Never Let Me Go 6

"We'd been 'told and not told,' as she put it." pg. 82

I think that the reasoning behind the paradox, "told and not told," was to make the students believe that organ donation was not a big deal. The way the guardians nonchalantly work the students' futures in organ donation into the lessons gives the impression that it is not a worrisome matter. Maybe the guardians neglect to go into full detail about organ donation to protect the children. To me, the donation process seems to be very frightening. I think the guardians sympathize with the students and want them to live a full but short worry free life. If I knew that I was destined to die at a young age I would be constantly worried that it would happen at any time, and that is no way to live your life. On the other hand, the guardians could be withholding this information for safety reasons. If people knew their purpose in life was to die early, many of these people would probably go crazy. They would blow off school, get into trouble, and neglect responsibilities because they know it won't affect them in the future since they won't be there. I understand why the guardians would tell and not tell the students their destinies, however I also believe they deserve to know what's in store for them in their later life. I think being a guardian would be an extremely difficult job. That is probably why Miss Lucy reacts so strongly sometimes and why Madame cried watching Kathy. I feel like these two in particular really sympathize with the students and maybe don't agree with what happens to them. Could these feelings present conflict later in the book?

Never Let Me Go 5

"You're. . . special. So keeping yourselves well, keeping yourselves very healthy inside, that's much more important for each of you than it is for me." pg. 69

Chapter six is still part of the exposition. Kathy is still reflecting on events that happened in the past and there has yet to be any major conflict. However, her memories continue to allude to some mystery. I know that these Hailsham students different, but I still am not sure why. I'm beginning to think that the donors referred to in the first chapter are organ donors, and that the students are being bread to donate their organs. That would explain why it is much more important for them to remain healthy. But, who on earth would volunteer their child for this type of sacrifice? Maybe they are orphans, or perhaps they were scientifically created like in Brave New World. If they are in fact created scientifically, that could be why they are unable to have kids. But, if Kathy and the rest of the Hailsham students are destined to give up their organs,  why is the exposition so long? Why do we need to get to know the characters if they are going to die young? Could the long, detailed exposition be to present the conflict? Maybe, if the students are scientifically created, some people don't see them as real humans, but from the descriptive exposition, the readers see that they are indeed real people, which presents an ethical conflict. Should these people have to give up their lives just because they were created differently? I am really curious to find out if my line of thinking is right or if I'm way off base. Either way I am anxious to see what happens next!

Never Let Me Go 4

"There were between six and ten of us, the figure changing whenever Ruth allowed in a new member or expelled someone." pg. 49

Through Kathy's personal anecdotes, we see that Ruth is a very bossy and controlling person. She is the center of attention and likes everything to be her way. Ruth's dynamics with the other girls reminds me of the television show Pretty Little Liars. I feel like Ruth is Ally. She decides who can and cannot be in the group of friends, and despite how brutally mean or annoyingly conceited she is, everyone wants to be her friend. Ruth has the same sort of power over people as Ally does. She will do things to make you angry but when you finally build up enough courage to confront her, she makes you feel bad for accusing her. Personally, I don't understand why someone would want to be friends with a person like that. It seems like that friendship is not worth the work it involves. I would just be too frustrated to even deal with everything she does. Also, I don't really see where the book is going. Earlier on, I thought the chapters were alluding to many suspenseful events, but nothing has happened. It's simply Kathy rehashing her relationship with Ruth. I'm ready for some action to start.

 

Never Let Me Go 3

"Madame was afraid of us. But she was afraid of us in the same way someone might be afraid of spiders." pg. 35

Ishiguro's use of this analogy made me understand how Madame reacted to the children. But i don't understand why she would be afraid of them. Throughout this chapter I picked up some inklings that these Hailsham students are different from ordinary people, but I'm not sure how. I feel like the students at Hailsham are being sheltered from some aspect of life. There is something that they are not being told or exposed to. That is what I think the Gallery is for. Maybe the art work that Madame selects isn't necessarily the best, but perhaps it reflects whatever is being hidden from the students. I feel like if Madame took the best art work, it would be put on display, not taken to some secret gallery that may or may not exist. To me, Hailsham seems to be a very mysterious place with many secrets that will soon unfold. I can't wait to discover what happens in the rest of the novel.

