In the book "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, the main idea revolves around a young boy named Jonas who lives in a seemingly perfect society where everyone follows strict rules, and emotions are suppressed. The story begins in a futuristic community that appears safe and orderly, but as Jonas learns more about his world, he discovers that it is lacking true feelings and the vibrant colors of life. A quote that encapsulates the controlled nature of this society is: “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.” This highlights how strictly the community governs itself, where the term "release" is treated as a grim necessity, devoid of emotional weight or individual choices.
When Jonas becomes the Receiver of Memory, he learns about feelings, colors, and memories that the rest of his community does not know about. He begins to realize the depth of what he is missing: true emotions and the freedom to make choices. This leads him to a pivotal moment when he decides he wants to escape. He believes, “He had to protect the baby and himself from the life that was chosen for them.” This conviction further illustrates his understanding that living in such a controlled environment, where life is dictated by others, strips away the essence of human experience. He understands that a life without love and freedom is not worth living—reinforcing that the absence of choice leaves the community stagnant and dehumanized.
The characters in the story, including Jonas, The Giver, and Jonas's family and friends, each play important roles in showing the differences between a controlled, emotionless life and one filled with real human experiences. Jonas starts off as a normal boy, but as he learns more about emotions and memories from The Giver, he evolves into a brave and thoughtful young man. The Giver himself is an old man who holds the burden of all the community's memories, using his knowledge to teach Jonas about love, pain, and happiness, contrasting sharply with the emotional void present in their community.
The setting of "The Giver" is crucial as it portrays a seemingly flawless world where everything is the same, with no space for mistakes or personal expression. The weather is always consistent and there are no seasons, reinforcing the monotony of their existence. This contributes to the theme that without feelings, life can feel empty and dull. Jonas’s journey exemplifies the importance of individuality and the power of choice, teaching us that everyone should have the right to make their own decisions and experience life in all its complexities, both the good and the bad.
In conclusion, "The Giver" is a powerful story about discovering the beauty and significance of emotions. It illustrates that the valuable lessons learned from the past provide us the freedom that comes from making our own choices. The narrative encourages readers to appreciate the intricacies of life and the importance of experiencing everything that comes our way, emphasizing that true happiness stems from embracing the entirety of the human experience.