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Klara and the Sun: the story and characters
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Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel is narrated by Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF), a robot companion designed for children, in a future America.
The store and Josie
Klara waits in a store, watching the street and learning from the Sun, which she believes gives her energy and can heal.
She is chosen by Josie, a teenage girl who is often ill. Josie has been 'lifted' (genetically edited), a process that can cause illness and that her older sister, Sal, did not survive.
She is chosen by Josie, a teenage girl who is often ill. Josie has been 'lifted' (genetically edited), a process that can cause illness and that her older sister, Sal, did not survive.
The household
Klara lives with Josie and her mother (Chrissie, called Mother), and meets Josie's friend and neighbour Rick, who has not been lifted.
Klara discovers that Mother has asked an artist, Mr Capaldi, to make a 'portrait' of Josie: in fact an AF body that Klara could inhabit to 'continue' Josie if she dies.
Klara discovers that Mother has asked an artist, Mr Capaldi, to make a 'portrait' of Josie: in fact an AF body that Klara could inhabit to 'continue' Josie if she dies.
Klara's sacrifice
Klara believes the Sun can heal Josie. She makes a private bargain with the Sun and, to keep her side of it, gives up some of her own vital fluid to help destroy a polluting machine.
The Sun later pours into Josie's room, and Josie recovers.
Josie grows up and leaves. Klara ends her days in a yard for old machines, content and reflecting on her life.
The Sun later pours into Josie's room, and Josie recovers.
Josie grows up and leaves. Klara ends her days in a yard for old machines, content and reflecting on her life.
Why does Ishiguro tell the story through Klara?
- Klara observes human behaviour closely but does not fully understand it.
- Her view makes ordinary human feelings seem strange and new.
- Readers must think about what makes someone human and whether Klara can love.
Answer: Her outside view makes readers look afresh at human love, loss and what makes us human.
Klara the AF is chosen by sick Josie, learns of Mr Capaldi's plan to 'continue' Josie, makes a bargain with the Sun, sacrifices some of her fluid, Josie recovers, and Klara ends her days in the yard.
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