THE GIVER BY LOIS LOWERY Themes and Symbols

Introduction Themes Motifs and Symbols Table of Contents

Introduction Written by Lois Lowery Published in 1993 Winner of the 1994 Newbery Medal Genre: Dystopian Fiction Part One of a loosely connected trilogy, which includes Gathering Blue (Book Two) and Messenger (Book Three)

Dystopian Fiction - Overview Explore social and political structures Typically set in the future Set in a “nightmare world” Dystopia – opposite of Utopia, or perfect world or society In The Giver, Lowery initially presents the society depicted in the book as a utopia but gradually reveals its dystopian characteristics. Well-known examples of Dystopian Fiction: - Brave New World by Aldous Huxley by George Orwell - Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Themes Memory Individuality Pain and Pleasure

Memory The Giver holds all memories Memory eliminated in an attempt by society to eliminate all pain from their lives Allowed members of society to forget all the painful events that have transpired throughout human history. Elimination of memory keeps people from engaging in activities or relationships that may cause pain or suffering What potential problems do you think might arise if all humans lost their memories? (Essentially, what would happen if history was erased?)

Individuality Community limits people’s abilities to make decisions Jobs chosen for each person in ceremony of twelve People forced to tell their dreams, take a pill to suppress “stirrings” Only way to leave community is to be “released” People genetically engineered, can’t see colors, Jonas is differentiated by his blue eyes What freedoms do you have as individuals that Jonas does not? How would you react if those freedoms were taken from you?

Motifs and Symbols