The Importance of Rules in The Giver: an Analysis

In The Giver, written by Lois Lowry, rules are a central aspect of the society that is portrayed. This society is designed to be a utopia, but it is also one that is heavily controlled, with rules and regulations governing every aspect of life. Some might argue that this level of control is necessary for a utopian society to function, while others might say that it goes too far and stifles individualism. In this essay, I will explore the role that rules play in The Giver and argue that while rules are necessary for a functional society, they must be balanced with individual freedom and autonomy to truly create a utopia.

The first thing that stands out about the society in The Giver is how much control the Elders have over every aspect of life. From the jobs that people are assigned to the way they dress and behave, every detail is regulated. This is done with the idea that everyone will benefit from living in a society where everything is organized and structured. However, there is a cost to this kind of control. For one thing, it stifles creativity and encourages conformity. People aren't free to express themselves or pursue their own interests. They are bound by the expectations of the society they live in.

Another aspect of the society in The Giver is the use of rules to maintain order. Rules are put in place to prevent chaos and ensure that everyone behaves appropriately. In this sense, rules are crucial to creating a functioning society. Without them, people might act recklessly or selfishly, which could lead to harm for themselves or others. Rules provide a framework for behavior and help to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

However, the problem with rules is that they can be too rigid. In The Giver, the rules are so strict that they leave no room for individualism or personal choice. This can be seen in the way that jobs are assigned. People don't get to choose what they want to do; they are simply told where they will fit best. This may ensure that everyone is doing what they're best at, but it doesn't allow for the possibility that someone might want to pursue a different path. Creativity is stifled in favor of efficiency.

The theme of conformity is also present in The Giver when it comes to rules. Everyone is expected to follow the rules without question, and there is no room for criticism or dissent. This can be seen in the way that Jonas questions the rules of his society and is met with resistance from those around him. It's clear that questioning authority is not something that is encouraged in this society. While this may make things run more smoothly, it also means that people aren't able to think for themselves or challenge the status quo.

In order to create a truly utopian society, rules must be balanced with individual freedom and autonomy. This means that while rules are important for maintaining order and preventing chaos, they should also be flexible enough to allow for personal choice and expression. People should be encouraged to question authority and think for themselves. While this may lead to some chaos in the short term, it is ultimately the only way to create a society that is truly just and fair.

In conclusion, The Giver is a novel that explores the role of rules in a society that aims to be a utopia. While rules are necessary for maintaining order and preventing chaos, they must be balanced with individual freedom and autonomy. When rules are too rigid and inflexible, they stifle creativity and discourage personal expression. Therefore, it's important to strike a balance between rules and freedom in order to create a society that is both efficient and just.