“The Giver” is a dystopian novel written by Lois Lowry and published in 1993. It is set in a world where everything is controlled and monitored, and the inhabitants have no memories or knowledge of the past.
Plot Summary
The story follows a boy named Jonas, who lives in a society where everyone is assigned a specific role and their life is planned out for them from birth. When Jonas turns twelve, he is selected to be the new Receiver of Memory, a prestigious and mysterious position in which he will receive all the memories of the past from the current Receiver, a man called the Giver.
As Jonas begins to receive these memories, he starts to realize that his society is not as perfect as it seems. He learns about the joys and pains of life, the beauty of nature, and the freedom of choice. He also discovers that his society practices euthanasia on older people and imperfect children. With the Giver’s guidance, Jonas decides to escape his society and release the memories to the people, hoping to bring about change.
The Giver Characters
- Jonas: The protagonist and the new Receiver of Memory.
- The Giver: The current Receiver of Memory who passes on his knowledge and memories to Jonas.
- Fiona: Jonas’s friend who works at the House of Old.
- Asher: Jonas’s best friend who becomes a pilot.
- The Chief Elder: The leader of the society.
- Jonas’s parents: Nurturers who take care of newborns until they are assigned their roles.
- Gabriel: A baby who Jonas’s family takes care of and who Jonas later takes with him on his escape.
The Giver Themes
- Freedom and choice: The novel explores the idea of a society where everything is predetermined and how that limits individual freedom and choice.
- The importance of memories: The novel highlights the significance of memories in shaping our understanding of the world and our experiences.
- The dangers of conformity: The novel warns of the dangers of blindly following rules and regulations without questioning their purpose or validity.
- The power of knowledge: The novel shows how knowledge can bring about change and lead to a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Writing Style
The novel is written in a simple and straightforward style, appropriate for its intended audience of young adults. Lowry uses descriptive language to create a vivid picture of the world in which the story is set. The novel is told from Jonas’s perspective, which allows the reader to experience his thoughts and emotions as he navigates his new role as the Receiver of Memory.
Conclusion
“The Giver” is a thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of freedom, choice, conformity, and the power of knowledge. Lowry’s writing style creates a world that is both fascinating and disturbing, and her characters are relatable and empathetic. The novel’s ending is open to interpretation and leaves the reader to decide what happens next, making it a compelling read that encourages discussion and reflection.