Never Let Me Go 2

"Or maybe she could sense where my talk was leading, and didn't want to go that way." pg. 18

To me, this quote above foreshadows a bad memory or experience from Hailsham. Ruth, in her recovery, seemed to only want to reminisce about the good aspects of her time at Hailsham.   I think that the neglect to address whatever way Kathy is discussing will be a major conflict in the story. I just think that Hailsham can't be this perfect boarding school. It has to have its' secrets, and its these secrets that I think will provide conflict. Also, I am astonished that people tease and make fun of Tommy. With his physical appearance, I would think everyone would be too intimidated to even dare to bully him. But, maybe the dynamics at Hailsham are different than in today's society. Maybe there, athletics aren't a source of popularity and intimidation. However, I'm glad that people finally quit bullying Tommy.  I'm curious to find out what he tells Kathy when they meet. I'm also curious why Kathy is so interested in Tommy and wants to know all of his business. Could it be that she is a genuinely caring person or could it be that she simply has a crush on Tommy and is too afraid to admit it?

Never Let Me Go 1

"And anyway, if I'd never started choosing, how would I ever have got close to Ruth and Tommy after all those years." pg. 4

Well, I'm on to book number two. The first major difference I noticed in the book was the point of view. It's first person as compared to third in Brave New World. I think this will provide the readers with more insight to the main character, Kathy H. Ishiguro implements rhetorical questions that lead to the use of flashbacks.  The flashbacks seem to have a nostalgic feel to them; however, I think that certain aspects of them may contain a dark mystery. I don't know why, but I feel like there is something that is being purposely omitted from Kathy's memory of Hailsham. I don't think Hailsham is as perfect as she claims to remember. I was also a little confused by the terminology of "carers" and "donors." Hopefully this will be explained soon. I just hope that this novel isn't as out there as Brave New World was.

Brave New World 20

"And then the solitude! Whole days passed during which he never saw a human being" pg. 245

While I was reading this last chapter (and most of the rest of the book), I was confused. But now, stepping back and looking at it as a whole, it sort of makes sense to me. Overall, I really pity John. He has had a rough life and it never got any easier for him. He was always different from others. Even though John claimed he wanted to be alone, I think that it was his solitude that drove him to lash out against Lenina and ultimately take his own life. I think its ironic how Huxley describes John as an ape and savage, but then the "civilized" people join in the same ape-like, uncivilized behavior. I think that this, and the entire purpose of the novel, was to warn us of the dangers of technology. Huxley creates a seemingly "perfect" society driven by technological advances, but in the end, the citizens resort to savage, uncivilized behavior. I think Huxley's message is to not let technology take over our society. In today's world new inventions are created everyday, but it is our job to remember what is important in life and what truly produces happiness.

Brave New World 19

"But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin." pg. 240

In chapter 17, I was very impressed with the way the Controller was able to refute everyone of John's arguments. There was always a well thought out explanation as to why certain circumstances are the way they are. These explanations all stem back to the idea that stability produces happiness. But, I don't agree with that logic. I think that happiness comes from connections to people and overcoming struggles. If a person lives a perfect life, there is no thrill or excitement to become happy about. If you think about all the genres of movies, each one evokes emotion. Thrillers produce a mood of excitement and suspense, comedies produce laughter and giddiness, and tragedies produce sadness and angst.  If you were to watch a movie about a person living a squeaky clean, perfect life, with no problems, what type of emotion would you feel other than boredom? This is what John is trying to convey to the Controller. He wants to live in a place where there is real thrill and excitement, not an artificial sensation created by soma. I really don't know what to expect in this last chapter. I hope that there is some real excitement and some sort of change is made. I know that deep down the Controller really wants the world John is describing. I just don't understand why "stability and happiness" are worth giving up a life of freedom.

