During our second unit of Language and Literature Y2, we were introduced to a dystopian science-fiction novel, Never Let Me Go, written by the British author, Kazuo Ishiguro. As this unit shares a similarity with the previous unit, focusing on the theme of dystopia, we learned more about how dystopia can be presented through different literary works. We broaden our ideas on the topics of identity and relationships, as the novel pinpoints these ideas in order to create a distinct dystopian image presented in the fictional society.
Throughout the unit, we had to read Never Let Me Go and jot our ideas on different themes shown in the novel. The central dystopian themes that we had to analyze were: government control, environmental destruction, technological control, survival, and loss of individualism. The quotes that was found that fit in either of the themes were then connected to our own ideas, as well as different literary devices. This was important in the unit as it helped us gain a greater understanding about different themes and ideas that Ishiguro intended to share to the readers, and it also helped us to familiarize with authorial techniques, which is important for our paper 2 summative.
During the unit, it was beneficial for us to discuss about the key takeaways from the novel, as well as sharing about ideas through our own perspectives in order to grasp a better understanding of the novel. In the chapter 6-7 discussion assignment, we were assigned different main topics to discuss and take notes on; for example, specific objects, actions, and locations that are important in Never Let Me Go. As we discussed about each topic, we had to consider the roles, authorial choices, significance, as well as connecting it to a real-life example.
Another assignment that we did was mainly focused on our own thoughts and perspectives instead of solely focusing on the novel. We had to answer opinion-based questions about the ethical issues in Never Let Me Go. In this assignment, we specifically focused on the ethical issues of organ donations. The questions mainly include opinions on donating organs and different situations in different countries that relate to this topic. As the questions were opinion-based, I wrote my own personal thoughts and opinions as the answer.