My three main approaches (object, timeline, and map) bring diverse perspectives to interpret Never Let Me Go.

The object I chose was Kathy’s tape “Songs After Dark” by Judy Bridgewater.  It proves to be an item of significance throughout the novel, and reveals the books’ deeper themes.  One important issue that this object raises is the ethicality of Hailsham.  The students at Hailsham grow up knowing that they are special and will one day be donors, but they have very limited information about why they are actually special and what being a donor entails.  They believe that they can follow their passions and live the lives they desire, however, in actuality they will be forced to donate their vital organs and meet an inevitable death.  By creating the narrative that Judy Bridgewater’s “Never Let Me Go” is about a mom who is unable to have kids, it is almost like Kathy subconsciously knew the fate that had been chosen for her.  It is a life that none of the children at Hailsham chose for themselves and begs the question whether they should know their fate or if they even should’ve been created in the first place.  In addition, the third track of the “Songs After Dark” tape enriches Kathy’s psychological complexities.  It does so because her associations with the song and how she interacts with it displays Kathy’s longing for connection with others.  As a clone, she will not be afforded the same experiences as regular humans on both the physical and emotional levels.  For instance, Kathy is unable to have children which greatly fosters connection, and the debate of whether clones/AI can be emotionally sentient comes into play.  Kathy will likely be limited in her ability for emotional connection due to the reality of her being a clone.

The events that I chose to timeline also bring diverse perspectives to interpret Never Let Me Go.  The events that I chose were the character’s trip to Norfolk, seeing the boat, and visiting Littlehampton.  They bring a diverse perspective to the book because it expands on and illustrates the importance of Kathy’s cassette tape.  It demonstrates how the tape appears in the three different locations that I chose to highlight, signifying its significance and perpetuation of the themes of ethics and connection throughout the novel.

My StoryMapJS offers unique views to understand Never Let Me Go because it visually represents the trips that the characters take and how the Judy Bridgewater “Songs After Dark” tape is woven throughout the book.  The first location I chose -Hailsham- is where Kathy first obtains the tape and listens to it whenever possible.  It is also where Madame stumbles upon Kathy listening to it and reacts by crying.  The second location -Norfolk- is where Kathy and Tommy rediscover the cassette since it is the “lost corner” of England.  Finally, Littlehampton is where the tape is brought up for the final time when Kathy and Madame discuss the day that Madame saw Kathy listening to “Never Let Me Go.”

My project helps to give Never Let Me Go a digital afterlife.  It does so because it serves as a tool for viewers to deep read the novel in a creative way.  As opposed to strictly reading text, my website offers options that stray from the norm.  This includes my map made on StoryMapJS and timeline made on Knight Lab.  This is especially beneficial for visual learners and creates a more hands-on, interactive experience in which the viewer can delve deeper into the novel.