Themes: Freedom versus Limitation
The community members are bounded by limitations in all aspects of life. They do not choose their careers, their spouses, or even their appearances. Nor do they choose when they will have children or how many. While community members can exercise limited choice in some instances—such as preferences around volunteer work and recreation—such choices are only allowed in a carefully controlled context. After learning about colors and sensations, Jonas begins to wish for the ability to make simple decisions—like being able to choose clothes based on colors that he likes or letting Gabriel choose which toy to play with—but he is initially reluctant to challenge the community’s teachings that such choices encourage dangerous and “wrong” individualistic behavior. However, as he is exposed to more memories of the past, Jonas begins to question whether choices themselves are inherently wrong, realizing that though people may sometimes make poor or selfish choices, the ability to decide freely is what gives meaning to life.
Expert Q&A
In The Giver, what is the Matching of spouses and is it a good or bad idea?
In *The Giver*, the Matching of spouses is a process by which the Committee of Elders pairs adults based on compatibility, intelligence, interests, and personality to ensure community stability. This system values conformity over individual freedom. While it serves the society's goals of stability and balance, it would be frustrating for those who value personal choice. Some cultures practice similar arranged marriages, and online dating in the US parallels this concept.
What is the paradox of the community in The Giver?
The core paradox in The Giver is that despite all the controls designed to keep people in the community safe, the community is inherently dangerous for anyone who is different. Deviations from the standard are not tolerated and will result in "release," or execution. By contrast, the real world, which has not been engineered to eliminate danger, is the only safe place for those who can't conform.
Rules and Laws in The Giver's Society
In The Giver, Jonas's society is governed by strict rules to maintain order and suppress individuality. Rules include precise language use, mandatory apologies for tardiness, and rituals like the sharing of feelings. Families are assigned by the community, limited to two children of opposite genders, and spouses are chosen, not self-selected. Breaking rules can lead to "release," a euphemism for death. Children must volunteer from ages eight to twelve, and public displays of strong emotion are discouraged. Jonas initially accepts these rules but questions them after learning the truth about "release."
The Meaning and Role of "Release" in The Giver
In The Giver, "release" is a euphemism for death by lethal injection, used as a means of maintaining societal control through the elimination of those who do not conform. It is portrayed differently depending on the individual: it is a punishment for rule-breakers, a sad event for infants not meeting growth standards, and a celebratory event for the elderly. The true nature of release is revealed when Jonas learns that his father has been killing infants, shocking him and shattering his perception of his community.
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.
Initial impressions of "releasing" in The Giver
Initial impressions of "releasing" in The Giver are that it is a peaceful and honorable event. The community perceives it as a gentle departure, often celebrating it with ceremonies and positive sentiments, underscoring its seemingly benign nature.
Reasons for Release in Lois Lowry's The Giver
In Lois Lowry's The Giver, reasons for Release include punishment for rule-breaking, failure to thrive or meet developmental milestones, and the elderly being released as a form of euthanasia. Release is also used for newborns who do not meet certain criteria and as a form of population control.
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