Throughout the novels, Tess of the DUrbervilles and Never Let Me Go the theme of destiny is prominent, although they are of contrasting genres. Hardy has written a pastoral novel which recounts the life of Tess in the countryside of the 9th century, where we see the writer is concerned with the changes of rural life, although unlike a straightforward pastoral, there doesnt appear to be an idyllic lifestyle for the young woman. It is also conspicuous that the genre of the novel is tragedy, which was common among literary authors in the Victorian era, therefore Hardy demonstrates his typical style of writing. Ishiguro presents a dystopian fiction as we get an insight to a frightening community, as Kathy and her friends are destined to become donors, which also portrays an element of despondency similar to Tess of the DUrbervilles. Both protagonists appear to begin the novel in their adolescence, which is narrated through a first-person perspective and retrospectively as Kathy reflects on memories fro
m the Hailsham institution and describes the development of her journey as she learns to understand that their lives are preordained. The retrospective technique is effective because we obtain an understanding of her innocence and naivety as a child as Kathy, Ruth and Tommy are all unaware that they will not have the opportunity to live a healthy, conventional life. In Tess of the DUrbervilles, Hardy tells the story through a third person narrative which contrasts with Never Let Me Go, however we still acquire a clear overview of Tesss life through her viewpoint, which is reinforced through a constructive use of dialogue. Similar to Kathys situation, it is also evident that Tesss life has been premeditated for her, due to society roles at the time, consequently leading her family to want Tess to marry a wealthy gentleman, Alec DUrberville. As the novels progress, we learn that both protagonists are not in control of their own destiny, with both situations resulting in the eventual tragedy of death.