Hannahs points to note about Part 2.
Chapter 10

• essay - one of the pointless tasks to fill up their time. Kathy's essay on Victorian Literature, as well as the general emphasis on literature in the Cottages, is a form of escape from the real world and their fates. Conversations on literature and philosophy show a more adult environment compared to the gossip of Hailsham. They live in fiction - "like they were in a play and he'd forgotten his lines" - their lives have been written for them, their fate is inevitable.
• The students live in the converted "barns, outhouses and stables" originally used to keep livestock.
• The older students are referred to as veterens. Even though they are still young they are in the latter stage of life. Also, could refer to a 'war' or fight?
• The hills are always distant - "we could see the hills in the distance that reminded us of the ones in the distance at Hailsham" - they are never really a part of real life, real society.
• They are so institutionalised that they cannot think for themselves outside of Hailsham. Copying behaviour from the TV in the same way children mimick the behaviour of their parents. This is also a current issue - children copying behaviour from violent TV programmes, for example, making this seem even more realistic.
• Ishiguro maintains the humanity of the characters as seen in the argument at the end of the chapter. Sarcasm adds to the realism.
• awareness of social hierarchy - Ruths need to fit in with the veterans may be the real reason for her relationship with Tommy.