical system. Ishiguro challenges readers to reflect on how easily well-meaning actions can be tainted by complicity in systemic challenges.
Society’s Willful Ignorance
The novel also critiques society’s tendency to turn a blind eye to moral issues when it is convenient. The broader world is aware of the existence and purpose of clones but chooses to ignore the ethical ramifications. This willful ignorance reflects humanity’s capacity to overlook injustice when it benefits from the status quo, highlighting the novel’s broader theme of moral complacency.
Ultimately, Ishiguro’s narrative is a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring ethical considerations for technological and scientific advancements. It challenges readers to confront the dangers of moral apathy and the ease with which society can accept exploitation particularly when it is not directly impacted.
Conclusion
Never Let Me Go is a haunting reflection on the ethical dilemmas which arise when the pursuit of progress comes at the cost of human dignity. It challenges us to question the value we place on life, the ease with which we justify moral compromises, and the responsibility on all of us to uphold ethical standards in an ever-evolving world.
