the giver research paper topics

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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by Lois Lowry

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.

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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
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• Introduction to The Giver
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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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Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Lois Lowry's The Giver . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Giver: Introduction

The giver: plot summary, the giver: detailed summary & analysis, the giver: themes, the giver: quotes, the giver: characters, the giver: symbols, the giver: theme wheel, brief biography of lois lowry.

Historical Context of The Giver

Other books related to the giver.

• Full Title: The Giver
• When Written: Early 1990s
• Where Written: Maine
• When Published: April 16, 1993
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Dystopian novel
• Setting: A managed community in a futuristic society. The community is cut off from the outside world, which is referred to as "elsewhere."
• Climax: Jonas learns that when his father "releases" newchildren, he actually kills them. Jonas decides to leave the community.
• Antagonist: Jonas's community and its system of Sameness
• Point of View: Third-person limited, through Jonas's eyes

Extra Credit for The Giver

Awards: The Giver won the 1994 Newbery Medal, considered the most prestigious award for children's literature.

Banned Book: Although The Giver tops countless school reading lists, it has also been banned by some schools, which claim that some of the material, like euthanasia and suicide, is inappropriate for children.

One of Three: Lowry has written two more books set in the world of The Giver and including some of the characters from The Giver . The three books together are often described as a "loose trilogy." The second book in the series is Gathering Blue and was published in 2000. The third, The Messenger , was published in 2004.

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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.

The Study Blog :

How to write the giver essay [summary, themes + topics included].

By Evans Nov 28 2022

Have you ever wondered how life would be if there was no pain in the world? Imagine if you did not have to struggle to understand what to pursue in life, who to have as your partner, or even the number of children to have since all these have already been decided for you! The Giver gives us a glimpse into such a world. If you have been tasked with writing an essay on The Giver , worry not for we will help you not only understand this thought-provoking book but also how to write The Giver essay .

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A summary of The Giver

T he Giver is about a futuristic community that exists in a world where there are no feelings and everyone is practically the same. The Elders control everything that one has to do. At the age of 12, every child is assigned a job depending on their talents and capabilities. When the time comes to marry, someone will be assigned someone who suits you. This means that this Sameness society feels no pain, no war, or hunger (some pretty goods not to feel, huh!) unfortunately, this also means that they do not experience love, sex, music, or anything of the sort. Jonas is selected to become the Receiver, meaning he gets to keep all of the community’s past memories. As a result, he gets to feel things that almost everyone in the community has never felt. Unable to watch the community continue living in its ignorance, he chooses to run away so that people can finally feel things.

How to write an essay on The Giver

When writing an essay on The Giver , you have to, first of all, take time to read the book. It is quite difficult to write on a subject that you do not understand. Immerse yourself in the world of Jonas and his Sameness community.

Find the right angle

Once you are done reading the book, you can now find the right angle for your essay. Finding the right angle will help give you a clear picture of how your essay is going to look like. If you have no idea how to find the right angle for your essay, do not worry, we will help you with some of the essay topics that you can choose from.

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The Giver essay topics

Is the giver a dystopian or utopian community.

The community in The Giver is not your normal kind of community. This is a community that can be seen as either a utopian community in that nothing bad ever “happens” here or dystopian in that people in the community are not allowed to experience things such as music, love, color, or sex! In your essay, you choose to view this community as either of the two.

Symbolism in  The Giver

Symbolism is always a safe choice when it comes to writing a literature essay. The Giver comes loaded with its symbolism, from using biblical names for its characters to the symbolism of the apple and the eye among others.

How Jonas’ community managed to create a society of sameness

It is not easy to create a community that is completely different from the norm. This is an important part of the book and it deserves as much attention as you can give it. Explore various ways that the Elders managed to modify behavior, punish rebels, and avoid an uproar.

The power of words

Words are powerful (so have we been told time and time again). Words can be the greatest tool of propaganda. It is also the greatest tool that has been used time and time again to incite people, either for good or for worse. The Giver uses specific words that help distort the reality of the community. These words include release, nurturer, and elsewhere among others. You can choose to discuss how these words have been used to keep people satisfied with a very dull life.

Transformation

Perhaps Jonas is the character that encounters the greatest transformation in the community, from a young, ignorant child who’s scared of the kind of job that will be assigned to him to being the Receiver who is not willing to keep lying to everyone in the community. You can come up with such an incredible essay just by focusing on Jonas' transformation.

Need some help with The Giver essay?

