In Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver, the central message or theme that she wants her audience to take away is the importance of individuality, emotions, and human connection. Throughout the book, Lowry emphasizes the dangers of a society that suppresses these essential elements of being human.
Lowry consistently portrays the absence of individuality and emotions in the community. The citizens are given numbers rather than names and are assigned specific roles in society, suppressing their uniqueness. For example, the protagonist, Jonas, notices his community's lack of individuality when he says, "They were considered females ... not girls. He liked the feeling of safety here in this warm and quiet room, however. He liked the expression of trust on the woman's face as she lay accepting the needle." (94) Here, Jonas's use of the word "expressions" demonstrates his growing awareness of the importance of showing emotions and uniqueness, which is lacking in his society.
Furthermore, Lowry shows how the community in The Giver eradicates emotions to prevent disunity and disharmony. The society's leaders believe that emotions are disruptive and unnecessary, leading them to remove the capacity to feel pain, love, turmoil, and joy. However, through Jonas's experiences with the Giver, he realizes the importance of emotions and begins to value them. For instance, Jonas says, "But now he had experienced real happiness. He had felt overwhelming, gut-wrenching love. He had seen the terrible beauty of someone taking a risk, even if he had been forced to do it himself." (156) This quote demonstrates Jonas's newfound appreciation for emotions and the beauty that they bring to life.
Lowry also emphasizes the significance of human connection in The Giver. In Jonas's strictly controlled community, there is minimal interaction and intimacy between individuals. For instance, his father, who is a Nurturer, has little emotional attachment to the babies he cares for, as demonstrated when Jonas realizes that his father "had never looked at Gabriel with admiration. Jonas understood that. He had never done anything remarkable himself." (154) This lack of human connection highlights the negative consequences of a society that isolates individuals from genuine relationships.
In conclusion, Lois Lowry wants her audience to understand the central message that individuality, emotions, and human connection are integral aspects of being human. Through Jonas's journey in The Giver, readers witness the dangers of suppressing these elements and appreciate the importance of embracing them. Lowry uses specific details, quotes, and examples from the text to support this theme, creating a thought-provoking narrative that urges readers to value and cherish their own uniqueness and emotions.
Answer the following prompt, using the close reading activity and your outline to assist you:
What do you think is the central message or theme that Lois Lowry wants her audience to take away after reading The Giver? Use specific details, quotes, and examples from the text to support your response.
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