Places and Events in "Never Let Me Go"
The novel is structured around key locations and events that shape the characters' lives. These are divided into three main parts:
Part One Chapters1−9: Childhood at Hailsham
- Setting: Hailsham, a secluded boarding school for clones
- Time period: Characters' childhood until age 13 the"goldenage"
- Key events:
Miss Lucy's hints about the students' future Chapter3
Madame's visits to collect artwork Chapter3
Kathy's dance to "Never Let Me Go" and Madame's emotional reaction Chapter6
Highlight: Hailsham represents a protected environment where the clones experience a semblance of normal childhood, despite their predetermined fate.
Part Two Chapters10−17: The Cottages
- Setting: The Cottages, a transitional living space for clones aged 16-18
- Time period: Two years after leaving Hailsham
- Key events:
Development of the "theory of possibles" Chapter12
Trip to Norfolk Chapters13−15
Tommy's gallery theory Chapter15
Vocabulary: Theory of possibles - The clones' belief that they might find the humans they were modeled after in the outside world.
Part Three Chapters18−23: Donors and Carers
- Settings: Various locations including Dover and Norfolk
- Time period: Characters' adult lives as donors and carers
- Key events:
Trip to a stranded boat Chapter19
Kathy and Tommy become a couple Chapter20
Kathy and Tommy's visit to Madame's house Chapter21
Quote: "Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time."
This structure allows Ishiguro to explore the characters' development from innocent children to adults grappling with their predetermined fates. The movement from the sheltered environment of Hailsham to the wider world mirrors the characters' growing awareness of their purpose as organ donors.