Chapter 18 Never Let Me Go: Thoughts so far...

"Then the clown straigtened, closed up his van and started walking, in the same direction I was walking, several paces ahead of me, a small briefcase in one hand, the balloons in the other" (page 212).

When I first read this quote, I thought of the significance of innocence and how it correlated with this book. Think about it: "a small briefcase in one hand" and "balloons in the other." Isn't this how all of us are? We are all children at the core, just like how the clown is the epitome of representing a child's heart. Okay, so some clowns are creepy and I'm not going to lie: clowns gave me nightmares as a child. But that's beside the point. When we grow older, we are torn between the children we were before and the road that lies ahead. We must force ourselves to grow up, to leave behind the lives we knew before. Then, Kathy goes on to say that the cluster of balloons reminds her of the family she knew at Hailsham and how she's afraid the "balloons" will get separated. Kathy is still living in the past, as most of us are. She just wants to go back to her childhood where she felt safe, where she felt home. She misses her friends, especially how now she is out on her own in the absence of her best friends. Hopefully the boat will reunite everyone and bring back the wonderful memories of Hailsham. They need each other now more than ever, whether the characters want to admit or not. When I think about not wanting to grow up, I think about Taylor Swift. Okay, so Taylor has a song about every part of my life, but this song just fits in with what I'm trying to say. It's called "Never Grow Up."

So maybe I'm biased, but I just love this song. Anything Taylor Swift i just think is awesome. But when I think about it, this song says a lot about the book itself and my life in general. All my childhood I just wanted to be older. I just wanted to fast-forward my life to when I was married and having my own kids. I imagined my dolls were my own children. I just wanted to grow up SO badly. And now that I'm getting older, I miss my innocence. I miss the days that I had nothing to worry about because the older I get, the harder life becomes. Why can't we just enjoy whatever stage of life we are all in? Well, I guess life just doesn't work that way. And even in this story, the main characters look back to their childhood and miss their days at Hailsham. I feel that the song ties in the message of the book very nicely, but again, I'm very biased.

Chapter 16 and 17 Never Let Me Go: Thoughts so far

"It never occurred to me that our lives, until then so closely interwoven, could unravel and separate over a thing like that" (page 197).

Okay, I'm going to be very honest: I hate drama. These two chapters are FILLED with it. Deceptive people just get on my nerves. This whole thing with Tommy, Ruth, and Kathy is almost too much. For instance, when I confide in someone, I trust that they will keep my words secret, even if we are just joking around. It's just shady to go against a promise in my opinion. These chapters kind of remind me of when I was a little kid. I would always confide in my older sister, hoping that all of our secrets were kept between us and ONLY us. Then, whenever I did something wrong, she would go rant to my mom and pour out all of my other secrets. For me, this just was THE WORST. For instance, whenever we had vegetables for dinner, I always excused myself and spit them out into tissues to throw away. And I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for my sister. Or when we woke up for school: we had this race as to who could get dressed faster. Whoever lost had to turn off the light. I don't know why, but this was a BIG deal. We would trip each other on the way out when we tied our shoes so we didn't have to turn off the light. And then, the loser would glare at the other person ALL breakfast. My sister's glare was the scariest thing in the world, and I would always hide behind my Rice Krispies. Looking back on it now, it wasn't a big deal. But I seriously hated being told on. I spent countless days in timeout for that girl. Most people would have thought I would have learned, but I continued to confide in her with my deepest darkest secrets, and she would promise me that she would never ever ever tell anyone. We even pinky swore. But somehow, my mom always found out, and it was the reason my sister and I ALWAYS fought when we were little.

Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't know why Ruth had to the tell on Kathy. It just made me angry. They were just joking around! Ruth is not as great of a friend as Kathy thinks. If I were Kathy, I would not have even befriended Ruth in the first place! Ruth doesn't really do anything for anyone else; she only cares about herself. Words of advice: Kathy, get some new friends who REALLY care for you. And don't throw away the ones that do. Grr.....

Thoughts on Chapters 14 and 15 of Never Let Me and the book so far....

"On that journey home, with the darkness setting in over those long empty roads, it felt like the three of us were close again and I didn't want anything to come along and break that mood" (page 183).

