essay about being a giver

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Surgeon General: Parents Are at Their Wits’ End. We Can Do Better.

By Vivek H. Murthy

Dr. Murthy is the surgeon general.

One day when my daughter was a year old, she stopped moving her right leg. Tests found that she had a deep infection in her thigh that was dangerously close to her bone. She was rushed off to surgery. Thankfully, she’s now a healthy, spirited young girl, but the excruciating days we spent in the hospital were some of the hardest of my life. My wife, Alice, and I felt helpless and heartbroken. We got through it because of excellent medical care, understanding workplaces and loved ones who showed up and reminded us that we were not alone.

When I became a parent, a friend told me I was signing up for a lifetime of joy and worry. The joys are indeed abundant, but as fulfilling as parenting has been, the truth is it has also been more stressful than any job I’ve had. I’ve had many moments of feeling lost and exhausted. So many parents I encounter as I travel across America tell me they have the same experience: They feel lucky to be raising kids, but they are struggling, often in silence and alone.

The stress and mental health challenges faced by parents — just like loneliness , workplace well-being and the impact of social media on youth mental health — aren’t always visible, but they can take a steep toll. It’s time to recognize they constitute a serious public health concern for our country. Parents who feel pushed to the brink deserve more than platitudes. They need tangible support. That’s why I am issuing a surgeon general’s advisory to call attention to the stress and mental health concerns facing parents and caregivers and to lay out what we can do to address them.

A recent study by the American Psychological Association revealed that 48 percent of parents say most days their stress is completely overwhelming, compared with 26 percent of other adults who reported the same. They are navigating traditional hardships of parenting — worrying about money and safety, struggling to get enough sleep — as well as new stressors, including omnipresent screens, a youth mental health crisis and widespread fear about the future.

Stress is tougher to manage when you feel you’re on your own, which is why it’s particularly concerning that so many parents, single parents most of all, report feeling lonelier than other adults . Additionally, parents are stretched for time. Compared with just a few decades ago, mothers and fathers spend more time working and more time caring for their children , leaving them less time for rest, leisure and relationships. Stress, loneliness and exhaustion can easily affect people’s mental health and well-being. And we know that the mental health of parents has a direct impact on the mental health of children.

All of this is compounded by an intensifying culture of comparison, often amplified online, that promotes unrealistic expectations of what parents must do. Chasing these expectations while trying to wade through an endless stream of parenting advice has left many families feeling exhausted, burned out and perpetually behind.

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Being a Caregiver: Benefits and Difficulties Essay

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Being a caregiver means contributing one’s mental and physical resources to the support of their family and close people. As mentioned in the video, the caregiving process enhances the senses of patience, responsibility, and resilience (TED, 2014). Additionally, one of the main traits that come with consistent caregiving is empathy, as the time spent with loved people and the ability to identify their needs improves one’s perception of other people, their needs, and emotions.

The choice between the family and the career that the speaker made is difficult due to the evaluation of possible sacrifices. On the one hand, the focus on the career would take away the precious time with the loved ones. On the other, choosing a family would mean potentially giving up on the working ambitions and higher income. However, I would make the same decision since, as mentioned by the speaker, work-life and family life stimulate each other and exist as complementing elements of life (TED, 2014). Thus, it seems natural to prioritize the family rather than sacrifice the caregiving for a career.

Once there is enough time for the loved ones in a person’s life, they feel more empathetic, caring, and motivated. As mentioned previously, being a caregiver enhances specific traits that are extremely helpful in the working process. Hence, prioritizing the family can lead to the development of certain characteristics that would help a person to work more efficiently without sacrificing their time with their loved ones. However, if I had to choose between healthy family life and a successful career strictly, I would go for the first option. I genuinely value human communication, care, and empathy, and I think that without a healthy family, I would not be able to enjoy my life naturally.

TED. (2014). Anne-Marie Slaughter: Can we all “have it all”? [Video]. YouTube. Web.

