The Ethical Dilemma in "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

  Title: The Ethical Dilemma in "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro Introduction Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, "Never Let Me Go," presents readers with a thought-provoking exploration of ethical questions surrounding human cloning and the commodification of human life. Set in a dystopian alternate reality, the novel follows the lives of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, who are clones created solely to serve as organ donors for "real" humans. This essay will argue that "Never Let Me Go" raises profound ethical dilemmas concerning the value of human life and the consequences of commodifying individuals. Thesis Statement Through its portrayal of human clones as objects for organ donation, "Never Let Me Go" prompts readers to question the ethics of treating individuals as mere commodities, challenging us to consider the moral implications of such practices. The Commodification of Human Life In "Never Let Me Go," the clones exist solely for the purpose of donating their organs until they "complete." They are created and raised in special institutions where they are carefully monitored and nurtured for their biological parts. This commodification of human life reduces the clones to mere objects, stripped of their autonomy and treated as disposable resources. Ishiguro's portrayal of the clones as objects highlights the dehumanization that occurs when individuals are treated as commodities. The novel forces readers to confront the ethical implications of valuing human life solely in terms of its usefulness or utility. The Moral Responsibility of Society In the novel, society as a whole is complicit in the commodification and mistreatment of these clones. The existence of the clones is justified by the belief that they are not fully human, which allows society to exploit them without guilt or remorse. However, this raises important questions about the moral responsibility of society towards these individuals. Ishiguro challenges readers to reflect on their own moral responsibilities towards those who may be marginalized or devalued by society. By presenting a world where the commodification of human life is accepted and normalized, he asks us to consider our role in shaping a more just and compassionate society. The Loss of Individuality and Freedom The clones in "Never Let Me Go" are denied the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. They are raised with the knowledge that their purpose is to donate organs until they inevitably meet their early deaths. This loss of individuality and freedom is a major ethical concern raised by the novel. The clones' inability to determine their own destinies or make choices about their bodies and futures raises fundamental questions about human rights and autonomy. Ishiguro's portrayal of these restrictions highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting individual agency, regardless of one's origin or circumstances. Conclusion "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro serves as a poignant exploration of ethical dilemmas surrounding human cloning and the commodification of human life. The novel challenges readers to critically examine the consequences of treating individuals as mere objects for profit or utility. Through its thought-provoking narrative, Ishiguro prompts us to reflect on our moral responsibilities towards each other and advocate for a society that values the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.  

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