Characters

Kathy H.

"I accepted the invisible rein she was holding out."

This quote highlights how Kathy often lets Ruth take charge in their friendship.
The "invisible rein" suggests that Ruth's control over Kathy is subtle but strong, guiding Kathy's actions without her openly resisting.
The word "invisible" hints that Kathy might not fully see how much Ruth influences her, or it could show that this control is mental rather than physical.
This mirrors Kathy's role as a carer, where she quietly accepts her fate, reflecting the novel's theme of going along with life's predetermined paths.

"I lost Ruth and Tommy, but I won't lose my memories of them."

This quote shows how important memories are to Kathy. Even after losing her friends, she holds onto the past to keep them close.
The phrase "won't lose" highlights her determination to keep these memories alive, even though she has to face loss in her life.
This also reflects how memories help Kathy find meaning in a life where the future is uncertain.

"We're modelled from trash."

Ruth's blunt statement reveals her anger and insecurity about being a clone. The word "trash" suggests she feels worthless, like something disposable.
This shows how society views the clones, treating them as less important. Ruth's harsh language reflects her shame and the pain of knowing that their lives aren't valued.
This moment also highlights the theme of identity and self-worth, showing how the clones struggle with who they are.

"I kept you and Tommy apart."

Ruth's confession reveals her guilt and the complexity of her character.
The phrase "kept you and Tommy apart" suggests that she purposely interfered out of jealousy or fear of being left out.
This moment is important because it shows Ruth realising her mistakes and wanting to fix them, adding depth to her character.
It also reflects the theme of control and manipulation in relationships, and how Ruth's actions affect those she cares about.

"The gallery... everyone talked about it as though it existed."

Tommy's belief in the gallery symbolises his hope that their art could prove they have souls.
The way "everyone talked about it" suggests that the gallery was a shared dream among the clones, representing something better than their reality.
This belief shows Tommy's desire for meaning and recognition, hoping that their creativity might show they're more than just copies.
The idea of the gallery, even if it's not real, reflects the clones' need for something that makes them feel valued.

"I'll have to get a lot better before she gets to see any of it."

Tommy's effort to improve his art highlights his hope that it might change his future.
The phrase "a lot better" shows he knows he has to work hard, but it also shows his hope that with effort, he might prove his worth.
This determination represents his struggle against the fact that he is destined to be a donor.
His focus on getting better reflects his desire to have some control over his life and show that he is more than just a clone.

"You've been told and not told."

Miss Lucy's words highlight her frustration that the students are only partly informed about their future.
The repetition of "told" and "not told" suggests that the truth is being kept from them, showing how the guardians try to protect them from harsh realities.
This moment shows the theme of truth and deception, as the clones are kept in the dark about what will happen to them.
Miss Lucy's discomfort with this shows she cares about the students and believes they deserve to know the truth.

"If you're going to have decent lives, then you've got to know."

Miss Lucy believes that the students need to know the truth to have any chance of a good life.
The phrase "decent lives" suggests that without this knowledge, they are living in ignorance, which she thinks is unfair.
This moment highlights Miss Lucy's sense of right and wrong and her desire to prepare the students for the truth.
It also touches on the theme of knowledge versus ignorance, showing that understanding their future is important, even if it's hard to accept.

"Poor creatures. What did we do to you?"

Madame's words show her deep empathy and regret for the clones, even though she was part of the system that exploited them.
The phrase "poor creatures" highlights her view of the clones as tragic victims. This moment reflects the tension between her caring nature and her role in their suffering, showing how complicated her feelings are.
It also ties into the theme of moral conflict, as Madame struggles with the impact of her actions on the lives of the clones.

"She was crying because of us."

This quote highlights Madame's emotional response to the clones, recognising their humanity and the sadness of their situation.
Her tears suggest a deep guilt for the life they have to live, showing that she sees them as more than just organ donors.
This moment reflects the theme of empathy, as Madame's reaction shows how she is deeply affected by the reality of their lives, even as she continues to play a role in it.

"You know, Ruth, we might be coming here in a few years' time to visit you."

Chrissie's hopeful statement suggests she believes the clones might have a different future, despite the reality of their situation.
The idea of "coming here in a few years" highlights the theme of false hope, as Chrissie holds onto the possibility of a better life, even when it's unlikely.
This moment shows how even the clones dream of escaping their fate, clinging to the hope that things might change.

"Hailsham was different, it was special."

Chrissie's admiration for Hailsham highlights how much she idealises the place, seeing it as a symbol of privilege among clones.
The word "special" suggests she believes Hailsham offered something better, even though all clones share the same fate.
This quote reflects the theme of illusion, as Chrissie's belief in Hailsham's uniqueness covers up the harsh reality that, no matter where they come from, the clones are all destined for the same end.

"That's where you're likely to find a possible."

Rodney's focus on finding their "possibles" highlights the clones' deep desire to understand where they come from.
The idea of "finding a possible" symbolises their search for identity and meaning, even though they know it won't change their fate.
This moment shows the clones' longing for a connection to the real world, as they try to find out who they are, even though their lives are controlled by others.

"We'll have to find out where they keep the originals."

This quote shows Rodney's determination to uncover the truth about their origins, representing the clones' need to find a link to humanity.
The search for "originals" symbolises their need for identity and understanding, highlighting their struggle to find their place in the world.
This moment reflects the theme of identity, as the clones grapple with the reality that they were created for a purpose they can never escape, even as they search for meaning.