Chapter by Chapter (Never Let Me Go): Chapter Ten

Summary

In Chapter 10 of *Never Let Me Go*, Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth transition from Hailsham to the rundown cottages, where the lack of guardians and freedom from academic pressures allow them to face deeper personal struggles. Kathy reflects on the significance of their essays, symbolizing a last connection to their past, while navigating the complicated dynamics of their relationships. Ruth’s growing independence and Kathy's jealousy create tension, especially when Ruth's behavior towards Tommy becomes a point of conflict. The chapter explores themes of loyalty, the struggle to move on, and the complexities of friendship and identity in the face of an uncertain future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The students' essays serve as a symbolic farewell gift from the Guardians, representing their final connection to Hailsham and the past.
• 😀 Senioritis is a common theme, with the students at Hailsham showing a lack of care for their essays since there are no grades or external consequences.
• 😀 The cottages are a rundown, cold environment that contrasts with the structured, safe life the students had at Hailsham, symbolizing their transition to a more difficult reality.
• 😀 Kathy reflects on the significance of the essays, seeing them as a way to hold on to a sense of comfort and safety in a time of uncertainty.
• 😀 Ruth adopts a gesture from a TV show, trying to mimic the behavior of the veterans at the cottages, which Kathy sees through and calls her out for.
• 😀 Kathy is keenly aware of the dynamics between Ruth, Tommy, and herself, observing Ruth's insecurities and the strain in their relationships.
• 😀 Kathy confronts Ruth about her behavior, pointing out that Ruth is pretending to be someone she is not and that it makes her relationship with Tommy appear strained.
• 😀 Ruth responds defensively, accusing Kathy of being stuck in the past and unable to move forward, highlighting the emotional tension between the characters.
• 😀 Ruth's desire to make new friends and move on from Kathy is portrayed as an important step in her personal growth, while Kathy's attachment to the past holds her back.
• 😀 The setting of the cottages and the challenges the students face there are symbolic of their broader struggle with their predestined futures and their inability to fully escape their pasts.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'senioritis' mentioned in the script?

The term 'senioritis' in this context refers to a sense of apathy or disinterest in academic tasks. While typically associated with high school seniors in the U.S., for the students of Hailsham, it takes a specific form where they are no longer motivated to write their essays since no one is grading them. This represents their emotional detachment from Hailsham and the growing realization of their purpose.

What role do the essays play for the students of Hailsham?

The essays serve as a symbolic tie to their past at Hailsham. Despite being ungraded, they are seen as a farewell gift, a final academic task that students cling to. These essays reflect their lingering attachment to Hailsham and their struggles with letting go of a place that provided them with structure and comfort.

How do the cottages differ from Hailsham in terms of the students' living conditions?

The cottages are far less comfortable than Hailsham. They are rundown, drafty, and require students to wear multiple layers for warmth. The lack of structure and comfort contrasts with the more controlled and secure environment they had at Hailsham, signaling a major shift in their lives.

Why are Kathy and her friends uncertain about their identity at the cottages?

At the cottages, the students no longer have the structure of Hailsham, nor are they in a traditional educational setting. They are tasked with chores but do not earn money, and their roles are ambiguous. This uncertainty about their identity is compounded by the absence of clear guidance or supervision, leaving them to figure out their place in the world.

What is the significance of the gesture Ruth uses with Tommy?

Ruth adopts a specific gesture—knuckle wrapping on the arm—to demonstrate affection for Tommy, which Kathy recognizes as a mimicry of a gesture seen on TV. This highlights Ruth's attempt to conform to the behavior of the 'veterans' and to assert control over Tommy, while also revealing her insecurities and desire to fit in.

How does Kathy's observation of Ruth's behavior affect their relationship?

Kathy's astuteness in observing Ruth's behavior, particularly the imitation of the TV gesture, creates tension between them. Kathy confronts Ruth about it, and while Ruth initially tries to deflect, the confrontation exposes the underlying jealousy and emotional complexity of their friendship, especially regarding Tommy.

Why does Kathy refer to Ruth's actions as 'pretend' in the context of reading?

Kathy criticizes Ruth for pretending to have read every book in the world, likely out of frustration with Ruth's desire to appear more knowledgeable or sophisticated than she truly is. This is another example of Kathy's keen observation of Ruth's insecurities and the way Ruth tries to fit into the roles expected of her.

What does Ruth's remark about Kathy being 'stuck in the past' reveal about her character?

Ruth's remark about Kathy being 'stuck in the past' reflects Ruth’s growing independence and her desire to move on from Hailsham. Ruth perceives Kathy as too loyal to the past and the memories of Hailsham, and she accuses Kathy of not embracing the new relationships and realities that the cottages represent.

How does Kathy's loyalty to Tommy influence her actions in the chapter?

Kathy's loyalty to Tommy manifests in her desire to protect him from Ruth's behavior. She confronts Ruth about how she often leaves Tommy 'stranded,' showcasing Kathy’s concern for Tommy's emotional well-being. Kathy's actions also reflect her deep attachment to both Tommy and the past they shared at Hailsham.

What symbolic meaning is attached to the setting of the cottages in the novel?

The cottages represent a transition from the safety and structure of Hailsham to a more uncertain, isolated existence. The physical dilapidation of the cottages mirrors the emotional and psychological struggles of the characters. They are no longer in a place of comfort, but rather, are faced with the reality of their existence and the difficulties that come with it.