Themes: The Individual versus Society
In the beginning of the novel, Jonas accepts the rules of his community and wants to fit in. There are rules against bragging or pointing out differences or any other indicators of individual distinction. The community rules ensure that people will not do or say anything that breaks or threatens the homogeneity of the community.
However, when Jonas is selected to be the Receiver, he is immediately set apart from the rest of the community, and this new experience of distinction, of becoming an individual, makes Jonas profoundly uncomfortable. Paradoxically, though the Receiver of Memory is precisely what allows the community to exist in a stable, peaceful, homogenous state, Jonas’s personal experiences in this role are what convince him to reject the community’s teachings. When forced to confront the fact that his society is indifferent to the things his Receiver trainings have taught him to care deeply about, Jonas is unable to maintain his relationships with his friends and family and eventually realizes that he can no longer be a part of his society.
Expert Q&A
What are some examples of control within the community in The Giver?
Examples of control within the community in The Giver are that when people enter the workforce, they are not free to choose their paths, which are determined for them by the community Elders, nor are people free to have children or use language that violates strict rules. The weather is also controlled, so the climate is always temperate, and colors have been eliminated.
In The Giver, what does The Giver mean when he says "they know nothing"?
In Lois Lowry's The Giver, when The Giver says "they know nothing," he is critiquing the community, particularly the Committee of Elders, for their lack of understanding of the past and true human experiences. Despite possessing factual knowledge, they lack the wisdom and insight that comes from memories of the past. He implies that without these memories, their existence is meaningless, reducing them to mere existences rather than truly living beings.
What does Asher's mistake at age three reveal about the community in The Giver?
Asher's mistake at age three in The Giver reveals the community's strict insistence on conformity and lack of compassion. His punishment for using the wrong word and subsequent silence illustrate the community's obsession with precision and its willingness to traumatize children to enforce rules. The use of the Discipline Wand and the Elder's dismissal of Asher's suffering highlight the community's harshness.
The rules and their purposes in Lois Lowry's The Giver
In Lois Lowry's The Giver, the rules are designed to maintain order, control, and sameness within the community. They regulate behavior, suppress emotions, and eliminate individuality to create a predictable and stable society. These rules are enforced to prevent chaos and ensure conformity, but they also strip citizens of their freedom and the richness of human experience.
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."
Similarities and relationships between the world in "The Giver" and our society
Both the world in "The Giver" and our society seek to create order and predictability, though through different means. In "The Giver," this is achieved through strict control and suppression of emotions, whereas our society values individual freedom and expression. Both societies aim for stability but differ significantly in their approaches and underlying values.
The pros and cons of living in Jonas's family and utopian society in The Giver
Living in Jonas's family and utopian society in The Giver has pros and cons. Pros include a structured, safe environment with no conflict or suffering. However, cons involve a lack of freedom, individuality, and emotional depth, as the society suppresses true feelings and personal choices to maintain order and sameness.
Exploring Sameness in "The Giver": Implications, Advantages, and Disadvantages
In The Giver, "Sameness" is a system that eliminates individuality to ensure societal stability and safety. The advantages include reduced prejudice, increased efficiency, and economic productivity, as well as a lack of risky behaviors. However, this comes at the cost of personal freedom, choice, and emotion; citizens are controlled by the Committee of Elders, who dictate all aspects of life, resulting in a dull, colorless existence. The ideology suppresses diversity, leading to ethical issues like the execution of non-conforming individuals.
Comparing Society and Characters in The Giver to Our Own Lives
Jonas's society in The Giver differs significantly from our own in its strict adherence to Sameness, lack of personal freedoms, and censorship of knowledge. Society controls every aspect of life, including family units and occupations, eliminating individualism and spontaneity. Euthanasia, called "release," is common for those who don't conform. Jonas and the Giver share traits like sensitivity and empathy, but differ in experience and outlook. Jonas quickly rejects society's flaws, unlike the Giver, who is initially resigned. Together, they challenge their community's oppressive norms.
Spouse Selection by Elders in The Giver
In The Giver, spouses are matched by the Committee of Elders, reflecting the society's emphasis on control and Sameness. Citizens must apply for a spouse, and the committee considers factors like personality, interests, and intelligence to ensure compatibility, aiming for stable family units. This process eliminates personal choice and emotional connection, as love is irrelevant. Couples are monitored for three years before they can apply for children, highlighting the community's priority on order over personal fulfillment.
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