The theme of Nature versus Nurture is prominent throughout Ishisguro’s Never Let Me Go. The title itself, supported by the experiences of Kathy H. speaks volumes about the feelings, desires, and needs that are inherent to human nature. Ishiguro exploits a world where human nature powerfully contradicts nurturing. He shows us that people, no matter how they were created, desire to be loved and accepted and need to know where they came from and what their future possibilities are.
One of the main purposes of the guardians at Hailsham was to nurture the clones in such a way that they would follow their chosen path without deterrence. Despite the guardians’ attempts at keeping the clones on the chosen path, human nature guided them into questioning all sorts of things about their lives. Ishiguro uses the clones to demonstrate the inherent inquisitiveness of children. We read about them questioning why certain things were important to them at Hailsham, like the poetry and being creative. They question everything from the “models” they were made from to getting “deferrals” before they finish their donations. The guardians tried to minimize through nurturing how much information the children could know about themselves but human nature led them to questioning all the things the guardians didn’t want them to know.
Human nature took over in other ways as well. Sex, is a natural desire inherent to human beings. The clones were secretly discussing and some sneaking to have sex without the guardians knowing. The most powerful statement about human nature versus nurture is demonstrated through the song that Kathy H. loved so much, Never Let Me Go. Here she is, a clone, constantly imaging herself holding onto a baby and never wanting to let go. This powerfully demonstrates the innate desire to love and be loved. Kathy new she could never bear children but her deeply felt desires were demonstrated by this act of holding onto a baby while singing Never Let Me Go. Another big demonstration of human nature versus nurture is seen in Ruth’s desire to know her model. It is human nature to question one’s origins. For example, with children who have lived their lives with adopted parents. We have seen many instances in our society where these people seek out their birth parents once they become adults. It is a desire deep within humans to know where we come from. Lastly, we witnessed Tommy throwing tantrums because he was being ridiculed by the other students. Tommy just wanted to be accepted. Without having that sense of acceptance Tommy could not control his outbursts. Once he found a way to fit in the outbursts stopped. It is human nature to desire acceptance from others.
