The Giver

Lois Lowry succeeds in presenting a utopian society in her novel ‘The Giver’.
Agree or disagree.

‘The Giver’

The novel ‘The Giver’ by Lois Lowry is set in a fictitious world where conformity and happiness are a way of life. The novel is told through Jonas’ eyes, which is the main character. Jonas’ community is far from utopian, even though he knows different. Lois Lowey has not presented a utopian society as there is not a lot of freedom, a controlling authority and a lot of sameness.



In the community of ‘The Giver’ there is a very controlling authority. Having a controlling authority is not part of a utopian society. An example of a controlling authority is the orders given at school over the loud speakers. ‘Attention. This is a reminder to females under nine that hair ribbons are to be neatly tied at all times.’ This order is very controlling as they say females under nine. In addition they are distinguishing a certain age group (under nines). Furthermore they announce this order over the loud speakers; this is very intimidating and authoritarian. A similar announcement follows, this is another controlling order directed to males. ‘Attention. This is a reminder to male elevens that objects are not to be removed from the recreation area and that snacks are to be eaten, not hoarded.’ This order was specially directed at Jonas and he subsequently made an apology to the Recreation Director the next morning, before school. Moreover, a controlling authority not the individual person makes a decision as the career or job he or she is to take for life. This does not constitute a utopian society because the decision is made by a controlling authority or governing body.



In the society of ‘The Giver’ there is a major case of sameness. Having sameness does not show any signs of a utopian society. An example of sameness is at the nines ceremony. ‘Lily, though she seemed attentive, was looking longingly at the row of gleaming bicycles, which would be presented...