How Does The Book Never Let Me Go Depict The Ethics Of Cloning?

In 'Never Let Me Go', the ethics of cloning are explored through the lens of humanity and morality, rather than scientific debate. The story follows Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, who are clones created for organ donation. What struck me most was how the novel doesn’t focus on the technicalities of cloning but on the emotional and ethical implications. These characters are raised in a seemingly idyllic boarding school, Hailsham, where they’re sheltered from the harsh reality of their purpose. The ethical dilemma lies in how society dehumanizes them, treating them as mere resources rather than individuals with dreams, fears, and relationships.

The novel forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions about what it means to be human. Kathy and her friends are no different from us in their capacity to love, create art, and form bonds, yet they’re denied the basic right to live full lives. The ethical failure isn’t just in the act of cloning but in the systemic devaluation of their existence. The guardians at Hailsham, who try to instill a sense of normalcy, are complicit in this moral failing. They provide a veneer of care while preparing the students for their inevitable fate.

What’s particularly haunting is the characters’ acceptance of their roles. They don’t rebel or question their purpose until it’s too late, which speaks volumes about how deeply ingrained societal norms can shape one’s sense of self-worth. The novel doesn’t offer easy answers but leaves readers grappling with the ethical weight of using sentient beings as means to an end. It’s a poignant critique of how society justifies exploitation under the guise of progress.

'Never Let Me Go' dives into the ethics of cloning by showing how society rationalizes the exploitation of these individuals. The clones are treated as less than human, their lives predetermined for organ donation. What’s chilling is how normalized this becomes. The characters grow up knowing their fate, yet they’re still capable of love, art, and friendship. The ethical question isn’t just about cloning but about how we define humanity. The novel forces us to reflect on our own moral boundaries and the ways we justify dehumanizing others for our benefit.