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The Giver - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Lois Lowry’s “The Giver” unravels a meticulously controlled utopian society where pain and strife have been eradicated at the cost of individual autonomy and emotional depth. Essays could delve into the central themes of memory, choice, and the human capacity for both good and evil as explored through the narrative. The discussions could extend to the exploration of the societal critique embodied in “The Giver”, particularly the examination of a society’s quest for perfection and uniformity at the expense of individuality and freedom. Moreover, essays might explore the character dynamics, particularly the mentor-mentee relationship between the Giver and Jonas, and the philosophical dialogues that emerge through their interactions. Additionally, the discourse might touch upon the dystopian elements of the narrative, its place within the canon of young adult literature, and its broader implications concerning the nature of control, freedom, and human experience. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about The Giver you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Comparing and Contrasting ‘Pleasantville’ and ‘The Giver’

Imagine a world where everyone has a great family, no finance issues, siblings aren't annoying, every student has good grades, everyone goes to the school of their dreams, but they don't see color and there is no real human emotion shown from people. Would all of this be worth the cost? In ‘The Giver’, the receivers are the only people who have feelings and memories. The elders, people who choose what the best is for their people in the community […]

Lois Lowry’s “The Giver”

Would you be willing to give up your freedoms if that meant that you would always be safe? In Lois Lowry’s The Giver, society manages to run smoothly because they have implemented techniques to help keep the order of the community, this community doesn't really have their own freedom or their own rights. The techniques that society uses may cause people to lose some freedoms, but their goal of maintaining order is accomplished by erasing memories, manipulating words, and suppressing […]

Who are the Main Characters in the Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is a book and movie series about teen boys stuck inside a maze. The main character, Thomas appears from a dark box and changes everything in the Glade. Thomas a seventeen year old boy appears into the maze not remembering anything except his name. Everyone inside the Glade has their memory swiped by the creators. Once Teresa arrives to the Glade everything starts going downhill. The blue sky’s turned dark and gloomy and the doors stopped closing […]

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Sameness in “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

Would you like to live in a community that has sameness? Sameness is when everything in the community is exactly the same. Lois Lowry wrote the book The Giver. The Giver is about a boy named Jonas. He lives in a society that is controlled by strict rules by The Elders. Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories. When he starts receiving memories he starts feeling sadness and love. None of the people in the community are able […]

What is the Community Like in the Giver?

Imagine being in a society where you don't have the ability of emotion. Emotions can impact us in various ways that can make us grow as a person. For example, How did the feeling of pain affect Jonas ? How did it impact the community to not have any sense of pain? What comes from painful memories? In the book, “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry talked about how the people of the community, where Jonah lived offered equal opportunities for […]

Conformity Within 20th and 21st Centuries Utopias/Dystopias Idealized by Cold War Era

The Cold War changed the way that many people in the United States and the world in general viewed the vast differences between freedom and control. One of the key factors in the Soviet Union that so frightened outsiders, was the level of conformity that they commanded over their people. In the People’s Republic of China, everything from communication to travel was controlled and people did their jobs in both communities or were left behind in history. Every person was […]

Critical Book Review of the Giver by Lois Lowry

The book I will be discussing for my critical review is, ¨The Giver,¨ by Lois Lowry. This was a great book in my opinion, it's one of those books that you read and they leave you on a cliffhanger on each chapter that keeps shoving you to read more (especially at the end). The author also included a theme in the book to inform the reader a lesson or make a statement. I believe theme of the book was the […]

The Novels “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and ‘The Giver” by Lois Lowry

"It’s funny that two people from two different worlds could have so much in common. The novels “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and ‘The Giver” by Lois Lowry share a lot of similarities, as well as some differences, when it comes to their characters, setting, and conflict. The two main characters in these novels share a lot in common. For example, Katniss Everdeen volunteered to save her sister from having to fight for her life. Katniss’ sacrifice shows that […]

Giver and the Hunger Games

What kind of similarities are there between the two books The Giver and The Hunger Games? Differences? What were the good qualities in both in the works? What were their flaws? Here, we will discuss all of that. The Giver is about an earth with a different ruling system. Here there’s a group of “elders” that makes decisions for they’re community. The elders and the community included don’t truly feel pain, can’t see color, don’t feel real emotions, just reactions. […]

Memory and Past – the Giver

"Lois Lowry’s novel entitled The Giver, takes place against the background of very different times in which it alters from past, present, and future. Nonetheless, it speaks to the concern: the vital need of people to be aware of their interdependence, not only with each other but with the world and its environment where everything is the same – there is no music, no color, no pain. In the eye of a Marxist, The Giver explains the essential and true […]

