Marginalization and Dehumanization: A Subaltern Study of Never Let Me Go

Abstract

This research paper examines marginalization and dehumanization and the impact of dehumanization and marginalization on the clones in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go. The manifestation of dehumanization and marginalization in Never Let Me Go is in the form of indoctrination, physical distance, linguistic features, assimilation, and objectification. The nature of this research is qualitative, where the researcher applied textual analysis and close reading techniques. Consequently, this research is guided by a feministic approach: "Can the Subaltern Speak?". By analyzing the experiences of the clones at Hailsham School this approach, the research paper offers insights into how literature can illuminate and critique broader social inequalities in human society. The current study shows that characters face dehumanization and marginalization throughout the novel. Thus, the findings show that the characters are dehumanized and marginalized systematically. The dehumanization and marginalization of characters in the novel have a negative and destructive impact on them and on society as a whole. The main objective of this research is to explore the marginalization and dehumanization portrayed in Never Let Me Go and investigate the impacts of marginalization and dehumanization on the clones. The study used a qualitative method while employing textual analysis of the novel Never Let Me Go.