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Introduction to The Giver

Summary of the giver, major themes in the giver, major characters in the giver, writing style of the giver, analysis of the literary devices in the giver, related posts:, post navigation.

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Chapters 19-21

Chapters 22-23

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Further Reading & Resources

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to be “released” from the community Jonas lives in? Name a few reasons people are released and explain how the act of releasing someone reflects the community’s values.

Receiver is described as a position of honor, while the Birthmother assignment is said to lack honor. Why is this the case? What might happen if the status of these roles were switched?

At several points in The Giver , Jonas expresses that having choices is dangerous. Why does he feel this way, and how does his opinion about choices change as the story unfolds?

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The giver essay questions.

What does the ending of The Giver mean for our interpretation of the text?

Answer: Lowry has left the ending ambiguous. The more likely approach is to decide that Jonas did die and was merely hallucinating at the end of the novel, which could imply a pessimistic ending that completes our image of a dystopia that cannot provide its citizens with both safety and independence. Under this interpretation, we also see the difficulty of separating oneself from the collective; successful resistance requires more than just one or two people. One might decide instead that Jonas coincidentally finds the sled and Elsewhere at the conclusion of the novel. This development might suggest the ability of the human spirit to survive centuries of suppression and hint that Jonas's society will recover from the adverse effects of Sameness. It is important to note that in a later novel, Messenger , Lowry resolves the ambiguity by suggesting that Jonas survived, but this does not invalidate the possible interpretation that Jonas died.

What is the significance of snow in The Giver ?

Answer: Jonas's experiences with his memories are intimately connected with the idea of snow, from his first received transmission of sledding through snow on a hillside to his experience of a broken leg and finally to his real encounter with it at the novel's conclusion. As with many other things that have been eradicated through Sameness, snow involves the dangers that the community chose to end in its quest for safety. At the same time, however, it brings Jonas great joy, through his exhilaration in his first memory and in his apparent recognition of the existence of Elsewhere in the last chapter. Snow is neither good nor bad, but the novel implies that its absence takes some essential aspect away from the world. Removing a risk involves removing the benefits that could have resulted from taking the risk.

What meanings does the phrase "back and back and back" hold within the novel?

Answer: The phrase represents the traditional role of The Receiver within Jonas's community, and it gives a sense of history and continuity to the position of Receiver. Yet, as Jonas notes later in the novel, it also represents the burden and constraints that the society has given to The Receiver in the search for safety and Sameness. Whereas The Receiver is forced to remember "back and back and back" and understand all the pains of humanity, the rest of the community has no sense of history and thus loses both the positive and negative aspects of retaining a common history. For the community, the earlier times were times of hurt and danger, "backward" times that the people do not want to remember or relive.

How does The Giver's acquaintance with Jonas change The Giver's outlook on life?

Answer: Although most people read The Giver 's relationship to Jonas in terms of The Giver's teachings to Jonas--The Giver is in control, helping Jonas develop wisdom to augment his intelligence and courage--The Giver also gains some wisdom himself over the course of their relationship. Prior to meeting Jonas, The Giver had resigned himself to the stagnant nature of both the community and his role within the society, judging that the society was supreme and that he was powerless. However, by seeing the changes that his memories and teachings effect in Jonas, he learns that he also has the ability to teach others and perhaps reverse the oppression of individuals. By talking to Jonas about the problems of their society, he gains the resolve to make a difference and affect the society's future course.

Discuss how the idea of release is used in The Giver.

