Clues in the Setting: How the Cottages in "Never Let Me Go" Reflect the Story's Theme

Hailsham as High School, Cottages as College

In Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, the narrative unfolds within three primary institutional settings: Hailsham, the Cottages, and the donor recovery center. The novel establishes a parallel between Hailsham and the typical high school experience, while the Cottages represent a transitionary "college" phase.

Educational Focus at the Cottages

Life at the Cottages is structured to prepare the students for their future as organ donors. They receive specialized medical training, attend lectures, and engage in artistic and creative activities. This educational focus mimics the role of higher education in shaping individuals for their future careers.

Social and Emotional Growth

Beyond their academic pursuits, the Cottages provide a space for the students to grow socially and emotionally. They form close bonds, explore their sexuality, and grapple with the implications of their predetermined fates. These experiences parallel the transformative experiences often associated with college life, where students navigate new relationships and develop a sense of independence.

Transition into the Outside World

The Cottages serve as a buffer between the sheltered environment of Hailsham and the harsh realities of the donor recovery center. They provide the students with the knowledge and support they need to transition into a world where their existence is primarily defined by their medical purpose.

Kathy's Struggle after Ruth's Revelation

After a particularly poignant conversation with Ruth and Tommy, Kathy realizes that maintaining a normal façade with them will be difficult. The symbolic significance of the Cottages as a transitionary phase is highlighted here, as Kathy grapples with the approaching end of her protected existence.

In conclusion, the Cottages in Never Let Me Go play a multifaceted role in mirroring the story's central themes. They serve as a metaphor for the transition into adulthood, a stage of both growth and uncertainty for the characters, and foreshadow the inevitable destiny that awaits them.