A Review of Lois Lowry's Book '"the Giver"

Introduction

The book "The Giver" by Lois Lowry explores the consequences of a society where everyone is the same. It highlights the value of individuality and suggests that if people were forced to be identical, life would become monotonous. The author conveys to the reader that our lives are enriched by our emotions, which, unlike in the book, we are free to experience without the need for pills to suppress them.

Isolation and Individuality

Jonas, the protagonist, feels isolated due to his pale eyes, which sets him apart from most others in the community. He first notices this difference when he meets Gabriel. "It was the first thing Jonas noticed as he looked at the new child peering up curiously from the basket. The pale eyes. Almost every citizen in the community had dark eyes. But there were a few exceptions: Jonas himself, and a female five who he had had the different, lighter eyes" (Lowry, 1993, p. 20). Jonas's light eyes symbolize his unique perspective and foreshadow his eventual role in the community.

The Ceremony of Twelve

The Ceremony of Twelve is a pivotal moment in Jonas's life. He and his friends await their assignments, with Jonas feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. His friend Fiona's number is called, but Jonas is skipped, leaving him stunned and embarrassed. "He took a deep breath and smoothed his hair with his hand. ‘Twenty,’ he heard her voice say clearly. She skipped me Jonas thought, stunned" (Lowry, 1993, p. 47). This moment marks the beginning of Jonas's journey toward self-discovery and change.

The Selection

Eventually, Jonas is selected as the next Receiver of Memory, a role that comes with great responsibility. "I know,’ she said in her vibrant, gracious voice, ‘that you are all concerned. That you feel I have made a mistake’. ‘Jonas has not been assigned,’ she informed the crowd, and his heart sank. Then she went on. ‘Jonas has been selected.’ ‘Jonas has been selected to be our next receiver of memory’" (Lowry, 1993, p. 62). This selection sets Jonas apart and challenges him to explore his capacity for intelligence, integrity, courage, and wisdom, as well as his ability to see beyond.

Rules and Revelation

Jonas receives a set of instructions that allow him to do things forbidden to others, such as lying. "4. Do not discuss your training with any other member of the community, including parents and elders." "8. You may lie" (Lowry, 1993, p. 68). These rules create a moral dilemma for Jonas, as he navigates his new role and the truths it reveals about his community.

The First Memory and Realizations

As the Receiver, Jonas experiences his first memory, transmitted by the Giver: "I am going to transmit the memory of snow,’ the old man said, and placed his hands on Jonas’s bare back" (Lowry, 1993, p. 75). This memory, along with others, opens Jonas's eyes to the depth of human experience, including both joy and suffering. The revelation of what "release" truly means horrifies Jonas, as he witnesses his father perform the act on an infant twin. This moment is pivotal in Jonas's understanding of his society's dark truths.

The Plan to Escape

Jonas and the Giver devise a plan to escape to Elsewhere, a place they believe offers hope and freedom. "For the next two weeks, as the time for the December ceremony approached, the Giver would transfer every memory of courage and strength that he could to Jonas. He would need those to help him find elsewhere that they were both sure existed. They knew it would be a very difficult journey" (Lowry, 1993, p. 172). Jonas takes Gabriel with him, determined to give them both a chance at a better life.

Conclusion

"The Giver" is an engaging and thought-provoking read that challenges the reader to consider the value of individuality and the importance of emotions. Jonas's escape signifies a rejection of conformity and an embrace of the unknown in search of a more fulfilling existence. Through Jonas's journey, Lois Lowry encourages readers to appreciate the diversity and richness of human experience.

References

Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.