The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner by Lois Lowry (Author)
Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birthmothers produce newchildren, who are assigned to appropriate family units. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. Everyone is the same. Except Jonas. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test—when he must try to save someone he loves—he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late? Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs. The Giver has become one of the most influential novels of our time. Don't miss the powerful companion novels in Lois Lowry's Giver Quartet: Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.
Lois Lowry's novel "The Giver" delves into a meticulously constructed dystopian world where the facade of perfection masks the suppression of individuality and the erasure of human emotions. Set in a society that values uniformity above all else, the story revolves around Jonas, a young boy selected for a significant role that will unravel the carefully crafted illusion of harmony. Through Jonas's journey, the novel explores the themes of freedom, identity, and the consequences of sacrificing humanity for the sake of conformity.
The society in "The Giver" operates under the principle of Sameness, where every aspect of life is meticulously controlled to eliminate differences and maintain stability. Citizens are assigned roles and duties based on their abilities, and all aspects of their lives, from their daily routines to their emotions, are regulated by strict rules and regulations. However, beneath this facade of harmony lies a dark truth: the suppression of individuality comes at the cost of erasing the richness of human experience.
Jonas, the protagonist, is selected to be the Receiver of Memories, a prestigious yet daunting role that exposes him to the memories of the past. Under the guidance of the current Receiver, known as The Giver, Jonas discovers the depth of human emotions and experiences that have been stripped away from his society. As he receives memories of joy, pain, love, and sorrow, Jonas begins to question the fundamental principles of his community and the sacrifices it demands.
As Jonas delves deeper into his training, he uncovers the harsh realities hidden beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect world. He learns about the concept of Release, a euphemism for euthanasia used to eliminate those deemed unfit or burdensome to society. Shocked by this revelation, Jonas realizes the extent to which his community is willing to go to maintain its facade of perfection.
The climax of the story occurs when Jonas discovers that a baby named Gabriel, whom he has grown attached to, is scheduled for Release. Fueled by a newfound sense of purpose and a desire to protect Gabriel from harm, Jonas makes the bold decision to escape from his society, taking the baby with him. Their journey to freedom is fraught with danger and uncertainty, but Jonas is determined to create a better life for himself and Gabriel, free from the constraints of their oppressive society.
In the conclusion of "The Giver," Jonas's journey represents a triumph of the human spirit over oppression and conformity. As he ventures into the unknown, Jonas embraces the complexity of human emotions and experiences, rejecting the simplistic existence imposed upon him by his society. Through his actions, Jonas challenges the status quo and embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
"The Giver" serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of individuality, freedom, and human connection in a world that often prioritizes conformity and control. By exploring the consequences of sacrificing humanity for the sake of stability, Lois Lowry's novel encourages readers to question authority, challenge oppressive systems, and embrace the richness of life's complexities.
About the Creator
Remembering the rink
If you were there, you’ll never forget it. For decades, Durham Ice Rink was at the heart of the city’s social life. From Friday night ice discos to crowds roaring on the Wasps every Sunday, not to mention a proud history of figure skating and speed skating, the riverside rink was the place to be.
By Andy Potts12 days ago in Art
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