In Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel ‘Never Let Me Go,’ several characters face tragic fates as they come to terms with their purpose in life. The most poignant deaths are those of the main characters: Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth.
Kathy H., the protagonist, reflects on her experiences with her friends, Tommy and Ruth, who both succumb to the effects of their fate as organ donors. Ruth dies first; after her final donation, she is never seen again. Her character arc concludes as she comes to terms with her identity and the sacrifices made in the name of love and friendship. Similarly, Tommy, who struggles with his own identity and seeks to defy his fate, also meets his end after completing his donations.
Ultimately, the novel portrays the inevitability of death for its characters, who are clones raised for the purpose of providing organs to others. Their deaths serve as a poignant commentary on the fragility of life and the ethical dilemmas surrounding cloning and organ donation. Ishiguro’s narrative invites readers to reflect on what it means to live and love in the face of predetermined outcomes.