Never Let Me Go vs. The Handmaid's Tale

Attribute	Never Let Me Go	The Handmaid's Tale
Author	Kazuo Ishiguro	Margaret Atwood
Genre	Dystopian fiction	Dystopian fiction
Main Characters	Kathy, Tommy, Ruth	Offred, The Commander, Serena Joy
Setting	England, late 20th century	Republic of Gilead, future United States
Themes	Identity, memory, mortality	Gender, power, control

Plot

Both Never Let Me Go and The Handmaid's Tale are dystopian novels that explore dark and unsettling futures. In Never Let Me Go, the story follows a group of students who discover they are clones created for the sole purpose of organ donation. The novel delves into their struggles with their predetermined fate and their relationships with each other. On the other hand, The Handmaid's Tale is set in a totalitarian society where women are oppressed and used solely for reproduction. The protagonist, Offred, navigates this oppressive world and tries to find a way to escape.

Themes

One of the central themes in both novels is the loss of autonomy and control over one's own body. In Never Let Me Go, the clones have no say in their fate and are essentially treated as commodities for organ donation. This lack of agency leads to a sense of hopelessness and resignation among the characters. Similarly, in The Handmaid's Tale, women are stripped of their rights and forced into roles as mere vessels for reproduction. The theme of control over one's own body is a powerful and disturbing aspect of both novels.

Character Development

While both novels feature strong character development, the approaches are different. In Never Let Me Go, the focus is on the internal struggles and emotions of the characters as they come to terms with their fate. The relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth to their development. On the other hand, The Handmaid's Tale focuses more on the external forces that shape the characters, such as the oppressive society they live in. The characters in both novels undergo significant growth and change throughout the story.

Setting

The settings of Never Let Me Go and The Handmaid's Tale play a crucial role in shaping the tone and atmosphere of the novels. In Never Let Me Go, the story takes place in a seemingly idyllic boarding school, which serves as a stark contrast to the dark reality of the characters' lives. This juxtaposition adds to the sense of unease and tension in the novel. In contrast, The Handmaid's Tale is set in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, a society that is oppressive and restrictive. The setting of each novel contributes to the overall mood and themes of the story.

Writing Style

Kazuo Ishiguro, the author of Never Let Me Go, employs a subtle and introspective writing style that focuses on the internal thoughts and emotions of the characters. His prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the minds of the protagonists. Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid's Tale, uses a more direct and stark writing style that reflects the harsh realities of the dystopian world she has created. Both authors are skilled at creating immersive and compelling narratives that captivate readers.

Conclusion

While Never Let Me Go and The Handmaid's Tale share some similarities in their dystopian themes and exploration of control over one's body, they also differ in their approaches to character development, setting, and writing style. Both novels are powerful and thought-provoking works that offer insight into the darker aspects of human nature and society. Whether you prefer the introspective and emotional journey of Never Let Me Go or the stark and chilling world of The Handmaid's Tale, both novels are sure to leave a lasting impact on readers.