Although the deferrals were simply rumors stemming from the hopelessness of the orphans, the students of Hailsham were indeed special. The climactic scene with Tommy and Kathy visiting Madame was truncated in the film. In the novel, Miss Emily elaborates on life in Hailsham by explaining that she took special care that the children were raised properly and happily. In other similar institutions, the children lived under harsh conditions and many of their basic needs were not met. She even hints at possible abuse by the staff. It was this disparity in the treatment of the children that gave rise to the rumors among inmates from other boarding schools, that the Hailsham alumni may have better chances in life (as it is clearly shown in the Norfolk scenes). Miss Emily also explains that she did everything in her power to stop those rumors, but like weeds they continued to spread among the orphans.

Film

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