 I thought this quote was necessary to incorporate into my blogs because I felt that it not only correlated with Chapters 14 and 15, but it went along with the basic story line as well. For example,  if Kathy or Tommy just voiced their opinions once, maybe this story would be different. However, Kathy just wants to be the mediator. She is only concerned with keeping all of her friends, no matter what they have done to her. If I were Kathy, I would not be friends with Ruth at all, but Kathy thoroughly enjoys Ruth's presence, despite her bipolar mood swings and thrashes against her. It all kind of reminds me of 27 Dresses. I'll explain why after this clip:

So, Jane (the main character of the movie) has a sister who is beautiful but internally a self-centered brat (I would have said something else, but I wanted to keep this G-rated). Jane loves her sister, but Jane just never voices her own opinion. She's just trying not to rock the waters while everyone else enjoys life. Jane doesn't care about herself. This reminds me of Never Let Me Go. Jane is like Kathy. Jane's sister is like Ruth, who takes the man that Jane is in love with. However, Jane's sister has no idea that Jane is in love the guy, just like how Ruth had no idea that Kathy has something for Tommy. And although Jane's boss (similar to Tommy in the book) is very appreciative of everything Jane has done for him, he feels like going for her sister. It's just one big tangled web, all because one person just sits there and doesn't ever stand up to anyone. Wow... This sounds oddly familiar to a story I've been reading..............

Thoughts on Chapter 13 Never Let Me Go and the book so far....

"What they said... was that if you were a boy and a girl, and you were in love with each other, really properly in love, and if you could show it, then the people how run Hailsham, they sorted it out for you" (page 153).

To be honest, the plot of this story is a little confusing. I'm just confused about this whole couples thing. I'm kinda confused about this whole storyline in general. Yes, it is confusing in the sense that I have never read about clones before. Whatever the case, I've had a difficult time following along. The story, in a sense, does remind me of A Separate Peace. The boarding school in England similarity between the two books might have something to do with it, but it also has something to do with the friendship theme and the bits of jealousy, betrayal, and innocence that are essential to both plots.

First off, I need to watch both of these movies. I read both of these books, and I am very impressed at how both movies captured the books, as far as I can tell from the trailers at least. And secondly, when I watched this trailer, I couldn't help but think about how honesty is another important commonality between these books. Why is everything at Hailsham so hush hush? Why are there all these rumors going around about deferrals? Why couldn't the world just be honest with these kids? I don't get it! And then with A Separate Peace. Okay, so if jealousy wouldn't have taken the best out of the main character, all of the suspense of the plot would not have taken place. But the main character should have been honest with his best friend. He should have told him why he pushed him out of the tree. Yes, he would have lost his best friend, but honesty is key to every relationship. Honesty is key is basically every part of life.

Chapter 12 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in use: IMAGERY

"We'd reached a spot where the hedges were high on both sides, and the ground was covered in frozen cowpats, when Ruth suddenly stopped a few steps behind me" (page 144).

Perhaps Kazuo Ishiguro just has a way with words, but I am convinced that he is an expert when it comes to figurative language and imagery. As a reader, I am amazed at how perfectly I can visualize this entire story. The novel is decorated with a contrast between the vivid and vague memories of Kathy's past. Whatever the case though, I can visualize both types of memories. All of the round-about paths at Hailsham and now the Cottages have come to life because of the repeated use of imagery throughout. I feel that the imagery is essential to the readers, but it also is essential to even the plot of the story. I believe that Kathy's memory is central to the plot and theme of the book. However, to get to know and understand these themes, one must be captivated by the storyline and appreciate the imagery mixed into the story itself.

I don't know why, but the image that I have created in my mind of Hailsham is almost like a cold, deserted university. I almost imagine it to be like a school that was once a hospital. Hospitals just feel kind of alien and cold to me. Hospitals give me chills, and this school, in my mind, does not have a warm feel to it. I feel that the grounds of Hailsham are beautiful, just based off of how Ishiguro describes them. But I don't imagine the inside of Hailsham to be comforting at all. However, in the minds of the clones, Hailsham and the Cottages probably seem to be beautiful in and of themselves because they don't know any differently. These places are all these kids have ever known.

