Theme Of Growth And Space Representation In Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go

Published in 2005,Kazuo Ishiguro’s bildungsroman Never Let Me Go is an attempt in turning to science fiction from cultural representation of Japanese and British communities.In bildungsroman,growth entails self-awareness,getting to know the society,and the integration of the two.In Never Let Me Go,which features bildungsroman,the theme of growth is integrated with space representation.The present thesis aims to examine the integration of the theme of growth and space representation in Never Let Me Go.Based on Henri Lefebvre’s interpretation of space as a symbolic and conceptual construction by artists by means of metaphor and meaning,the study intends to read the novel as bildungsroman,with an analysis of its space representation,in hopes to explore the transformation of Kathy,the protagonist,from ignorance to enlightenment.Drawing on the space theories put forward by Henri Lefebvre,Michel Foucault and Gaston Bachelard,this thesis classifies space in Never Let Me Go into three categories,namely,geographical space,social space and psychological space.Geographical space is the physical space in which people live and it does not only function as discipline and isolation but also represents social,political and class background.According to Foucault,the operation of power presents itself in the spatial structure.The study argues that the geographical space representation in the novel displays the reality of the protagonist.Social space refers to the non-physical space formed in the process of social communication.The relationship between the protagonist and her “fellow travelers” and “guides” and her career shows the process of self-awareness and that of getting to know the society,which constitutes the social space for growth.Social space representation reveals the dilemma of marginalized groups in self-quest.Psychological space is one with typical individual characteristics and personal psychology,which focuses on individual psychological experience and emotional evaluation.The psychological space representation reflects Kathy’s integration of self and society.Coming to realize the cruelty of the reality,she chooses to face the self and society in a relieved manner,which in essence is enlightenment.This thesis holds that the growth of Kathy in Never Let Me Go is allusive to human beings as a whole.With the theme of growth and space representation,Kazuo Ishiguro gives expressions to his meditations on man and fate,man and life itself,and man and “the other”.