Humans are cloned, raised, and then slaughtered (in stages) for their body parts. Then the novel continues with the argument, are they really human? Do they have souls?
Hailsham, an enlightened stock yard, encourages the livestock to be creative--to show that they do have souls. How else could they be creative?
And then love. Bulls and cows enjoy sexual relations--recreational, not affirmational. But some do form romantic--"love"--attachments. There is even a rumor that the authorities will put of the trip to the abatoir for three years if they can prove they are in love. This, of course, is not true.
The sensitive reader will conclude that despite the live stocks' cloned conception, they are human. We see the full spectrum of humanity in their daily lives However, they are raised for a purpose and, as much as one might be squeamish about the business of the farmyard, the public sees the benefits of this peculiar arrangement--it will save the life of someone dear, or important.
The enlightened stock yards are dismissed and the livestock are continued to be raised in what we are given to believe are horrific conditions.
Authenticity and (re)production:
Are they any less authentic/human because of the reason for their creation? Their production is based on science--cloning, life created with out love--or at least some level of passion. And they are not allowed to reproduce-have children--themselves. They are reproduced on an assembly line basis.
Let's not forget the ban on smoking to keep the meat in good condition.
Anyone for a nice big steak?
Cheerio,
Wayne
No comments:
Post a Comment