Literature Review: "The Giver"

Introduction

The book The Giver is about a supposedly ideal society. However, as the book progresses, it reveals itself to be more of a dystopia with a totalitarian government. Everyday life is monotonous and almost never changes because the consequences of deviation are severe, ranging from public humiliation to being "released." In our society, you can do almost whatever you want within the law, as long as it’s not harmful to our community. In many ways, the society depicted in The Giver and our society are very different, and the differences far outweigh the similarities. However, the similarities between Jonas’ community and our society demonstrate that we’re not completely different. Both societies have rules and leaders, but ours is notably more forgiving.

Similarities Between Jonas' Community and Our Society

Here are some ways that Jonas’ community and our society are alike. One of the many similarities is that both societies have a lawmaking process overseen by a group of people. Both societies also tend to exclude the elderly, often placing them in nursing homes because they are perceived as burdens. Additionally, both societies have strict rules that must be followed without exception; violence is not tolerated in either. Another commonality is that there are serious consequences for breaking rules, such as being "released," imprisonment, or hard labor.

Divergences Between Jonas' Community and Our Society

Although there are several ways our society and Jonas' community are the same, there are many more ways in which they differ. In our society, individuals have the freedom to choose their careers, whereas in Jonas's community, people are assigned roles such as Caretaker of the Old or Receiver of Memory. Furthermore, we enjoy color and music, which are absent in Jonas's community because any form of uniqueness is considered an abomination. Our society is more flexible with rules, which means it's less likely to face repercussions for honest mistakes. In contrast, Jonas' community requires strict adherence to rules; even minor infractions like speaking incorrectly or not eating snacks immediately can lead to trouble. Additionally, everything in Jonas' community is provided by the government, making food and transportation free. In our society, most "free" services are funded by taxes.

The Value of Freedom

Honestly, The Giver aims to impart a sense of value to the reader, urging us to appreciate our life and freedom. It's crucial to remember how fortunate we are and that nothing is more valuable than freedom. It is to our benefit that many actions restricted in The Giver's society can be pursued freely in ours. The narrative encourages us to reflect on our liberties and appreciate the choices available to us (Lowry, 1993).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while The Giver presents a society that initially seems ideal, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of individuality and freedom. By contrasting this fictional world with our own, we can better appreciate the liberties we often take for granted.

References:

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