Brave New World 18

"I almost envy you, Mr. Watson." pg. 227

I was pretty surprised by this chapter. I never would have guessed that the Controller would have been so sympathetic and understanding. As I think about the reasoning behind the World State, I almost understand the purpose. I think that this world was created so that no one has to endure suffering or pain. It seems to me that the Nine Years' War was such a tragic event, that the survivors wanted to help the future generations. They didn't want people to have to experience something so horrible. Even though the people are being deprived from individuality, it is being done for the right reasons. Its not so much an evil cult, but a sort of parental protection for the young. Mustapha Mond sacrificed his life of curiosity so reign over the World State, to ensure that these people will be able to live a life of "happiness and stability." Then, for those like Helmholtz, there are secluded places where it is okay to be an individual and express ideas and thoughts. That is why Mustapha envies Watson. Mustapha knows that Watson is about to go embark on the life he has always dreamed about; however, he knows his duty is to preside over the World State.

Brave New World 17

"Twins, twins. . . Like maggots they had swarmed defilingly over the mystery of Linda's death." pg. 209

This simile expresses John's true disgust and hatred with the World State. In realizing his feelings about this place, he decides to take action. I'm glad to see that someone is able to see past all the lying and superficial happiness and is willing to attempt to stop it. While reading this chapter, my initial feeling that this society was a cult was reemphasized. The workers are brainwashed into liking their minimal role in society. Then, when someone tries to help them become free, the police come and arrest the person (John) and fill the air with soma so that everyone is "happy." How is this society not a cult? I finally understand the purpose to this novel now. John is sent to help free the citizens in the World State. Without him, the people will never experience what it is like to connect to someone, to be a free man, or to have a soul.  John, like myself, realizes that the main element of brainwashing is soma. In order to rescue the people, he will have to find a way to either eliminate all the soma, or convince the people that they do not have to depend on it.

Brave New World 16

"The nurse stood irresolute, looking now at the kneeling figure by the bed (the scandalous exhibition!) and now (poor children!)..." pg. 206

I understand why John became so angry during this chapter. No one could comprehend why John would be grieving over a death. It is so odd because John's reaction would be fairly typical in our world; however, everyone in the World State found it very strange that John felt the need to mourn. None of the people at the hospital had ever been so emotionally connected to another person before, so they found John's remorse to be disrespectful and inappropriate. I think that is kind of ironic because today when someone close dies, it is often disrespectful and inappropriate not to mourn. I think that this death will be very hard on John, one because he has just lost the only person he has been truly close to, and two because he has no one to share in his grief. I know (at least for me personally) it is much easier to deal with tragedy when you are surrounded by loved ones. I could not even imagine dealing with a death so close to me, let alone being isolated and without comfort and support from others. I would not be surprised if John's violence becomes a more prominent issue as a result of Linda's death.

Brave New World 15

"I love you more than anything in the world." pg. 192

In this chapter, John expresses his overwhelming feelings for Lenina, and Lenina asserts her sexual drive towards John. Their encounter is nothing but disastrous. Their opposite beliefs leave them in a controversial  conflict that results in John harming Lenina. He reacts so violently when he sees Lenina as a whore. However, she cannot seem to see why he is so distraught. Their different backgrounds prevent them from having a rational discussion about their feelings. I think that John hurt Lenina because that is what he experienced growing up. Its almost as if he didn't know it was wrong. But, I'm curious if Lenina will forgive John for what he did to her. Also, if Lenina does forgive John, I wonder if John will be able to let go of his strict traditional values, or if Lenina will be able to commit herself to one man.