Answer: Because the nature of release is not revealed until very late in the novel--at a point that could be considered the climax of the plot--the continued references to the mysterious process of release unsettle us and lead us to suspect that it is intentionally hidden because of moral cracks in the society. The narrative introduces us to the idea of release in the first chapter as an apparently excessive punishment for a pilot's innocent mistake while indicating the presence of fear, which sets the tone for the rest of the novel. The novel then proceeds to both soothe and unnerve as it alternates examples of people who are happy to be released with those who are banished from the community for wrongdoing or for simply being weak. Considering that the Old are eventually released, it is not hard to figure out that being released means being euthanized. When the process of release is finally revealed, we are not surprised to see that it is lethal injection. The long period before the novel's revelation adds to its significance in revealing the problems in the community's structure. If the society has really done away with the troubles of this world, why do they still call euthanasia a release? Figuratively, people are being released from the bondage of the oppression in this tightly controlled society, but of course they do not see it in this way.

Discuss the role of family in The Giver .

Answer: Over the course of the novel, Jonas forms in a sense a second family. The first one consists of his family unit, and the second is a new family including Gabriel and perhaps also The Giver, who are joined to him by the transference of memories. The first unit serves as a foil for the second, as its apparent functionality is shown to be somewhat lacking in real love or permanent attachment. Most families are tightly controlled for the sake of the society (compare Plato's treatment of families in the Republic ). In contrast, Jonas's relations with The Giver and with Gabriel are more suggestive of the love that he feels in the memory of family and grandparents, and the novel suggests that their ability to feel true emotions such as love represents what is lacking in the rest of the community.

How do Asher and Fiona illuminate our understanding of Jonas's character?

Answer: Asher and Fiona serve as foils throughout the novel for Jonas. Initially, Asher's character description in particular highlights Jonas's characteristics of intelligence and thoughtfulness. Later in the novel, however, as Jonas's training begins to alienate him from the community, Asher's and Fiona's behavior during the war game shows the lack of understanding that results from their lack of historical awareness. The revelation that Fiona is training in release serves as a final indication of how Jonas has grown apart from the conventions and cruelties of his society.

Discuss the role of solitude or isolation in Jonas's experiences.

Answer: At one point in the novel, Lowry references the positive aspects of solitude as learned by Jonas through transmitted memories. However, for the most part, the effect of Jonas's role as Receiver-in-Training is to isolate him and make him experience the more negative aspects of his society. Because he has been trained to act always as a member of a group, he now learns that to honor The Receiver increases his burdens by adding the pain of loneliness to the weight of his memories. In his role as sage, he will always stand apart. He will develop his own sense of right and wrong, of good and evil, based on unique experiences that the regular society never has. His distanced vantage point allows him to critique the society more fully than he would have been able to do had he remained a normal member of the collective.

Write a second ending for The Giver that tells the fate of the community after Jonas's departure.

Answer: This question asks you to engage in a creative exercise. One might address the community's reaction to the loss of Jonas and what the people and The Giver are thinking as the people search for him. More importantly, one might consider the community's reaction to the return of their memories and about The Giver's attempt to help them. Such an ending could be written from the perspective of The Giver or the perspective of one of the members of the community, such as Jonas's sister Lily or his friend Asher. The narrative could then describe whether the community chose to reject or keep Sameness or what small risks the community began to take in order to appreciate individuality and the chance of developing a stronger, more free society.

How does Jonas's training as The Receiver of Memory serve as a coming-of-age story?

Answer: Jonas and his society proceed from the assumption that after the Ceremony of Twelve, all of the new Twelves are no longer mere children, although they stay with their family units and continue their schooling. However, Jonas's training reveals that after just twelve years of life, he has not acquired the wisdom necessary to approach his life as an adult. In his interactions with The Giver, he acquires this wisdom and mentally ages rapidly through his experiences of war, death, and starvation. This approach to development contrasts with that of Fiona and Asher, both of whom remain in a sense like children because their experiences do not grant them self-awareness and maturity.

The Giver Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Giver is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

How does the author begin showing that Jonas may not quite fit in or not agree with everything in his community? How might these details contribute to the conflict in the story going forward?

Jonas interperets events like the jet at the beginning as the stringent rules differently than others. Jonas asks questions and doesn't take things at face value. He also begins to see colour which others do not see. Jonas eventually questions the...

What do you think of the morning dream telling ritual?

