Dromophobia's Veil: Unveiling the Enigma of Hailsham in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go Through a Virilian Lens of Fear and Control

Subject Areas : Journal of Teaching English Language Studies

Seyede Keyhaneh Kafshchi ¹ , Rohollah Reesi sistani ² , Hassan Shahabi ³

1 - Ph.D. Candidate, Department of English Language and Literature, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
2 - Department of English Language, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

Received: 2023-06-07 Accepted : 2023-08-27 Published : 2023-09-19

Keywords: social alienation, Dystopian Technology, Hyperreal Society, Cyber-Urbanization, Telepresence and Identity,

Abstract :

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go within the framework of Paul Virilio's influential theories. The novel challenges conventional science fiction by seamlessly integrating speculative elements, focusing on character development, and exploring the complexities of human relationships. At its core, the narrative delves into the theme of simulation through human clones destined for organ donation. The story traces the characters' journey from their sheltered upbringing at Hailsham to the ethical dilemmas of cloning, questions about the nature of humanity, and the struggle for individual identity. Hailsham, a meticulously constructed simulation, conceals the truth about the clones' destinies, conditioning them to accept their fates. The narrative prompts reflections on determinism, free will, and autonomy, emphasizing the role of memory and narration in conferring meaning upon their lives. Never Let Me Go transcends genre boundaries to explore the human condition, love, and friendship within a dystopian context. This analysis employs Virilio's theories to enrich our understanding of the novel's intricate exploration of simulated existence and genuine humanity.

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