Chapter 11 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in use: CHARACTERIZATION

"She (Ruth) was struggling to become someone else, and maybe felt the pressure more than the rest of us because, as I say, she'd somehow taken on the responsibility for all of us" (page 130).

Throughout the story, Ruth has been trying to be someone she's not. It's just part of Ruth's character to appear greater than she truly is. Perhaps she is secretly insecure with herself, but Ruth just finds the urge to show everyone that she is the best. I, personally, am very annoyed with this character. Yes, her character is essential to the basic plot of the story line. Yes, the person Ruth is has formed Kathy into the character she is in the story, but I just feel that Ruth just needs to tone it down a little bit. Ruth needs to be herself, and maybe my realization of Ruth's personality is an indication that "being oneself" is a central theme to the story.

When I reflected on Ruth's character, the one thing that popped into my mind was that she was trying to prove to be someone she wasn't. In my mind, this is very prevalent in today's society. So many people think that they are not good enough, so they come up with lies to impress other people. Others just physically try to change themselves for the rest of the world, girls especially. Anorexia, cutting, depression, bulimia: all of these matters are extremely prevalent in today's world. We just feel like we are not good enough. After hearing this song though, my life was changed. I fell in love with this song instantly. I am a victim of wearing layers of make-up and just "trying to make the mirror happy." For a very long time, I just felt that I wasn't good enough for anyone. I thought I would never find someone that would make me believe that I'm beautiful. But after hearing this song, I realized that I am missing the message. I am God's, and I don't need to change myself for anyone because He makes me beautiful. I wish that I could explain this idea of "being yourself" to Ruth. Life would be so much easier for her.

Chapters 9 and 10 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in Use: THEME

"Because somewhere underneath, a part of us stayed like that: fearful of the world around us, and- no matter how much we despised ourselves for it- unable quite to let each other go" (page 120).

 Throughout this novel, Kazuo incorporates the concept of the theme for this book. Even though I have not read all of the book, I am well aware that friendship is at the core of the novel. The premise of the storyline is centered around Kathy's relationships with Tommy and Ruth. Yes, the book also has to do with clones and donations and whatnot. However, one of the central themes of the novel is friendship and the memories that correlate. Kathy is blessed with two unbelievable friendships, both with Tommy and Ruth. The central theme around friendship is also incorportated, more importantly, to relate to the reader. Everyone can relate to the importance of friends in this world. Perhaps this is why Kazuo found it ever more essential to incorporate the friendship aspect to his novel.

Okay, so I'm not going to lie: I love this song! It is from my all-time favorite movie A Cinderella Story,  and it's all about how this girl doesn't care what a person's background is or what they like to do: she just wants to have a friend. She would basically give her life away for someone who cared so strongly about her. Personally, when I read this book, I have this song in my head. Okay, so I ALWAYS have a song stuck in my head, but that's beside the point here. The friendship theme of the book so far is extremely prevalent, and I can't help but think of this song. It definitely corresponds with the book, but it also has a lot to say about life. This song makes me happy, justl like my friends. =)

Chapter 8 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in use: ONOMATOPOEIA

"I didn't try to keep the triumph out of my voice, and I may even have gone 'dah-dah!' as I brought it out and handed it to him" (page 94).

Although I haven't found many onomatopoeias in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, I have found a handful so far. Not only does Kazuo have a way with words when it comes to similes, but he also describes his work with onomatopoeias. These just add more depth to his work. I can always visualize his settings and characteristics of the characters and such, but this onomatopoeia just adds so much dimension to the piece. I can hear the sound effect in my head when I was reading. He obviously added this into his literature to give the reader a deeper understanding as to what is going on and to relate his story to the reader in a more personal way. Not only do the characteristics and descriptions grow even deeper as the story goes on, but the emotions run higher as well.

Onomatopoeias are just so lively in my mind. I use them when I speak, but seriously, they are all around me. To me, I feel that the onomatopoeias being incorporated demonstrate that these characters choose to speak and describe things with sound effects. And to me, it just shows that these characters are real. Yes, they are clones, and quite frankly, the clone idea kinda creeps me out. But the fact that they act just like normal humans, to me, seems pretty essential to the plot of the story line. I could be wrong, but the more I'm reading, the more the students seem like people I would meet in everyday life.....

