"We're modelled from trash. Junkies, prostitutes, winos, tramps. Convicts, maybe, just so long as they aren't psychos." Never Let Me Go (p.166)
In this excerpt, words such as trash, junkies, prostitutes, and convicts all bring out a disturbing image. Usually, these words are used in a negative way. This brings me to the next literary term: connotation. Connotation is the associations and emotional overtones that have become attached to a word or phrase. Usually, crime, junk, tramps, trash, and prostitution have a negative connotation because they are referenced with something illegal or dirty. Trash does not necessarily always have a negative connotation, but in this context, people are compared to trash. If I were ever called trash, personally, I would take it negatively.
Why does Ishiguro use such harsh language at this point of the book? I think it just shows how upset and disappointed Ruth really is. Normally, she would never throw a fit like that in front of the veterans. However, she finally cracks; this means that she can not keep up her act of maturity forever. I do not think Ruth actually believes what she says, but obviously, her self-cofidence is dwindling. Ruth feeds off success, and if something goes wrong, suddenly she is thrown in uncomfortable territory. This reveals that Ruth really does need her friends even though she acts like they are hindering her success. Without people building her up all the time, she would be nothing.
If Ruth abuses Kathy and Tommy so much, why do they hang around? Obviously, Kathy and Tommy could be a great couple if Ruth wasn't standing in the way. But does Tommy really love Ruth or Kathy?
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