The Maze Runner and the Giver

Both The Maze Runner by James dasher and The Giver by Lois lowry were interesting from the start. Similar to each story is a younger male who struggles within a future society and deals with the themes of control, order, forced removal of memory & history, and the struggle of the characters to accept the morals and values, which the new society has set. The Maze Runner begins with Thomas, the teenage boy whose memory is erased is delivered to […]

The Maze Runner and the Main Characters

The Maze Runner, James Dashner, published October 6, 2009. This book is about a group of boys who live in a place called the glade surrounded by a maze, working together to conquer escaping maze and when the first girl ever to arrive (Teresa), seems to somehow know the main character, Thomas. I prefer the book better than the movie because in the book I could imagine everything and loved it. When people read the book, the reader is disappointed […]

The Significance of Memory in ‘The Giver’: Exploring Themes of Identity

In a literary work, themes are crucial and often the universal ideas explored. In the book The Giver by Lois Lowry, the author uses various themes to bring out his story. The author is inspired by personal experience to bring out some of the themes of in the story. One of the most crucial themes in the book is the importance of memory when it comes to human life. The importance of memory is a clear theme that Lowry uses […]

Book Review: the Giver by Lois Lowry

Have you ever wondered what it would it would be like to live in a life where everything is the same? Everywhere you go you only see black and white. Well, you're lucky because Lois Lowry shows you exactly what that’s like. This book is tearful and exhilarating, because it is morally driven, and the character development in the main character. The Giver was written by Lois Lowry who will keep reading the book for hours at a time not […]

Value of Memory to Humans and Life in “The Giver”

The Value of Memory A theme is a universal idea, lesson or message explored throughout a work of literature. In this essay, I will discuss the significant themes within Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver. One of the key themes in The Giver is the value of memory to humans and life. For those who didn't know, Lowry was inspired to write The Giver after visiting her old father, who had lost most of his long term memory. She began to […]

Gender Stereotypes – Society in the Giver

"Differently than these two societies that are set in the past, the society in The Giver is supposed to be a futuristic society with no gender roles. The Giver’s society being “gender free” is progressive and defies gender roles, however, there are still certain aspects of the book that depict traditional gender norms. Ultimately, this novel takes place in a society where women challenge traditional gender roles and can rebel against the typical ideas, but still succumb to certain ideals. […]

Lois Lowry’s Futuristic Novel

"Lois Lowry’s futuristic novel, "The Giver," takes place in a community that seems “perfect.” There is no hunger or violence or racism. There are rules that protect people from making bad choices. However, there are also no real emotions and no memories. The main character, Jonas, becomes the Receiver of Memories, and only he becomes free enough to choose to stay or leave the community. Jonas makes the choice to take the child, Gabriel, with him to find a world […]

The Giver: Argumentative Writing

The book "The Giver" by Lois Lowry , which appeared in 1994, presents a different kind of society. The right of choice is clearly forbidden. The citizens have a regulated live. The Elders makes the decision for everyone. They determine your curriculum vitae. Everyone makes the same experience. Everything must be perfect. Unperfect people will be released. They strive for success. The citizens don't know everything about their society. Nevertheless, they have to follow the rules without question. A safe, […]

Analysis of Lois Lowry’s the Giver

Lois Lowry’s novella The Giver tells an interesting story about a dystopian society. The book is written from the point of view of eleven year old Jonas. This society has eliminated choice by assigning all citizens jobs at the age of twelve. In this community there is never any conflict or pain due to the fact that everyone is the same and no one can see in color. The ability of choice is further eliminated by having a special council […]

Letter : Mohamad Yassine

My name is Mohamad Yassine and I am a student at Henry Ford Community College. I recently completed reading your novel The Giver (1993) for my English class. I must say that your book is quite phenomenal and such an informative piece of literature. I would, therefore, like to share some of my insights with you as well as seek clarification on a few issues. After reading the novel, though fictional, I couldn’t help but draws comparisons with today’s society […]

Order in the Community

In the book, “The Giver,” written by Lois Lowry, describes a society where the rules have been implemented in the community in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly and everyone behaves and acts in a respectful manner, which is ultimately beneficial to the community. In this society Jonas, the main protagonist, encounters no problems in his early years, since everyone had no individuality or choices to make, thus making everything simple. Therefore, there were no problems to overcome. Jonas […]

Person Experiences Fear

In every nightmare, a person experiences fear, because he/she is trying to survive something that terrifies them. In Lois Lowry’s The Giver, the main character Jonas, lives in a community where very little things are allowed. Jonas is not allowed to leave the community. In Mindy McGinnis’ Not a Drop to Drink, the main character named Lynn has to try to survive when water is a rare resource in the book. There are many similarities and differences regarding the topics […]