Chapter 7 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in use: SATIRE

"Your whole elbow, it can all unzip like a bag opening up" (page 85).

 For the most part, Kazuo is a pretty realistic author, but time and time again, I notice some humor in between the lines. He's very sarcastic and is not afraid to let this shine through in his characters. I think the satire is to prove that the clones have human characteristics.

 Throughout the novel, children tease Tommy because he just does not seem to fit in. Essentially, it's all very sad for kids to pick on another because of their differences. But I guess, in a way, this is how the real world is. Instead of accepting and appreciating each others' differences, we attack them. We seem to have an intolerance in society towards being different.  I just cannot keep up with the messages in society. People appreciate those who are unique, but they cannot tolerate those who are different. Who cares?! Whatever the case, Tommy is the odd child out at Hailsham. As a reader, I feel sympathetic for Tommy's character. I got picked on in grade school all the time. Instead of being called Chessie LaRosa, kids called me "Cheesy Lasagna." Okay, so it's absolutely hilarious now, but I used to come home from school everyday and just sob. Yes, I was that one little pathetic child. It got to the point where I would bring my spelling words with me to recess and just study them by my favorite tree because I knew that no one would find me there. My teacher did catch me one day, and I had a very long talk with her that day. I found many friends who loved and supported me later in life, but whatever the case, kids need to stop thinking they are superior to other children. Their remarks hurt and can leave scars for those kids for many more years to come.

Chapter 7 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in use: SIMILE

"I remember wondering if there wasn't something a bit odd about her posture, the way her head was bent down just a little too far... like a crouching animal waiting to pounce" (page 79).

 Kazuo Ishiguro seems to have a knack with incorporating similes into his novel. Perhaps he does this to give the reader a better understanding of what Kathy is trying to say. Kathy continues to tell her stories, in flashback form, and some of her stories are a bit odd. However, with the similes being incorporated into the novel, the reader knows exactly what Kazuo is trying to have Kathy say. Other similes in this chapter include "like day moving into night" (page 77) and "like a bag opening up" (page 85). Honestly, sometimes I feel that these similes can become a bit much, but they do allow me to see into the depths of Kathy's mind. I kind of feel as if Kathy is losing it mentally, but she strangely is remarkably capable of describing images. Some things she has trouble remembering and other memories are incredibly vivid. Whatever the case, I am able to go back to these memories with Kathy because of the similes she describes.

Chapter 6 Never Let Me Go; Literary term in use: FLASHBACK

"There was the time, for example, when a bunch of us were desperate to go out and practise rounders during break, because we'd been challenged by a group from the year above" (page 63).

 Kazuo Ishiguro incorporates many flashbacks in his novel. However, I believe he does this because it adds to the character of Kathy H. Every page I read, I feel as if I come across something along the lines of "I can't remember exactly what happened but...." Kathy tells the story, trying to remember the days of her past. She seems to struggle a lot with this, but she continues to go back a retell moments from her "golden days." I believe that these stories have something important to do with the plot. Kathy often goes off topic with her flashbacks, but all of her stories seem to be relevant.

Personally, I cannot imagine telling all of these stories of my past. Well, in Kathy's case, being a clone from Hailsham makes her quite the unique individual, but still. I just can get kind of annoyed waiting for Kathy to get to the point of her stories. She CONSTANTLY goes off topic. If I had a nickel for everytime she said, "Anyways.... back to what I was saying....." I would seriously be rich! But the story is told from Kathy's point of view, so she really does have to go back and tell stories from her past. Sometimes, though, she's incredibly boring and her flashbacks can lack substance and purpose.

Chapter 5 Never Let Me Go; Literary Term in use: FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

"She was probably embarrassed about it and so the whole thing had shrunk in her memory" (page 49).

