The Giver

By Lois Lowry

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry is a captivating dystopian novel that explores themes of individuality and the cost of a utopian society. Lowry expertly employs literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and metaphor to create a rich and thought-provoking narrative. Set in a world where emotions and memories have been eradicated, this novel will leave readers questioning the true cost of perfection.

Themes 📚

1. Conformity and Individuality: The novel explores the tension between conformity and individuality. In Jonas’s society, conformity is valued above all else, with rules and regulations dictating every aspect of daily life. However, Jonas’s growing understanding of his own individuality and the importance of making his own choices ultimately leads him to reject the oppressive system he lives in.
2. The Cost of Perfection: “The Giver” also delves into the idea of a perfect society and the cost it exacts. In Jonas’s world, there is no pain or suffering, but this comes at a steep price: the loss of individuality, emotion, and memory. The novel asks whether such a society is truly desirable if it means sacrificing so much of what makes us human.
3. The Importance of Memory: Memories play a crucial role in the novel, as Jonas is tasked with holding onto the memories of the past so that his society can learn from them. Through Jonas’s experiences, the novel highlights the importance of memory in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.
4. The Power of Emotion: Another central theme in “The Giver” is the power of emotion. In Jonas’s society, emotions are suppressed in the interest of maintaining order and stability. However, as Jonas learns more about the richness and complexity of human emotions, he comes to see their value and the importance of being able to feel and express them.
5. The Complexity of Good and Evil: Finally, the novel grapples with the complexity of good and evil. In Jonas’s society, actions that are deemed “good” or “right” are often cruel and dehumanizing, while those that are condemned as “bad” or “wrong” are often acts of compassion and empathy. This moral ambiguity underscores the importance of questioning and challenging societal norms and values.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Foreshadowing: Lowry uses foreshadowing throughout the novel to hint at future events and build tension. For example, early on in the novel, Jonas notices that the pilot of the plane flying overhead is not following the correct protocol, which foreshadows the revelation later in the novel that there is an Elsewhere beyond the borders of his society.
2. Symbolism: The novel is full of symbolism, such as the sled that represents Jonas’s childhood and the memories of the past that he is given, which symbolize the depth and richness of human experience.
3. Metaphor: Lowry also employs metaphor, such as when Jonas describes the weight of memories as a “burden” that he must bear, or when he compares the community to a “well-regulated machine” that operates with precision and predictability.
4. Imagery: The novel is rich in vivid imagery, such as the descriptions of the colors that Jonas begins to see as he gains more memories, or the image of the Giver’s room, which is filled with books and artifacts from the past.
5. Irony: Lowry uses irony to highlight the absurdity of Jonas’s society and the rules that govern it. For example, when Jonas is given his first dose of the “stirrings” medication, he is told that it is to control his “urges,” despite the fact that sexual desire is considered taboo in his society.
6. Allusion: The novel contains several allusions, such as the reference to Plato’s allegory of the cave, which is echoed in Jonas’s journey from darkness into light as he gains more knowledge and understanding.
7. Personification: Lowry also employs personification, such as when Jonas describes the sled as having a “life of its own” or when he personifies the memories as “wriggling” inside his head.
8. Irony: The novel uses irony to highlight the absurdity of Jonas’s society and the rules that govern it. For example, when Jonas is given his first dose of the “stirrings” medication, he is told that it is to control his “urges,” despite the fact that sexual desire is considered taboo in his society.
9. Repetition: The novel uses repetition to emphasize key ideas and themes. For example, the phrase “precision of language” is repeated throughout the novel to highlight the importance of clear communication in Jonas’s society.
10. Flashback: Finally, the novel employs flashbacks to provide insight into Jonas’s past and the memories that he has been given. These flashbacks also serve to build suspense and keep readers engaged in the story.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The color red	In the colorless society of “The Giver,” the color red symbolizes emotion, passion, and individuality.
The sled	The sled represents freedom and the journey Jonas embarks on as he discovers the truth about his society.
The Giver’s books	The Giver’s collection of books symbolizes knowledge and the power that comes with it.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Jonas’s apprehension about the Ceremony of Twelve	Jonas’s feelings of apprehension foreshadow the significant change that will come with his selection as the Receiver of Memory.
Jonas’s ability to see beyond	Jonas’s ability to see beyond foreshadows his unique role in the community as the Receiver of Memory.
The mention of the previous Receiver	The mention of the previous Receiver foreshadows the difficulties and burdens Jonas will face in his new role.

3. Irony

Example	Explanation
The society’s claim of equality	The society claims to promote equality, yet the restrictions placed on individuals create a lack of freedom and true individuality.
The term “Release”	The term “Release” is used to describe a peaceful and honorable departure, but it is later revealed to be a euphemism for euthanasia.
The community’s ignorance of pain	The community’s ignorance of pain, suffering, and true emotion is intended to create a utopian society, but it leads to a lack of empathy and understanding among its citizens.

4. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Biblical allusions	Jonas’s role as the Receiver of Memory can be seen as an allusion to the role of a prophet or a messiah figure, similar to biblical figures like Moses or Jesus.
References to historical events	The memories Jonas receives contain allusions to real-life historical events, such as wars and natural disasters, connecting the fictional world of the novel to the real world.
The concept of utopia	The society in “The Giver” alludes to the concept of utopia, as first introduced in Thomas More’s “Utopia,” a literary and philosophical exploration of an ideal society.

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The absence of color	The imagery of a colorless world emphasizes the absence of individuality and freedom in the society.
The memory of war	The memory of war provides vivid and disturbing imagery that contrasts with the sterile, controlled environment of the community.
The nurturing room	The imagery of the nurturing room, where infants are cared for, highlights the community’s focus on control and order.

6. Motif

Example	Explanation
Sameness	The motif of sameness emphasizes the community’s desire for control and stability at the expense of freedom and individuality.
Rules and regulations	The numerous rules and regulations that govern the society serve as a motif that illustrates the oppressive nature of the community.
Memory	Memory is a recurring motif that underscores the importance of remembering the past in order to learn from it and make better decisions in the present.

FAQs 💭