Water symbolism in Never Let Me Go

Throughout the book, water imagery surrounds many events, despite having no immediate
connection to any of these scenarios. Water imagery occurs in both positive and negative
situations, in many different forms, but through the use of the boat as a symbol for
freedom, water is shown to be symbolic of organic life and its unpredictability.
At first, water imagery in Never Let Me Go seems coincidental, contradictory and confusing.
However, ultimately, the use of the boat as a symbol for freedom reveals that water
imagery is representative of life itself, adds a more profound meaning to the novel, and ties
in to the themes of passivity and humanity explored. The use of water imagery in Never Let
Me Go symbolizes the central idea of humanity.
Positive examples of water in the novel
-When Kathy and Tommy have a conversation discussing Hailsham leaving feeling
enlightened and intrigued ‘’It wasn’t a good place for a discreet conversation’’ but it had a
‘’tranquil atmosphere’’