Never Let Me Go 11

"And something told me we were coming to what was, for Chrissie and Rodney, the central purpose of this whole expedition." pg. 153

In this chapter, we learn the true colors of Chrissie and Rodney, as well as why Hailsham students in particular are so special. The veterans lure Ruth to Norfolk with a sighting of her possible, when in fact, they only wanted to know about the deferring process granted to few Hailsham students. This motivation reveals the true identities of the veterans. They were never truly interested in befriending the younger students. They had an ulterior motive to gain information for themselves. The veterans were characterized as very manipulative and selfish people. They used Ruth to see what she knew about the rumored deferral process. When Ruth implies she knows what they are talking about, I think Tommy reevaluates his relationship with Ruth. I think he sees that she is really just a shallow person with the goal of popularity. I really hope that Tommy and Ruth separate for good after this trip, and I think they will based on the inklings Kathy mentions when telling about Norfolk.