This question calls for your opinion. There is no right or wrong answer. In my opinion, dream telling is rather ridiculous. We all know that dreams are inexplicable for the most part.... and most dreams disappear when we wake up.

Should Jonas have asked them to stop playing the game of bad guys and good guys? CHAPTER 17

No, I don't think Jonas should ask them to stop playing. These kids cannot handle the emotional trauma  of forgetting their lunch let alone understanding emotions behind war and death. They simply would not comprehend what Jonas is talking...

Study Guide for The Giver

The Giver study guide contains a biography of Lois Lowry, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis of The Giver.

• About The Giver
• The Giver Summary
• The Giver Video
• Character List

Essays for The Giver

The Giver essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Giver by Lois Lowry.

• The Cost of Security
• A Lonely Mind With a Heavy Burden: Hope in The Giver
• Is the Society of The Giver a Utopia?
• Reproductive Regulation and the Construction of Relationships for Populace Control in The Giver and “Pop Squad”

Lesson Plan for The Giver

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Giver
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Giver Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Giver

• Introduction

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My Journey to Being a Caregiver, Essay Example

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As I was growing, I had always contemplated what I would be when I will grow up. This question really bothered me during my childhood and I was only five years, I was determined to remain at home and raise young people, like what my mother did. I was determined to be the best caretaker. Nevertheless, as I grew up that dream changed, and all through my lifetime I have had several dreams concerning my future; like become a music icon, lawyer, creating a hilarity park, and writing storybooks. It was eventually when I entered high school that I recognized I had liked working with, and the idea of taking care of young children; and what I truthfully desired to do the rest of my life was to teaching mentally disabled children (Ysseldyke & Algozzine 49).

My career goal that I have slowly been putting efforts all through my four years in college is to become a special education teacher in-charge of elementary learners. I am presently signed up as a double elementary major in early childhood and elementary education, as well as psychology in college. I believe these courses will give the needed platform to achieve my career goals. I have pursued a number of pre-requisite classes, and many courses specifically tailored for elementary education. The courses are important since they will allow me to be taught by real elementary school educators that have many years’ experiences with working with kids. I believe that the educators will equip me with the necessary skills and advice to better me towards understanding what I was signing up for as an education major (Mamlin 24). The classes will enable me to articulate my skills in a manner that will be understandable to learners of tender age. In addition, I am doubling majoring in psychology in anticipation that they will help me teach the learners in a manner that they will I understand the mentality regarding special education learners. The classes will slowly shape my skills and knowledge. I believe that the psychology classes will offer me adequate context on not only the challenges and disorders a number of children all through the globe are experiencing now; however, too on the way learners, as well as their parents tend to perceive and handle mentally disabled children in the society. The different courses will help me learn how effectively handle particular children having definite disorders that I hope will assist me better communicate ,and teach kids having mental disabilities in a manner that they will best be capable to comprehend and grab information  being imparted to them. Being an elementary education plus psychology major will assist me to radically boost my teaching capacities will allow me to have better idea of what I could most probably be experiencing in the future when I will realize my career goals , and overall prepare me in nearly every was feasible to be a great educator.

Furthermore, I have usually had the heart for kids , and for individuals that are less fortunate than the way I am, as well as face more challenges than any one individual must have to experience in a lifetime; thus, I am drawn to kids having disabilities. In the society currently, those having mental disabilities tend to be abandoned and despised, not only physically; however, mentally. I believe that becoming a special education instructor for children will allow me to educate learners, which are regularly times despised intellectually by the community. I would love to become an educator that that can offer these students with mental disorders the care and support they deserve, patience, and hope that this will allow these children to believe in themselves. This will allow them to face future challenges with hope and courage. Physically and mentally disabled kids are simply ignored as candidates for educational programs. My anticipations are that whilst educating them , I will be in a position to open up a number of prospects of higher educational programs , and ultimately boost job prospects for the mentally challenged kids; consequently that the community may no longer despise them intellectually (Mamlin 24). Providing care is also beneficial to care giver. Having known that you are touching lives of people and transforming their lives can be very emotionally fulfilling. In fact, it can improve the way one relates with other people. This mean I will not only relate well with my student, but I will develop good relationship with my family. I am happy about this.