Brave New World 14

"It was the sort of idea that might easily decondition the more unsettled minds among the higher castes--make them loose their faith in happiness as the Sovereign Good and take to believing, instead, that the goal was somewhere beyond, somewhere outside the present human sphere; that the purpose of life was not the maintenance of well-being, but some intensification and refining of consciousness, some enlargement of knowledge." pg. 177

Mustapha Mond's reaction to this "new theory of biology" really surprised me. I wasn't shocked by the rejection, but I was shocked about how forceful the rejection was. Mustapha seemed to be more baffled by the presentation than by the concept itself. It was as if he knew that the ideas were true, but couldn't admit it. In the quote above, it mentions that this was the type of concept that would provoke others to betray their conditioning. I think he reacted so strongly because he was fearful that this could happen. If this new theory was released to the public, the World State, as they knew it, would be forever changed.  The theory developed a life purpose for enriching knowledge rather than a pursuit of happiness. The new theory is like how the world is constructed today. We (most people) strive to accomplish all that we can in order to ensure that we are happy. This is because in our world, happiness is equated with success rather that pleasure. If the people of the World State knew they were capable of so much more physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, the dynamics of their lives would severely alter. I think that Mustapha knows that the new theory is more of an ideal scenario, but in his world, it is blasphemy to admit it. 

Brave New World 13

"Success went fizzily to Bernard's head, and in the process completely reconciled him to a world which, up till then, he had found very unsatisfactory." pg. 157

During this chapter, my opinion of Bernard changes significantly. I'm extremely disappointed that he would let the spot light get to him like it does. I used to feel sorry for Bernard because  he was an outcast and was above all the superficial behavior of the World State. But now, it's as if he is the ring leader of it all. He is using John as a source to gain popularity. I think Bernard will have a rude awakening when the citizens of the World State begin to lose interest in John. Bernard will no longer have his clutch to success and superiority. He will be back to the same old awkward Bernard that he was in the beginning of the novel. However, I think that he won't be able to recover from his status loss, which will leave him more isolated and alone then ever before. This is because he will have burnt every friendship he had prior to his rising popularity. His compulsive boastfulness towards Helmholtz will drive that friendship away, and Bernard's poor treatment of John will diminish that friendship as well. This reminds me of the movie Mean Girls. Lindsay Lohan starts the school year off as the new girl with no friends. She befriends a few outcasts early on in the film. Then, she is invited to sit with the "plastics" or the popular girls. Her status quickly rises and she is now "popular" and leaves her friends behind. Then when the popular crowd turns on her she is left with no one. I think this is what will happen to Bernard.

 

Brave New World 12

"There was a gasp, a murmur of astonishment and horror; a young girl screamed..." pg. 150

Even though this chapter was fairly short, many key events occurred. Bernard Marx is exiled from the World State and the Director encounters his son for the first time in his life. But, despite all the action going on in this chapter, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Linda. First of all, she was described as a horrifying monster based upon her looks. I bet that must have been hard for her because she used to look like everyone in the World State. As if her wretched looks weren't enough, she faced condemning judgment because of having a child. Then, to top it all off, Tomakin didn't acknowledge who she was and that he was truly the father of her child. I think that is a lot of misfortune to encounter in one day. If I were Linda, I would have terribly low self-esteem now and possess major resentment towards the Director. He robbed her of her lifestyle, the only one she had ever known. I think the Director needs to assume responsibility for his actions and learn how to deal with the situation in a proper way.  

Brave New World 11

"How beautiful she was! How beautiful!" pg. 144

It is quite evident from this chapter that John's attraction to Lenina is continuously growing. John recites one of William Shakespeare's lyric poems to express his desire for her. I'm torn as to what I foresee happening next in the novel. I think that Lenina will not be able to resist John's passion for her. As a result, they will get together and through spending time with one another,  John will very slowly release Lenina from her conditioned mindset, leaving Bernard hurt that he was not able to do the same. Or, Lenina will still fall for John's passion, however, it won't be in the way he was hoping. Lenina will see John as just another conquest of promiscuity, and John will be devastated when he discovers his deep, heartfelt feelings are not reciprocated. Then, Bernard, with his overwhelming insecurities, will revel in John's disappointment and heartbreak. Despite Lenina's reaction to John, I think the two of them will physically get together leaving someone hurt and alone.