 Kazuo Ishiguro incorporates many figurative language techniques in his writing of the novel Never Let Me Go. Perhaps he does this to show the reader a childish side. Children, often times, exaggerate in order to express themselves. The children of the story living in the boarding school are still very confused about what will happen in their future, although they do not want to admit it. Kazuo speaks of his terms usually in a figurative sense rather than literal because he wants us, I believe, to relate even more to the child-like features of the characters in the story. These figurative terms are cleverly woven throughout the novel, not only to share a technique in Kazuo's writing, but also to enhance the qualities of Kathy's role. Kathy continues to grow throughout the novel, even though she cannot remember the storyline exactly. The figurative language gives depth to her story to make the memories of her past more vivid to the reader and, perhaps, also to Kathy herself.

I chose this quote because we cannot measure the amount of space a thought has in our memory. How do we know if something has literally "shrunk" in our memories? What if we just forget? I think that the author meant this quote figuratively speaking, not literally.

Thoughts on Chapters 3 and 4 and Never Let Me Go so far....

"I won't be a carer any more come the end of the year, and though I've got a lot out of it, I have to admit I'll welcome the chance to rest- to stop and think and remember" (page 37).

 Carer: this term seems to come up a lot. I have no idea if Kathy, the narrator, is the one being a donor or if she is receiving donations from other people. I also have no idea what they are even donating. Is this boarding school similar to a hospital? Are these "donations" even relevant to the story? I have no idea! In fact, I don't really understand what is going on in this book at all. Okay, so I understand the whole Ruth, Tommy, and Kathy business. However, every time the words "carer" or "donor" come up, I have no idea what the story is referring to. Maybe it is just some British language, but I really do feel as if these terms are crucial to understanding the basic story line. Maybe I just have to be patient, but these terms just do not make sense to me at all. With all the confusion with this, I have mixed feelings for this story. I feel that I would enjoy it more if I knew what was going on with these confusing terms. Or maybe, it's just me.

Second blog for Never Let Me Go: Chapter 2. Literary term in use: IRONY

"It's all part of what made Hailsham so special- the way we were encouraged to value each other's work and creativity" (page 17).

This quote is ironic because popularity is usually based on athleticism and beauty in most cases of the world. Here, though, popularity is based off of how creative a person is, especially in the "Exchanges" and "Sales." Whatever the case is to distinguish who is the most popular, I find the issue kind of dumb. Why do some people have to be better than others? Why is being popular such a big deal? Why do people make fun of others, especially Tommy? It's just all so petty. We should look and appreciate others for who they are, not at what the look like or what they do. And of course, I this makes me think of a song, and yes, it's High School Musical's  "Stick to the Status Quo."

Okay, so the premise of HSM, and yes I just abbreviated High School Musical is that the entire school is questioning why the most popular boy in school, Troy Bolton, wants to try out for the school musical. Until this movie came out, it was considered uncool to be a part of the drama club. It was considered uncool to express oneself. Now, look how popular Glee and other singing shows are! Creativity is becoming more and more popular, but it still is nothing compared to sports. I think this needs to change in today's society. I want this to change. If creativity is the most important means at Hailsham to succeed, then it needs to be just as important as sports in today's society. I'm not saying I'm against sports- I love them. Well, I love WATCHING them. I'm not athletic at all. But I am saying that we need to be supportive of others and appreciate everyone's gifts and talents.

First Blog for Never Let Me Go; Chapter 1. Literary Term: EXPOSITION

"My name is Kathy H. I'm thirty-one years old, and I've been a carer now for over eleven years...I'm a Hailsham student....along with Tommy, Ruth, and all the rest of us." (pages 3-6).

 The author uses the literary term exposition in order to get the reader comfortable with the characters, setting, and maybe even the tone of the story. The exposition is an essential part of any story because it allows the reader to get a sense as to what the story is all about. I'm somewhat confused as to what is going on though. There is much talk about Kathy H. being a carer. However, I have no idea what a "carer" is. It seems to me that they are all living in some institution, and they all seem to be very similar beings. The story shifts a lot from being about "carers" and "donors" to the story of Tommy. I'm lost in what the author is trying to convey, but I know that I will be able to comprehend the plot soon enough. I'm kind of confused with the whole story line in general, but hopefully I'm able to follow along what the author is trying to convey. For now though, I am SOOOOO lost. I don't like this book. It's very confusing.