In addition, I understand that being a caretaker is challenging both emotionally and physically. I know this role is difficult it consume a lot of time and can be bad to my health. This is why I will also prioritize on self-care. If you cannot take care of yourself, how can you take care of others? I will ensure that I eat regular nutritious meals. I will always ensure that I prepare healthy meals at home to avoid eating fast food from vending machine. Being a caretaker for children with medical problems means that I may be required to interact regularly with doctors for them. I will take this opportunity to also maintain my doctor’s time. What this means is that I will maintain regular scheduled check up with the doctor and stay on top of my wellness. According to (Mamlin 24) ensuring, a personal time is very important to maintaining good and health relationship with people you care for. For me, I will also ensure that I plan for my personal time.

As I have mentioned above, I will plan for my personal time. In order to ensure that I do not feel guilty leaving the people that I am caring for alone while am having my personal time, I will build a strong caring team. Caring team is very important. This is because as a caregiver I cannot be everywhere at all times. Sometime the number of people or children that will require my care may increase. Therefore, for me to schedule for personal time and ensure that the people who need me are cared for correctly I will build a team. My experience has taught me the importance of delegating tasks. I will be able to delegate some task to the team to help me feel some time for myself.

Since I was young, I always want to do my things in an organized way. I will also ensure that I am very organized in order to provide the care. When caring for people with medical condition, it is important to understand all the people who need the care. I will keep all the information of all those who will be under me. Some children with disability might be taking medicine on regular basis, or might require seeing doctor several times per week. I will organize such information for me to remember easily. I will set a system of doing things that I will ensure all my teammate understand. When other team member know the system it is easy for them to provide important information of the people requiring care when I am not around.

My experience has taught me that, when caring for children with disability, it is possible for someone to be attached emotionally to some person that you are caring for. This is bad because when something goes wrong about that person, it also affect you. It is told that one should understand sometime it is impossible to prevent bad thing from occurring to people we are teaching or caring for. When such things occur, people should comfort themself that they at least tried to make a difference to those peoples life. One thing to remember is that no matter the outcome there will always be another person waiting for his or her help. One needs to connect with the people receiving care, at the same time one need not to be emotionally connected. Nevertheless, sometime this is not easy. That is why I will take my psychology class to help me cope with such situation. Again talking to someone who understands such things can help. Therefore, I will also keep in touch with relevant people such as my fellow caregivers who have more experience than I do.

Finally, since the time I was a child, I have in most cases doubted what I want to be when I grow up. This primary question kept pushing me in everything I did in my life. My life experiences in the world have not only assisted me with making key decisions to become well-equipped and successful teacher for children having mental disorders, but they have shaped me to become a great teacher. I have known that one should become a caregiver because they care. The journey of becoming a good caregiver may be long, difficult, and frustrating. In addition, I know that one should not seek journey alone. It is important to accept help when it is available, seek for help when it is needed. Most importantly maintain your own self-wellness. Although the body may not be sick, being a caregiver one face unexpected and some time overlooked challenges. Remember that, caregivers also need emotional support very much. Equip yourself with necessary skills and surround yourself with the right people. I am presently working towards my career goals in my current college, and I hope that the programs at the college and my prospect experiences will offer me with the understanding, as well as education I require to attain my dream (O’Connor 108).

Works Cited

Algozzine, Bob, and Jim Ysseldyke. Effective Instruction for Students with Special Needs: A Practical Guide for Every Teacher . Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press, 2006. Print.

Mamlin, Nancy. Preparing Effective Special Education Teachers . New York: Guilford Press, 2012. Print.

