Two Iconic Characters by Lois Lowry: a Study of Their Impact

Lois Lowry is a celebrated author known for her ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers of all ages. Among her most iconic characters are Jonas from "The Giver" and Anastasia from "Number the Stars." These characters not only capture the essence of their respective stories but also reflect broader themes of humanity, choice, and resilience. This essay explores the significance of these two characters and their impact on literature and society.

Jonas: The Awakening of Consciousness

Jonas, the protagonist in "The Giver," embarks on a transformative journey that challenges his perceptions of society and individuality. Living in a seemingly utopian community where pain and suffering have been eradicated through strict control, Jonas initially embraces this world without question. However, his experiences with The Giver, who imparts memories of joy, sorrow, love, and loss, catalyze an awakening within him.

The character of Jonas serves as a powerful symbol of enlightenment. As he gains knowledge about emotions and human experiences that have been suppressed in his community, he begins to understand the value of choice. This realization leads him to make profound decisions about freedom and responsibility—concepts often taken for granted in modern societies.

Anastasia: A Beacon of Courage

In "Number the Stars," Lois Lowry introduces us to Anastasia Johansen during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Denmark, Anastasia's story revolves around themes of bravery, friendship, and sacrifice. When her Jewish friend Ellen is threatened by Nazi soldiers, Anastasia displays remarkable courage by hiding Ellen and risking her family's safety.

Anastasia embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Her actions highlight the importance of standing up for what is right even when confronted with overwhelming danger. This character resonates particularly well with younger readers who are encouraged to find their own voice amidst societal pressures. Through Anastasia’s journey, Lowry emphasizes how individual acts can lead to collective resistance against tyranny.

Thematic Parallels Between Jonas and Anastasia

While Jonas lives in a controlled environment devoid of deep emotions and choices, Anastasia thrives in a chaotic world filled with moral dilemmas where she must choose between self-preservation and loyalty to her friend. Both characters embark on journeys that require them to confront uncomfortable truths about their worlds:

• Awakening vs. Resistance: Jonas awakens to deeper human experiences while Anastasia resists oppressive forces.
• Moral Choices: Each character faces critical decisions that challenge their beliefs about right and wrong.
• The Importance of Memory: For Jonas, memory is essential for understanding life; for Anastasia, it represents both heritage and danger.

These thematic parallels highlight how Lowry uses her characters not just as individuals but as vessels through which larger messages can be conveyed regarding humanity's capacity for growth or regression based on our choices.

Cultural Impact

The enduring popularity of both "The Giver" and "Number the Stars" speaks volumes about their cultural impact since publication. Schools often include these texts in curricula due to their rich thematic content that encourages critical thinking among students. Readers are prompted not only to engage with complex moral questions but also to reflect on historical events such as World War II through personal lenses provided by characters like Anastasia.

This relevance extends beyond classrooms; discussions surrounding freedom versus control become increasingly pertinent in today’s socio-political climate—making Jonas’ quest more relatable than ever before as young people grapple with issues regarding autonomy over their lives amidst external influences.

A Lasting Legacy

The legacy left by Jonas and Anastasia is one rooted deeply within our collective conscience—their stories remind us that courage can emerge from vulnerability; enlightenment often comes through discomfort; individual actions can ripple outwards into societal change.
Lois Lowry masterfully crafts these iconic figures who inspire generations toward empathy while encouraging readers never merely accept things at face value but instead seek truth beneath layers created by fear or conformity.
Ultimately demonstrating how literature has immense power—not just entertaining us—but shaping our perspectives toward ourselves & others alike!

Conclusion

The characters created by Lois Lowry serve crucial roles within both narrative frameworks they inhabit—reflecting timeless ideals concerning humanity’s quest for understanding amid chaos while inspiring future generations towards compassion & bravery when faced against oppression! Their legacies endure because they teach us invaluable lessons about identity formation based upon informed choices made bravely!

References

• Lowry, Lois. (1993). The Giver. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Lowry, Lois. (1989). Number the Stars. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Baker-Sperry L., Grauerholz E., (2003). “How Gender Shapes Classrooms: A Critical Review.” Review of Educational Research 73(1): 43-63.