Needless to say, he will be released, the voice had said, followed by silence. There was an ironic tone to that final message, as if the speaker found it amusing and Jonas had smiled a little though he knew what a grim statement it had been. For a contributing citizen to be released from the community was a final decision, a terrible punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure.”

Does this quote explain how controlling the giver community is?

1 answer

Yes, the quote effectively illustrates the controlling nature of the community in "The Giver." The use of the term "release" as a euphemism for punishment reveals a significant aspect of the community’s governance: it exercises absolute power over its citizens and their lives. The fact that "release" is viewed as a final and grim decision underscores the severity of the control that the community holds. The irony in the voice suggests a disconnect between the speaker's amusement and the grim reality of the situation, highlighting how the community normalizes such severe consequences. This reflects a society that prioritizes conformity and control over individual freedom and emotion, emphasizing the lengths to which it goes to maintain order. Overall, the quote captures the oppressive environment and the harsh consequences of deviation from societal norms.