Ali Al-Shimary Mr. Pasley 8th Grade Language Arts March 4, 2019

“A lie told often enough becomes the truth” (Vladimir Ilyich Lenin). Vladimir Ilyich Lenin implied this quote to say, with enough evidence you can manipulate anyone. Going to the Giver and Truman Show, this is shown by the constraints, suppression and the manipulation in these societies. In the giver they use medication and in the Truman show, they lie to Truman and keep him contained like a fish in a small tank. Leaving both to leave, both texts have suppression […]

Understanding the Complex Characters in ‘The Giver’

Lois Lowry's dystopian novel "The Giver" delves deep into the intricacies of a controlled society, highlighting the stark contrast between uniformity and individuality. Central to this exploration are the characters, whose complexity drives the narrative and illuminates the novel’s themes. Understanding the multifaceted characters in "The Giver" provides a richer comprehension of the novel’s underlying messages about memory, emotion, and freedom. At the heart of the story is Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy who begins to see his world differently after […]

The Rich Themes in “The Giver”

Lois Lowry's opus "The Giver" presents a captivating narrative that delves into a myriad of themes, spanning from the essence of remembrance and the pangs of maturation to the sanctity of individuality in a society that espouses conformity. Situated in a purportedly paradisiacal community where anguish, conflict, and emotional profundity have been expunged, the narrative traces the journey of young Jonas as he assumes the mantle of the Receiver of Memories, a role that exposes him to the veritable intricacies […]

“The Giver” Film: a Fascinating Journey through Dystopia

"The Giver," directed by Phillip Noyce, presents an intriguing cinematic venture into a dystopian realm crafted from Lois Lowry's seminal novel. Within this meticulously constructed world, viewers are transported into a seemingly idyllic society, where conformity and uniformity reign supreme. Through the lens of Jonas, a young protagonist chosen to bear the weighty role of the Receiver of Memories, the film peels back layers of tranquility to reveal a darker underbelly. What sets "The Giver" apart is its adept use […]

A Closer Look at “The Giver’s” Compassionate Character

In Lois Lowry's "The Giver," a novel that sketches a seemingly utopian society devoid of pain and suffering, Fiona emerges as a beacon of compassion and warmth in a world characterized by its adherence to sameness and conformity. Fiona, with her distinctive red hair symbolizing her vibrancy and potential for emotional depth, stands out in a community where such traits are suppressed. Her role, though not as prominently in the forefront as Jonas or The Giver, plays a crucial part […]

“The Giver”: a Reflection on Lois Lowry’s Dystopian Vision

Lois Lowry's opus, "The Bestower," presents a captivating tale unfolding within a facade of utopia, where anguish, torment, and the weight of decision vanish. This narrative, narrated through the lens of a juvenile named Jonas, unfurls the intricate strata of human sentiments, autonomy, and the significance of recollection in sculpting our essence. This discourse endeavors to dissect the thematic constituents of the narrative, delving into Lowry's craft in fashioning a narrative that is as ruminative as it is disconcerting. Central […]

Shadows of Memory: Rosemary’s Legacy in the Giver

In the serene and meticulously ordered community of Lois Lowry's "The Giver," where sameness reigns supreme and emotions are suppressed, there exists a figure whose legacy defies the monotony, whose memory carries a weight that stretches beyond the boundaries of time. That figure is Rosemary, a character whose presence, though brief, casts a long shadow over the narrative landscape of the story. In the meticulously crafted world of "The Giver," memories hold a peculiar significance. They are not merely recollections […]

Unraveling the Mystique: Rosemary in “The Giver”

Within the pages of Lois Lowry's dystopian masterpiece, "The Giver," lies a character whose enigmatic presence leaves an indelible mark on the narrative – Rosemary. Amidst the controlled sameness of the Community, Rosemary emerges as a symbol of rebellion, choice, and the haunting consequences of challenging societal norms. Rosemary, the Receiver-in-training before Jonas, encapsulates the dichotomy of a society that suppresses individuality in the pursuit of harmony. Her mysterious disappearance and the pain she experienced during the failed training contribute […]

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The Giver Thesis Statements and Essay Topics

Below you will find four outstanding thesis statements / paper topics for “The Giver” by Lois Lowry can be used as essay starters. All four incorporate at least one of the themes found in “The Giver” and are broad enough so that it will be easy to find textual support, yet narrow enough to provide a focused clear thesis statement. These thesis statements offer a short summary of “The Giver” in terms of different elements that could be important in an essay. You are, of course, free to add your own analysis and understanding of the plot or themes to them. Using the essay topics below in conjunction with the list of  important quotes from “The Giver”  on our quotes page, you should have no trouble connecting with the text and writing an excellent essay.

