Themes: Control

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

The theme of control is central to The Giver, where society is meticulously regulated to maintain order and predictability. In this dystopian world, the Committee of Elders exercises absolute authority over every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional roles. This control is intended to eliminate pain and ensure conformity, but it also strips individuals of freedom and emotional depth.

Control in the community is evident through the rules governing daily life. Citizens are not free to make significant life choices, such as selecting a spouse, having children, or choosing a career. These decisions are made by the Committee of Elders, who dictate each person's path to maintain societal stability. The community's adherence to Sameness further exemplifies control, as it suppresses individuality and enforces uniformity in appearance and behavior.

Language and knowledge are also tightly controlled. Precise language is mandatory, limiting the scope of thought and expression. Citizens have access only to government-approved information, with much knowledge restricted to the Receiver of Memory. This censorship ensures that the population remains ignorant of the broader human experience, preventing dissent and maintaining the status quo.

Emotional control is achieved through medication. Citizens take daily pills to suppress the Stirrings, or natural emotions and desires, ensuring that personal relationships remain superficial and devoid of passion. This emotional regulation is a key aspect of the community's control, as it prevents the chaos that might arise from unchecked feelings.

The origins of this control lie in the community's choice to embrace Sameness, as explained by the Giver:

Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back.... We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others (Lowry 95).
This decision reflects a trade-off between security and freedom, with the community opting for a controlled environment to avoid the risks associated with individual choice. However, as Jonas learns, this control comes at the cost of genuine human experience and connection.

Expert Q&A

The process and criteria for determining job assignments in The Giver

In The Giver, job assignments are determined by the Elders, who observe children from an early age to assess their skills, interests, and personalities. At the Ceremony of Twelve, each child is assigned a role that best fits their abilities and the community's needs, ensuring harmony and efficiency in society.

What is the purpose of the morning injections in Lois Lowry's The Giver?

In Lois Lowry's The Giver, the morning injections (shown in the movie adaptation as injections but pills in the book) suppress the "stirrings," or the beginnings of sexual awareness, to maintain societal control and ensure no one prefers one person over another. This suppression supports the society's doctrine of Sameness and helps maintain the status quo.

Jonas's discoveries and their significance concerning climate control in The Giver

In The Giver, Jonas discovers that climate control has eliminated natural weather variations to ensure agricultural stability and predictability. This revelation highlights the community's sacrifice of natural beauty and diversity for the sake of control and uniformity, underscoring the broader theme of the loss of individuality and freedom in exchange for societal order.

What effects do the pills have on the citizens in The Giver?

The pills in The Giver suppress hormonal urges, or "Stirrings," to maintain societal control and eliminate strong emotions. They curb the libido, essentially acting as chemical castration, and are taken from puberty until old age. By stifling these natural feelings, the Community aims to ensure peace and contentment, sacrificing individuality and emotional depth, which Jonas eventually rejects by choosing to stop taking the pills.

The status of animals and the impact of societal control on the citizens in "The Giver."

In "The Giver," animals are largely absent, symbolizing the loss of natural elements in the controlled society. Societal control impacts citizens through strict regulations, suppression of emotions, and elimination of personal freedoms, leading to a community devoid of true individuality and authentic experiences.

The relinquishment and elimination of color in The Giver and its perceived advantages

In The Giver, the relinquishment and elimination of color are believed to promote sameness and prevent conflict. By removing color, the society aims to eliminate differences and maintain control, creating a uniform and predictable environment. This uniformity is perceived as advantageous because it reduces envy, competition, and the potential for discord among the community members.

The disturbing and terrifying rules in Jonas's packet in "The Giver."

The rules in Jonas's packet in "The Giver" are disturbing and terrifying because they include permissions that strip him of personal freedoms, such as being allowed to lie, being exempt from rudeness, and being prohibited from discussing his training. These rules isolate Jonas and force him to confront the harsh realities of his society's control over individuals.

Why is lying prohibited in The Giver?

Lying is prohibited in The Giver because the community prioritizes Sameness, and lying would undermine this system. Uniformity is essential for maintaining control and consistency, making it crucial for everyone to tell the truth. Additionally, allowing people to lie could lead to a loss of control for the authorities. Jonas, however, is permitted to lie, likely due to the sensitive nature of his role as the Receiver of Memories.

Definitions and relationships of "Climate Control," "Sameness," and "The Giver" in the book "The Giver."

In The Giver, "Climate Control" and "Sameness" refer to the community's efforts to eliminate weather variations and ensure uniformity in all aspects of life to maintain order and predictability. "The Giver" is the individual who holds all past memories, including those of diverse climates and emotions, which have been suppressed to achieve this societal uniformity.

How is the decision made on which twin to release in The Giver?

In "The Giver," the decision to release one of the twins is based on birthweight; the smaller twin is released. This is because the community values conformity and finds identical twins uncomfortable. The process is euphemistically referred to as sending the twin "Elsewhere," which is actually a form of euthanasia. The community's rigid adherence to rules and lack of emotional understanding contribute to this practice, profoundly affecting Jonas when he learns the truth.

Show another question (1 question hidden)

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes: The Value of Emotions

Next

Themes: Sameness

Loading...