The Giver by Lois Lowry is a thought-provoking novel that has captured the hearts of many readers. This book is an allegory that explores the themes of conformity, individuality, and memory. The story takes place in a dystopian society where everything is controlled, and emotions are suppressed. The main character, Jonas, is selected to be the Receiver of Memories, and through his training, he learns about the past and the true nature of the society he lives in.
One of the most significant themes in The Giver is the importance of memory. The author, Lois Lowry, was inspired to write this book after visiting her aging father, who had lost most of his long-term memory. She realized that memory is essential to human life, and without it, there is no pain. Through the character of Jonas, Lowry explores the idea that memories, both good and bad, shape who we are as individuals and as a society.
The Giver is a powerful novel that challenges readers to think critically about the world they live in. It is a story that encourages individuals to question authority, to embrace their individuality, and to value the importance of memory. This article will explore the allegory in The Giver, examining the themes of conformity, individuality, and memory, and how they relate to our own lives.
Overview of ‘The Giver’
“The Giver” is a dystopian novel written by Lois Lowry. It is set in a society that appears to be perfect, but is actually deeply flawed. The story is told from the perspective of an 11-year-old boy named Jonas, who lives in this society.
The community has eliminated all pain, fear, war, and hatred. There is no prejudice, since everyone looks and acts basically the same, and there is very little competition. Everyone is unfailingly polite. However, this comes at a cost, as there is no choice and real emotions are nonexistent.
Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, a role that requires him to receive memories of the past from the current Receiver, an elderly man known as The Giver. As Jonas receives more memories, he realizes the true nature of his society and begins to rebel against it.
“The Giver” explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the importance of memories. The novel has won numerous awards and has been widely praised for its thought-provoking story and compelling characters.
Understanding Allegory
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic representation to convey a deeper meaning. In an allegory, characters, objects, and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. The Giver by Lois Lowry is a prime example of an allegory, as it uses symbolism to explore themes such as individuality, memory, and the importance of emotions.
The use of allegory allows authors to convey complex ideas in a more accessible and engaging way. By using symbols, authors can create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. In The Giver, for example, the community is a symbol for conformity, while the memories that Jonas receives represent the importance of individuality and the human experience.
One of the benefits of allegory is that it allows readers to interpret the story in their own way. Because the symbols are open to interpretation, readers can draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the story. This makes allegory a powerful tool for exploring complex themes and ideas.
Allegorical Themes in ‘The Giver’
Sameness and Conformity
One of the primary allegorical themes in ‘The Giver‘ is sameness and conformity. The community in which the story is set is designed to eliminate all differences between its citizens in the name of creating a harmonious society. However, this sameness comes at a cost, as it also eliminates individuality and freedom of choice. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of conformity and the importance of embracing diversity.
Individuality vs. Community
Another significant allegorical theme in ‘The Giver’ is the tension between individuality and community. The community in the story is built on the idea that the needs of the group are more important than the needs of the individual. However, this philosophy leads to a society that is oppressive and stifling, where people are not allowed to express their individuality or pursue their own desires. The story highlights the importance of balancing the needs of the community with the importance of individual freedom.
The Role of Memory
Finally, the role of memory is a crucial allegorical theme in ‘The Giver.’ The community in the story has eliminated all memories of the past, both good and bad, in an effort to create a society free from pain and suffering. However, this approach also eliminates the richness and depth of human experience. The story suggests that memory is essential to human life and that the ability to remember is what makes us human. It reminds us that our memories, both good and bad, are what give our lives meaning and purpose.
Character Analysis as Allegory
Jonas
Jonas is the protagonist of the story, and his character represents the innocence of youth. He is initially unaware of the true nature of his society and its practices. As the story progresses, Jonas begins to question the morality of the society and its leaders. His journey towards self-discovery and rebellion against the status quo is a reflection of the human desire for freedom and individuality.
The Giver
The Giver, also known as The Receiver, is the mentor figure in the story. He represents the wisdom and experience of age. The Giver is the only person in the society who has access to the memories of the past, and he passes them on to Jonas. His character symbolizes the importance of preserving history and learning from the mistakes of the past.
Gabriel
Gabriel is a baby who is being cared for by Jonas’ family. He represents the future and the hope for change. Gabriel’s fate is uncertain throughout the story, and his survival is tied to the success of Jonas’ rebellion. His character serves as a reminder that change is possible and that the actions of the present can shape the future.
Symbolism in ‘The Giver’
The Color Red
In ‘The Giver,’ the color red symbolizes strong emotions and intense feelings. The community in which Jonas lives has eliminated color from everyday life, but when Jonas begins to receive memories from the Giver, he experiences the color red for the first time. The color red is associated with love, passion, and anger, and it represents the depth of human emotion that the community has suppressed. The color red is also associated with danger and risk-taking, which is why the community has eliminated it.
The River
The river in ‘The Giver’ is a symbol of escape and freedom. When Jonas and Gabriel flee the community, they follow the river in search of a new life. The river represents the unknown and the uncertainty of the future, but it also represents the possibility of a better life. The river is a source of life and renewal, and it provides Jonas and Gabriel with the hope of a new beginning.
The Apple
In ‘The Giver,’ the apple is a symbol of knowledge and temptation. When Jonas first receives memories of the past, he experiences the taste of an apple for the first time. The apple represents the knowledge of good and evil, and it is a reminder that Jonas and the community have been living in ignorance. The apple also represents temptation, as Jonas is tempted to share his newfound knowledge with the community, despite the risks involved. The apple is a powerful symbol of the dangers of knowledge and the importance of making difficult choices.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
The Giver has received a lot of critical acclaim since its publication in 1993. It has won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal in 1994. The book has been praised for its thought-provoking themes, well-developed characters, and engaging plot.
Many readers and literary critics have interpreted The Giver as an allegory for totalitarianism, conformity, and the dangers of utopian societies. The book’s portrayal of a world where individuality is suppressed and emotions are controlled has been compared to real-life examples of oppressive regimes throughout history.
Other interpretations of The Giver focus on its themes of memory, identity, and the importance of human connection. Some readers have seen the book as a commentary on the dangers of forgetting the past and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Teaching ‘The Giver’ as an Allegory
When teaching “The Giver” as an allegory, it is important to help students understand the deeper meaning of the story. One way to do this is by discussing the symbolism of the different elements in the story. For example, the color red represents strong emotions and passion, while the absence of color represents conformity and lack of individuality.
Another important aspect of teaching “The Giver” as an allegory is to help students make connections to real-world issues. For instance, the novel can be used to discuss the dangers of a society that values sameness over individuality, and the importance of preserving memories and history.
To further enhance students’ understanding of the allegory, teachers can also incorporate visual aids such as diagrams and illustrations. This can help students visualize the different elements of the story and how they relate to the underlying themes.
Comparisons to Other Dystopian Works
The Giver is a dystopian novel that shares similarities with other dystopian works. The novel is often compared to George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” due to their shared themes of government control, suppression of individuality, and the dangers of a utopian society.
In “1984,” the government controls every aspect of citizens’ lives through constant surveillance and manipulation of information. Similarly, in The Giver, the government controls citizens’ lives by suppressing their memories and emotions. Both novels depict the dangers of a totalitarian government and the importance of individuality and free will.
In “Brave New World,” citizens are conditioned from birth to accept their predetermined roles in society. Similarly, in The Giver, citizens are assigned their roles in society and are not allowed to choose their own paths. Both novels explore the consequences of a society that values conformity over individuality.