The Importance of Individuality in The Giver

Imagine living in a world where everyone looks the same, thinks the same, and acts the same. A world where individuality is suppressed and conformity is enforced. This is the dystopian society depicted in Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver. In this essay, we will explore the significance of individuality within the context of the community in The Giver. By examining how the community views individuality, we can understand the importance of embracing one's unique qualities and the potential consequences of suppressing individuality. Through an analysis of key moments in the text, we will uncover the underlying message of the novel and highlight the value of individuality in a society that seeks to erase it.

The Community's View on Individuality

Throughout The Giver, it becomes evident that the community views individuality as a threat to its carefully constructed order. The citizens are discouraged from expressing any form of uniqueness, as it is seen as disruptive and potentially dangerous. This can be observed in several instances within the novel.

Firstly, the community's strict adherence to the Sameness, an ideology that promotes uniformity and eliminates diversity, demonstrates their aversion to individuality. The Sameness ensures that everyone looks the same, with no variation in physical appearance. This is exemplified by Jonas's observation that his friend Fiona's hair "had been carefully combed and braided, and ribbons tied in place, neatly and meticulously" (Lowry 7). The meticulousness with which physical appearances are managed reflects the community's fear of any deviation from the norm.

Furthermore, the community's emphasis on precision of language reflects their desire to suppress individual thoughts and emotions. For instance, when Jonas asks his parents about "love," they quickly correct him, stating that the appropriate term is "stirrings" (Lowry 32). This manipulation of language serves to control and limit the expression of individual emotions, further reinforcing the community's fear of individuality.

Finally, the assignment process in the community is designed to discourage individuality by assigning each citizen a specific role based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses. This is exemplified when Jonas's friend Asher is assigned the role of Assistant Director of Recreation, despite his inclination towards clumsiness and lack of coordination. The community's disregard for individual aptitudes and preferences undermines the importance of personal identity and individual growth.

By examining these instances, it becomes evident that the community in The Giver views individuality as a threat to its stability and control. However, the consequences of suppressing individuality are far-reaching and detrimental to both the individual and the society as a whole.

The Consequences of Suppressing Individuality

While the community in The Giver may perceive the eradication of individuality as a means of ensuring harmony and order, the consequences of such suppression are dire. Without the freedom to express one's unique qualities and ideas, individuals are stripped of their humanity and are reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of the community.

Firstly, the absence of individuality stifles personal growth and development. In The Giver, the citizens are denied the opportunity to explore their passions and talents, as their roles are predetermined by the community. This is evident when Jonas expresses his desire to become the Receiver of Memory, a position that allows him to experience the memories of the past. However, his father dismisses this aspiration, stating that it is "not a job for [him]" (Lowry 65). By denying individuals the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions, the community hinders personal growth and limits the potential for innovation and progress.

Moreover, the suppression of individuality leads to a lack of diversity and creativity within the community. Without the ability to think independently and express unique ideas, the community becomes stagnant and devoid of innovation. This is highlighted by the absence of color in the citizens' lives, as Jonas discovers when he receives memories from the Giver. The community's desire for uniformity and control eliminates the vibrancy and richness of individual perspectives, resulting in a monotonous existence.

Additionally, the suppression of individuality robs individuals of their ability to experience true emotions. In The Giver, the citizens are shielded from pain and suffering by the eradication of memories. However, this also means that they are unable to experience joy, love, and other positive emotions. This is evident when Jonas receives memories of warmth, love, and happiness, which are foreign to him and his peers. The absence of individual emotions diminishes the richness of human experience and dehumanizes the citizens.

By examining these consequences, it becomes clear that the suppression of individuality in The Giver has far-reaching negative effects on both the individual and the society at large. The eradication of individuality hinders personal growth, limits creativity, and robs individuals of their ability to experience a full range of emotions.

Conclusion

In Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver, the importance of individuality is underscored by the community's fear and suppression of uniqueness. By examining the community's view on individuality, it becomes evident that they perceive it as a threat to their carefully constructed order. However, the consequences of suppressing individuality are dire, as it hinders personal growth, limits creativity, and robs individuals of their ability to experience a full range of emotions.

In a world that celebrates conformity, The Giver serves as a powerful reminder of the value of individuality. It urges us to embrace our unique qualities, thoughts, and emotions, and to recognize the importance of diversity and personal growth. By allowing individuals to express their individuality, we foster a society that is vibrant, innovative, and truly human.

Bibliography

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1993.