The Giver is a compelling novel that contains the themes of emotion, individuality, and memory. Set in a controlled society where sameness rules, the story follows Jonas, a boy chosen to be the Receiver of Memory. As he uncovers the vibrant emotions and rich experiences of the past, he realizes that his community’s dream of equality has come at a significant cost—, the loss of choice, color, and true connection.
Unlike our world, which is filled with both joy and pain, Jonas’s society removes emotions to avoid suffering. This raises questions about the value of pain and the depth it adds to life. The absence of choice in Jonas’s world highlights the importance of personal agency, and why we should be thankful to our world.
Moreover, the novel emphasizes the significance of memory. While our histories inform our growth, Jonas’s community erases the past to maintain control. Lowry’s narrative challenges us to appreciate the complexity of our experiences and the wisdom they bring.
This book was fun to read! I enjoyed the part where Jonas unexpectedly shared his memories with Gabriel, and how he doesn't have to tell anyone, because he is allowed to lie. I was also sorry for him because when he felt pain, he couldn't take relief-of-pain, and how he was forced to carry the world on his shoulders. I wish the author could have written that everyone was allowed to lie in their jobs, but they never told anyone. That could have added more suspense and made the reader feel like they were there, and maybe a sneak peek to the Elsewhere at the end of the book, then added a sequel. Maybe the Elsewhere is the world that we live in, and the Village Area 42?
Anyway, that's all for today! BYE!
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