Visions of the Future

What is the origin of the term ‘utopia’?

Thomas More coined the term in 1516; it suggests ‘no place’ and ‘good place’

What are the central characteristics of a utopia?

Perfect society, harmony equality, and justice

What is the Greek origin of the word dystopia?

It derives from ‘bad place’

What are typical characteristics of dystopia?

Pessimism social control restricted freedom, surveillance and inequality.

How can utopia dystopia overlap?

An apparently, ideal society can conceal oppressive structures

Why is Hailsham initially presented as utopian?

It is an idyllic boarding school with sports art, friendship and good healthcare

How did the guardians contribute to Hailsham’s utopian appearance?

They protect the children and encourage creativity

What makes Hailsham from dystopian in reality?

Students are clones raised solely to donate organs and eventually die

How are the clones controlled at Hailsham?

Through secrecy, half-truths and euphemism rather than violence

What do donors, carers and completion conceal?

The brutal reality of organ donation and death

What are the central themes of Never Let Me Go?

Freedom, good and evil, identity, loss and grief

What is the significance of the Gallery and Madame?

Art is used to question whether clones possess souls and humanity

How does memory function in the novel?

Kathy recall event selectively and softens painful truth

What does the song Never Let Me Go symbolise?

Kathy’s longing for a child, safety and emotional attachment

What is the significance of Norfolk, the ‘lost corner’?

It symbolises loss, memory and the characters’ search for what is missing

How does the novel portray society?

Acquired dystopia without open violence. Society accepts the clones fate.

What is a genetic engineering?

Deliberately changing the DNA of plants, animals or humans

How does CRISPR/Cas9 work?

It targets a specific DNA sequence, cuts it and allows genes to be removed, repaired or replaced

What are three potential benefits of genetic engineering?

Curing hereditary diseases, higher crop yields personalised medicine

What are the major ethical concerns about genetic engineering?

Designer babies, eugenics, discrimination, social equality and destruction of embryos.