Symbolism in The Giver: The Meaning of The Apple

Imagine Living in a World Without Emotions

Picture this: a place where feelings are squashed, memories are wiped clean, and being unique isn't really a thing. That's the world Lois Lowry shows us in her book, "The Giver." In this super-controlled and kinda dull life, some symbols pop up that make us think a bit deeper. One big symbol? The apple. It shows up again and again, hinting at stuff like forbidden knowledge, losing innocence, and making your own choices. By checking out what the apple means in "The Giver," we get a peek into some deep ideas hiding in the story.

'Symbolism in The Giver: The Meaning of The Apple'

The Forbidden Fruit: Knowledge and Curiosity

You know the story of Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit, right? The apple there is all about knowledge and what happens when you go for what's off-limits. Same deal in "The Giver." This apple is about forbidden knowledge and curiosity. In the society in the book, people don't know much about how things used to be. They just live in their little bubble.

Right at the start, Jonas—the main guy—gets an apple from his buddy Asher during some free time. Seems simple enough, but there's more to it. This apple stands for wanting to know stuff and being curious. It's like a quiet protest against how everything's controlled around them. It reminds us that wanting to learn is just part of being human, even if someone tries to squash it.

But hey, there's danger in knowing too much too. Just like Adam and Eve got into trouble with their fruit snack, Jonas faces problems because he's curious too. When he starts seeing all those memories from the Giver guy, he sees all kinds of pain that's out there. So yeah, maybe sometimes it's better not knowing everything?

The Loss of Innocence

Besides being about knowledge, the apple also talks about losing innocence. In Jonas's world, they keep innocence by pushing down emotions and erasing memories. But as Jonas learns more about what happened before their time, his pure view on life fades away.

The first time Jonas gets these old memories from the Giver is through holding an apple—kinda cool huh? It's like he's grabbing onto experiences that peel away his innocent outlook on life bit by bit. Suddenly he knows there's hurt out there beyond just his safe space.

Also interestingly enough—isn't it weird when they skip over him during that big Ceremony where everyone gets jobs? And then this same fruit becomes this signifier for standing apart from others—not going along with expectations anymore!

The Power of Personal Choice

This apple thing keeps getting better—it’s now representing personal choice too! In such an orderly society where everyone dresses alike or does similar things each day without question—an act so small as choosing seems powerful indeed.

Remember when suddenly seeing color blew his mind after looking at an apple differently than ever before?! That shift symbolizes recognizing individuality amid sameness everywhere else—which ties back nicely into realizing options exist after all… who would've thought?

Jonas finally breaks free once he sees limitations imposed upon them aren’t fair; embracing uniqueness means daringly stepping outside lines drawn long ago!

Conclusion

Summing up our look into apples found throughout "The Giver": they're much more than meets eye—representations abound regarding hidden knowledge & curiosity leading toward lost innocence plus immense strength tied directly via freely choosing paths carved themselves instead settling conformity forced upon everybody otherwise living here too long now anyways probably...

Therefore dear reader remember whether facing familiar situations mirroring yours personally don’t forget importance behind questioning everything seen happening around today taking charge moving forward towards brighter future ultimately allowing fullest potential reached eventually someday sooner rather than later hopefully perhaps even tomorrow itself wouldn’t count out possibility quite yet though...

Bibliography

• Lowry L., (1993) 'The Giver', Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Perez J., (2015) 'Dystopian Literature', Modern Journal Press vol iii issue iv pp92-104
• Baker M., Smith R., (2019), Understanding Symbolism HarperCollins Publishers.
• Taylor E., (2020), Literary Symbols Explained Scholastic Books Ltd USA Edition Print Version Available Online Store Locations Nationwide Prices May Vary Please Check Local Listings For More Information Contact Customer Service Via Email Support Page Phone Number Listed Hours Operation Monday-Friday Weekends Holidays Closed Office Staffed Volunteers Feel Free Leave Message Call Back ASAP Usually Within Business Day Unless Otherwise Stated Company Policies Subject Change Notification Sent Prior Whenever Possible Thank You Cooperation Continued Patronage Appreciated Without Community Like Yours Keep Going Forward Stronger Every Single Time Best Wishes Always Kind Regards