O’Connor, Rollanda E. Teaching Word Recognition: Effective Strategies for Students with Learning Difficulties , 2014. Print.

Ysseldyke, James E, and Robert Algozzine. Effective Assessment for Students with Special Needs: A Practical Guide for Every Teacher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2006. Print.

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Essay Samples on The Giver

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry is a groundbreaking dystopian novel that has captivated readers since its publication in 1993. Set in a seemingly perfect society known as “Sameness,” the story follows Jonas, a young boy who is assigned the prestigious role of Receiver of Memory. However, as Jonas begins to receive memories of the past from the Giver, an older man who holds the collective memories of society, he starts to question the rigidly controlled world he inhabits.

Lowry’s masterful storytelling explores themes such as conformity, individuality, and the importance of emotions and experiences. Through the vivid portrayal of a society devoid of pain, suffering, and personal choice, “The Giver” challenges readers to reflect on the essence of humanity itself. The absence of color, music, and strong emotions in this austere society raises profound questions about the true meaning of life and the price paid for an artificial sense of peace.

Writing a Compelling “The Giver” Essay

The novel’s thought-provoking narrative and memorable characters provide fertile ground for insightful “The Giver” essay topics. Consider exploring the moral implications of a society that suppresses individuality and the potential consequences of eradicating pain and suffering. Examine the role of memory and its impact on human identity, highlighting how memories shape our understanding of the world and influence our choices.

To enhance your essay, delve into Lowry’s stylistic choices, such as her use of symbolism, foreshadowing, and descriptive language. Analyze the significance of recurring motifs like the color red, the sled, or the apple, unraveling their deeper meanings within the context of the story, and look at “The Giver” essay free samples.

As you embark on your “The Giver” essay-writing journey, ensure you craft a compelling thesis statement that encapsulates your unique perspective on “The Giver.” Support your arguments with evidence from the text, and engage in critical analysis to shed new light on the novel’s enduring themes.

The Mood Of The Giver: The Struggle Of The Youngster

In the book The Giver, it all starts when an average innocent young boy named Jonas, the protagonist, receives his assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, he discovers that his perfect community is not what it seems. Within the novel, rituals tend to border the...

• Mood in Literature

The Giver: The Imagery And The Dystopian Society

The Giver by Llois Llowry is about a utopian society. This society and our modern society have some similaritiessimalarities and many differences. A utopian societysoceity is meant to be perfect - everyone is fine and everything is the same for everyone. A modern society, such...

• Imagery in Literature

Sociological Analysis of The Giver

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1. The Mood Of The Giver: The Struggle Of The Youngster

2. The Giver: The Imagery And The Dystopian Society

3. Sociological Analysis of The Giver

4. The Giver Vs The Modern Society

5. Imperfect Guardians In The Giver And Matilda

6. Importance of Children Literature on Education of Children

7. The Dichotomy of Dystopian and Utopian Societies in “The Giver”

8. Literary Analysis of the Novel “The Giver” by Lois Laurie

9. The Giver – From a Futuristic Society Without Pain, Fear and Struggle

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — The Giver

Essays on The Giver

Prompt examples for "the giver" essays, dystopian society.

Examine the characteristics of the dystopian society depicted in "The Giver." How does the society control its citizens, and what are the consequences of this extreme control?

Individuality and Memory

Discuss the themes of individuality and memory in the novel. How does the absence of memory and emotions impact the characters' sense of self, and what does the importance of memory reveal about the human experience?

The Role of the Receiver

Analyze the role of the Receiver of Memory in the community. How does Jonas's training and experiences challenge the conformity of the society, and what does it teach him about the power of knowledge and emotions?

Freedom and Rebellion

Explore the themes of freedom and rebellion in "The Giver." How do Jonas and others in the community resist the oppressive rules and seek a more liberated existence, and what risks are involved?

Ethical Dilemmas

Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Jonas and other characters as they confront the reality of their society. What moral decisions do they make, and what are the implications of their choices?