Topic #1: The Capacity of Decision Making in the Absence of Experience

Human beings have the unique ability of making decisions based on personal beliefs and knowledge gained from the consequences of previous experiences. In Jonas’s world, individuals have very few choices to make. They are told what to say and do at all times. Through genetic science, individuals cannot distinguish color and are strikingly similar in appearance. Even their most important decisions such as whom to marry or which career path to select are assigned by the Elders. With this limited agency dating back for generations, how capable is the average community member of making choices for themselves? How well could the community survive with the responsibilities and painful knowledge suddenly thrust upon them after Jonas’s departure?

Topic #2: Secrecy and Deception in Totalitarian Governments

Within totalitarian governments, the dictator is the ultimate authority. One of the powers these governments have over their citizens is the ability to withhold information and block communication. In some countries, for example, social media websites such as Facebook are banned. Within the community in “The Giver” contact with the outer world is completely blocked. Only members from similar communities may visit, but only for a brief time. In addition to preventing external communication, an internal structure of secrecy is built within the community. Jonas’s instructions for training include not disclosing information about his training, and the statement, “You may lie.” Upon receiving this, he immediately wonders if others have been given the same instruction. By comparing the Jonas’s community to examples of totalitarian countries, how do the rigid rules, distrust of others, and lack of communication contribute to community loyalty? Why has no individual challenged this concept? If a person attempted to, what would the outcome be?

Topic #3: Family Dynamics Without Love

Some of the strongest emotions people can experience involve love and physical intimacy. The bond between husband and wife is strengthened through sexual passion, as mother and child bond through pregnancy and birth. Jonas’s community separates Birthmothers from those who raise children. These women are looked down upon by other members of the community and are sentenced to hard physical labor after they can no longer bear children. From as early as they are first experienced, sexual desires are inhibited by a mandatory medication. These attitudes and mandates towards intimacy contribute to insubstantial and superficial relationships between family members. In what ways does this mindset contribute to Sameness? How do family dynamics compare with the memories of the past? Which differences between the family structures are most significant to creating love within the family?

Topic #4: Growth Through Experience

Oscar Wilde, a playwright of the Victorian Era, stated, “Nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” In other words, he believed personal experience is the most critical aspect of learning and growth. On a related note, Marcel Proust, a French philosopher, claimed he gained the most profound learning and sense of self through the times in life that he suffered. If novel opportunities promote growth, Sameness prohibits it. Discuss how Jonas’s development throughout the novel supports this claim. How does his personal evolution compare to his friends and family?

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Giver — Themes of Memory and Mortality in “The Giver”

Themes of Memory and Mortality in "The Giver"

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Published: Feb 18, 2022

Words: 830 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

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Essays on The Giver

If you have a The Giver essay to write, better check our The Giver essay samples for themes, analysis, and character's breakdown. "The Giver" is a dystopian novel by Lois Lowry, written in 1993, that describes a dystopian society where people are equal and happy, but at a terrible cost. People are relieved of their memories of the past, emotions, and attachments. In this community, there is no individuality, knowledge, and choice. The Giver essays usually describe this world in full detail. Many essays on The Giver revolve around main character Jonas and his perception of society. Below you can find essay samples to learn more deeply about this topic.

The Giver: A Dystopian Novel for Young Adults The Giver is a 1993 dystopian novel for young adults, written by American author Lois Lowry. Although the story begins with a utopian society, it quickly becomes clear that it's actually dystopian as the plot progresses. Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy, is the protagonist...

The Giver: Predictions of the Present Society The protagonist of the novel "The Giver," Lois Lowry, must have foreseen the link between the time he wrote it and the recent turns of events in 2018. The book is entirely focused on the philosophy of civilization and culture. For example, the author...

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Suzanne Collins wrote the dystopian trilogy The Hunger Games. The Giver, on the other hand, is an American young adult dystopian novel written by Lois Lowry. Both books begin each day in a dystopian environment. The setting is a genre that seems to be complicated. They prefer to share such...

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Perfection is a recurring motif in Lois Lowry's descriptions of a world striving for sameness in all facets of life. The leadership indoctrinated the Jonas culture into believing that restricting or suppressing emotions, decisions, and creating the same pattern of everyday life would have a huge impact on creating a...

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