Shea answers “Can anyone explain me why didn't they all...”

Jamila Huseynova asked this question about Never Let Me Go:

Can anyone explain me why didn't they all run away from that place? Because I could not figure out that part.

Shea The clones were kept in such a state of ignorance, they didn't even know the right questions to ask. They're kept separated from the rest of the world…moreThe clones were kept in such a state of ignorance, they didn't even know the right questions to ask. They're kept separated from the rest of the world until they're carers, and when they're carers they're completely run ragged. Think about all the planning it would take to practically run away and what they could reasonably plan for. These are people who barely know how money works, and know only what they need to know about how society at large works. Add to it that they've really instilled obedience into them from a young age. None of the kids at Hailsham dared to go off property. When they moved into the cottages, it took them ages to even go out exploring.

Plus, they grew up knowing this was just how things were, and that they were special and important for fufilling this role. Think about their dreams. They didn't dream of avoiding donations, just deferring them. They didn't dream of being a doctor or a lawyer, but of working in a store or an office.

Beyond all that, there was the carer programme. It was rather ingenious. They were either selected right away to be a donor, by which time it's really too late. Otherwise they were a carer. As a carer, they saw they how important they were to others. They were also worked so hard they were constantly fatigued and stressed. While that's going on, everyone they knew and formed relationships with are starting their donations.

Think about Kathy. Would she even want freedom given the choice? Everyone she loves is dead. As exhausting as her job is, she absolutely loves it. Would she really find meaning like that in the real world? Would she ever be able to form normal relationships with people? Of course, that's why she was allowed to live so long. She wasn't the type to run off or cause problems.(less)

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