Brave New World 10

"O brave new world," he repeated. "O brave new world that has such people in it. Let's start at once." pg. 139

After accepting Bernard's invitation to go to London, John is eager to encounter civilized people. I think that is completely normal and expected given the life he has lived so far. Through flashbacks to John's childhood, we learn how truly savage these Indians are. When they were first referred to as "savages," I thought that Bernard was just over exaggerating, but I now think they really do fit their description. The Indians whipped and stoned John just because he was different. There is really not much difference between the civilized and uncivilized people in their treatment of outcasts. They both resort to abuse. The uncivilized use physical abuse, where as the civilized use mental abuse. Either way, it is still very hurtful to the individual that is different. As if the abuse from the Indians wasn't enough, John was constantly reminded of how he ruined his "mother's" life and how unwanted he was. I don't blame John for his optimism about the Other Place, as Linda calls it. If I experienced the childhood John had, I would dream of going to a world that was described as pure happiness too.

Brave New World 9

"And I was so ashamed. Just think of it: me, a Beta--having a baby: put yourself in my place." pg. 120

During this chapter, I made quite a few realizations. First of all, Linda is the woman the director became so emotionally attached to. This happened because Linda became pregnant with the directors baby, John. After discovering she was pregnant, Linda decided to remain in New Mexico rather than returning to the World State. Her reasoning was shame. By the way Linda describes her life on the Reservation, the standards must be extremely high and the judgement unbearable in the World State for her to choose to stay in New Mexico over returning to London. Also, the conditioning systems in the World State must be designed for long term remembrance, because Linda can still spout off lines she learned in her sleep after a significant period of time away. The last thing I noticed was the way John and Lenina were each characterized. They were both beautifully described which led me to sense the attraction they have for each other. I think that this foreshadows the development of a relationship between them. However, with their significantly different upbringings, I think a relationship between the two of them will only cause severe conflict.

Brave New World 8

"Don't imagine," he said, "that I'd had any indecorous relation with the girl. Nothing emotional, nothing longdrawn. It was all perfectly healthy and normal." pg. 97

While reading the director's personal anecdote of his trip to New Mexico with his girl at the time, I discovered a flaw in the conditioning system. The conditioning does not prevent people from having the capability to relate to others in a deeper way. I think that the "savages" in New Mexico had an unspoken effect on the director that caused him to develop feelings of compassion and concern. With enough distance from the World State, I believe any person could gain individuality and separation from their predestination. But, any trigger will send the person back to their original mindset. Also, once a person experiences these deeper feelings, he is always reminded and conflicted by them, just like the director. I think this is why, in the World State, the people must obtain permits before traveling to places that have "savages." If too many people experience what is normality in today's world, then the social system in the World State will break down.

Brave New World 7

"I want to know what passion is," she heard him saying. "I want to feel something strongly." pg. 94

At this point in the novel, Bernard encounters his first direct external conflict. Lenina has trouble comprehending how Bernard is able to think on his own and break away from his conditioning. This further emphasizes Bernard's difference from the rest of the World State. Bernard longs for a woman he can connect to and commit to; however, Lenina desires the exact opposite. She wants to have fun with many different men. I find that kind of ironic because today in America the role of each gender is switched (stereotypically at least). Its odd to read about a man wanting to settle down and a woman wanting to let loose. But then again, this entire book is strange and twisted so why am I surprised? Bernard has fantasies about a world without predestination and conditioning, and Lenina would not even fathom what that could be like. I thought that this conflict would be the end of their time together, but I was wrong. Even though Lenina refers to Bernard as "odd," she still accompanies him to New Mexico. I think that Bernard hopes that this blossoms into a relationship, but I do not foresee that happening. I don't think Lenina will be able to stray from here pre-conditioned beliefs. But, who knows, maybe Bernard's continuous influence will overcome Lenina's chosen mindset.