why didn't they just leave the country and change their names? I get as kids they would be scared to leave what they know but as adults, if you know you will die if you stay, you might as well leave since you would have nothing to lose.
share"why didn't they just leave the country and change their names?"
Who would they have got in touch with to arrange safe passage to another country?
People smugglers don't transport people to other countries out of the kindness of their hearts. A lot of money has to change hands. But since the clones (as opposed to ordinary people) are bred for important work, it might be even more profitable to turn in a runaway clone than to help them escape.
I think it's partly because there's nowhere for them to go, they have precious little in the way of resources.
However the biggest reason seems to be that they are institutionalised. It doesn't occur to them that they could run and there's almost a bizarre pride in caring and donating; certainly for some. Tommy even says himself that he feels he's made a 'good donor'.
They've been drip fed the fact that they are 'special' and that they are doing such good, and they are looked after and provided for. Raised in schools then fed and provided with their basic needs in the cottages, then looked after in completion centres and hospitals. They aren't amazingly self sufficient and have been taught to accept their fate and be grateful for the time they've had and each donation they survive.