Symbolism and Color

Analyze the symbolism of color and its significance in the novel. How does the absence of color represent the lack of individuality and emotion in the community, and what does the introduction of color symbolize?

Hook Examples for "The Giver" Essays

Anecdotal hook.

"As I ventured into the seemingly utopian world of 'The Giver,' I couldn't help but reflect on the price of conformity, the value of individuality, and the profound consequences of memory."

Rhetorical Question Hook

"What if you lived in a society where all memories, emotions, and choices were controlled? Lois Lowry's 'The Giver' prompts us to explore the boundaries of human experience and the cost of a so-called perfect world."

Startling Quote Hook

"'When people have the freedom to choose, they choose wrong.' These words from the novel encapsulate the central theme of 'The Giver' and its exploration of the human desire for both freedom and security."

Dystopian Elements Hook

"In the dystopian community depicted in 'The Giver,' individuality is sacrificed for sameness, and memories of the past are erased. Explore the chilling aspects of this controlled society."

Narrative Hook

"Step into the shoes of Jonas as he embarks on a journey to challenge the norms of his society and uncover the truth. This narrative captures the essence of Lois Lowry's thought-provoking storytelling."

Character Development Hook

"Witness Jonas' transformation from a compliant citizen to a courageous individual who questions the status quo. Analyzing the character arc adds depth to the narrative."

Ethical Dilemmas Hook

"What ethical dilemmas do the characters face in 'The Giver,' and how do these dilemmas resonate with contemporary moral questions? Exploring the novel's ethical dimensions prompts reflection on our own values."

Memory and Emotion Hook

"How do memories and emotions shape human identity, and what happens when they are suppressed? Delving into the role of memory in the story sheds light on the characters' experiences."

Utopian vs. Dystopian Hook

"What does 'The Giver' reveal about the complexities of utopian ideals and the dangers of conformity? Examining the contrast between utopia and dystopia offers valuable insights."

Lois Lowry's Literary Impact Hook

"How does 'The Giver' contribute to Lois Lowry's literary impact and her legacy in young adult literature? Exploring the novel's place in the genre reveals its enduring significance."

The Giver Themes: Exploring The Depths of a Dystopian Society

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Examples of Diversity and Sameness in "The Giver"

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Plot Summary of "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

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Censorship, Control and Conformity in "The Giver"

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Novel, Young Adult Fiction, Children's Literature, Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Utopian Fiction

Asher, Jonas, The Giver, Fiona, Gabriel, Lily

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Themes and Analysis

By lois lowry.

'The Giver' is, at times, a dark and disturbing novel, touching on themes of loss and control.

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

At the same time, it’s also a novel of hope , depicted through the beauty of colors seen for the first time and joys never before experienced. It’s a novel that ends with an image that alludes to the enduring nature of the human spirit and future possibilities.

The Giver Themes 

Memory .

It’s through memory in The Giver that the community leaders exert control over everyone else. Collective memory is a thing of the past. Wars, loves, hate, joy, and any remnant of the time before the community is lost. Lowry was interested in using this novel to explore what happens when all memories disappear. Does a happier community emerge when the dark parts of human history are lost?

Despite the community’s desire to leave their past behind, the elders also understood the age-old proverb that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. This meant that someone had to remember. The Giver plays the role, and Jonas was meant to take it up after him. He’s there to make sure that no one starts down a dangerous path that might lead to consequences known only to him. 

Free Will/Control 

Jonas’s community is nothing without control. The community leaders exert control by making everyone believe that total obedience is the only way to live. The rules are their lives, and there is no choice but to follow them. There are rules for every part of life, ensuring that free will is surprised and the individual. 

The Individual 

This final theme is tied directly to the other most prominent themes in the novel. There are moments in Lois Lowry’s novel where Jonas notes the individuality of his friends, family members, and most importantly himself. Jonas feels different than his friends do, and he knows he sees the world differently as well. This is something that proves to be correct when at the Ceremony of the Twelve, he’s singled out to be the new Receiver of Memory. It’s the first time in his life, and in the lives of the other children, that they’ve had their differences highlighted. Some are more suited for one job or another.

