Jezik, književnost i empatija (2025) (199-210. str.)
AUTOR(I) / AUTHOR(S):Tamta Amiranashvili 
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DOI: 10.46793/LLE25.199A
SAŽETAK / ABSTRACT:
In Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro weaves a haunting narrative that explores themes of identity, loss, and the human condition through the lives of cloned individuals raised for organ donation. Central to the novel is the concept of empathy, which plays a critical role in shaping the characters’ understanding of themselves and their place in a dystopian society. Through the lens of the narrator Kathy H. and her relationships with fellow clones Tommy and Ruth, the novel presents a nuanced exploration of empathy as both a connecting force and a source of profound tragedy. This article examines how Ishiguro uses empathy not only as a means of character development but also as a tool for reflecting on broader ethical dilemmas. By analyzing the emotional connections between the characters – particularly Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth – the paper explores how their capacity for empathy both enables and limits their ability to confront the harsh realities of their existence. The article argues that Ishiguro presents empathy as a double-edged sword: while it fosters emotional bonds that offer fleeting solace, it also underscores the profound existential isolation faced by the characters. The paper further considers how the institutions of Hailsham and the broader society employ empathetic understanding to maintain control over the clones while providing them with just enough emotional fulfillment to prevent rebellion. Through this critical analysis, the paper illuminates Ishiguro’s profound commentary on the ethical boundaries of empathy in contexts of dehumanization and demonstrates how the novel challenges readers to confront their own empathetic responses to systematic injustice. Through this complex interplay, Never Let Me Go challenges readers to reflect on the role of empathy in shaping human relationships and moral responsibility in a world defined by scientific advancement and ethical ambiguity.
KLJUČNE REČI / KEYWORDS:
empathy, clone, Ishiguro, apathy
PROJEKAT / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
LITERATURA / REFERENCES:
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