Jonas only becomes more of an individual, something the community doesn’t encourage, as the novel progresses. He’s given memories, something unique in his world.  One of the more powerful moments of the novel comes at the end when Jonas realizes that he’s making memories of his own, ones that belong only to him. 

Analysis of Key Moments in The Giver 

• Jonas sees an airplane, learning that there’s life outside the community. 
• His father brings Gabriel home. 
• Jonas feels the “stirrings.”  
• Jonas goes to the Ceremony of the Twelve and becomes the next Receiver of Memory. 
• Jonas meets the Giver and learns about good and bad experiences.  
• He gives Gabriel memories to calm him down. 
• Jonas starts to see colors. 
• He learns about the Giver’s daughter, the previous receiver of memory, and her release. 
• Jonas learns what “releasing” means . 
• The Giver and Jonas make a plan for him to escape the community. 
• Jonas runs away with Gabriel. 
• Jonas and Gabriel sled down the hill towards Elsewhere. 

Style, Literary Devices, and Tone in The Giver 

Lowry’s narrative style in The Giver is straightforward and clear. It comes across as a simple recitation of events, almost journalistic. The plot progresses from the beginning to the end of the story with very few exceptions. Lowry uses clear language that’s easy to understand throughout the book, solidifying her choice to direct this novel towards young adults. Additionally, the simple language helps describe the simple lives of Jonas, his family, and his friends. Everyone lives preplanned, organized lives, similar to how Lowry’s writing depicts them. This is also how one might describe the tone. It is direct in most parts of the novel and, as it progresses, becomes more emotional and distressed as Jonas learns more about his community. 

It’s not until the Giver comes into the narrative and starts relaying memories to Jonas that the style changes at all. The memories are moving, mysterious, and strange. This changes the way that Lowry writes and the images she creates. In these passages, and in all those in which Jonas is thinking about his world, Lowry uses rhetorical questions. These are questions to which the speaker does not expect an answer. Jonas is filled with them regarding every element of his life. 

Lowry makes use of several other literary devices in The Giver as well. These include euphemisms or phrases that stand-in for something uncomfortable or difficult. For example, “release” is used instead of kill. This is a great example of how the language Lowry selected for the community reveals something about them as much as it tries to hide the truth. When the families gather together to share their feelings, they’re doing the exact opposite. Lowry employs a cliff hanger at the end of the book when she chooses not to reveal what happens to Jonas and Gabe. 

Symbols in The Giver

The apple .

The apple is a symbol for all that’s missing in the community. Its red color, something that’s lost to everyone in the community except Jonas, represents freedom, human nature, and emotions. The red of the apple also appears in other parts of his life. It comes to represent desire when he sees it in Fiona’s hair, and then later. It features in the rainbow that the Giver shares with him. It reemphasizes the entire range of human experiences and emotions that Jonas, his friends, and family members are missing out on.

Gabriel 

Gabriel is different as Jonas is different . This is something that Jonas recognizes right away. He has pale eyes (later revealed to be blue, like Jonas’s), and Jonas can tell he’s far more thoughtful. The child represents innocence and acts as a powerful contrast to the emotionless community that chooses to kill him. For Jonas, Gabriel also represents hope. Hope for a better life, one filled with love, and one where a child can grow up without the threat of being “released.” 

Sled Ride 

The sled rid is the first memory that Jonas receives from the Giver. It’s one of pure joy, untouched by anything unpleasant. It’s a wonderful experience that does not prepare him for the terrible memories to follow. After receiving the memory, Jonas dreams about the sled ride and the unknown destination at the hill’s bottom. There’s something in the distance that he’s riding towards, but he doesn’t know what it is. It symbolizes his future and the new life that waits for him when he escapes the community at the end of the novel. 

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About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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