Themes

• Individuality vs. conformity

• The importance of memory

• The role of emotion in human experience

• The relationship between pain and pleasure

• The value of human life

• Freedom and control

• The concept of utopia and dystopia

• The significance of seeing beyond

• The power of knowledge

Setting

The Giver by Lois Lowry unfolds in a meticulously ordered society, ostensibly located in a distant future where the contours of civilization have notably shifted towards utopia—or so it appears at first glance. The story's backdrop is a small, isolated Community devoid of geographical and temporal markers that could tie it to our present-day world. This omission is strategic, crafting a setting that feels simultaneously familiar in its societal structures and alien in its cultural abstractions. It is a place distinct from our own era, characterized by its pursuit of "Sameness," a principle aiming to eliminate pain and disparity but at a great cost. This uniformity extends to all facets of life—the climate is controlled, the terrain is level, and even the emotional spectrum of its inhabitants is flattened, all in the name of eradicating suffering and ensuring predictability.

Yet, within this larger geographical vagueness, specific locales emerge that anchor the narrative's unfolding. The story propels us into public spaces like the Auditorium where annual Ceremonies are held, dictating the roles of its citizens, and into the more intimate confines of the Nurturing Center and the Department of Justice where Jonas's parents work. The narrative also guides us to the Giver's residence, a place replete with memories of a world that once was—filled with color, climate variances, and terrains that challenge. These locations within the Community serve as stages where the drama of human emotion, stifled and regulated, cautiously begins to unfurl through Jonas's experiences. 

The era in which The Giver  is set might be classified as futuristic, yet it is a future that echoes our perennial quest for harmony and understanding, albeit realized through the erasure of individuality and difference.

Characters

• Jonas: The protagonist, a 12-year-old boy selected to become the next Receiver of Memory.

• The Giver: The current Receiver of Memory, responsible for passing on the memories of the world to Jonas.

• Father: Jonas's father, works as a Nurturer who cares for infants.

• Mother: Jonas's mother, works in the Department of Justice.

• Lily: Jonas's younger sister.

• Gabriel: A baby staying with Jonas's family who may not develop quickly enough to be assigned to a family.

• Fiona: Jonas's friend who is assigned the role of Caretaker of the Old.

• Asher: Jonas's cheerful friend who receives the assignment of Assistant Director of Recreation.

• Chief Elder: The leader of the community who announces the life assignments at the Ceremony.

• Rosemary: The previous Receiver-in-training who failed.

Critical reception

The Giver was widely hailed by reviewers as "provocative" (The New York Times and Kirkus Reviews), "fascinating, thoughtful science-fiction" (Horn Book, starred review), and "a tale fit for the most adventurous readers" (Publishers Weekly).

FAQs

What is the premise of The Giver by Lois Lowry?

The Giver  is set in a seemingly utopian society that has eliminated pain and strife by adopting "Sameness," a strategy that erases emotional depth, colors, climate differences, and terrain variations. The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Jonas who is selected to become the Receiver of Memory, inheriting the task of bearing the community's collective memories and advising the Elders. Through his training with The Giver, the current Receiver, Jonas discovers the dark secrets of his society's past and debates the cost of its current way of life.

Why is The Giver considered a controversial book?

The Giver has been the subject of controversy and challenges, especially in school settings, due to its dark themes, including euthanasia, and for depicting a society that controls every aspect of its citizens' lives. Critics argue that its content is not suitable for its young audience. However, its defenders see it as an important discussion piece for young readers about freedom, individuality, and the importance of human emotions.

How does The Giver challenge societal norms and values?

Through its depiction of a controlled, homogeneous society devoid of pain but also joy, The Giver questions the value of conformity, the importance of individual memories and emotions, and the role of choice in human life. It suggests that a life devoid of choice and difference might be safer but is ultimately less human. The book invites readers to reflect on the importance of memories, both good and bad, in shaping identity and understanding of the world.

What awards has The Giver won?

The Giver won the 1994 Newbery Medal among other awards. The novel is recognized for its depth, engaging story, and its ability to stimulate profound discussions about society, ethics, and human nature.

What makes The Giver a dystopian novel?

Although The Giver  presents a society that appears utopian at first, with no pain, suffering, or wars, it is ultimately revealed to be dystopian. The society's oppressive control over its citizens, including euthanasia of the weak and the elderly and the suppression of emotions and individuality, highlights dystopian themes.

Is there a movie adaptation of The Giver, and how does it compare to the book?

Yes, a film adaptation of The Giver  was released in 2014. While the movie captures much of the essence and key plot points of the book, fans and critics have noted differences in details, character development, and the depth of the societal critique. Jeff Bridges stars as The Giver, with Brenton Thwaites playing Jonas. The movie, like all adaptations, offers a visual interpretation of the book's themes but with some changes to plot and characters to accommodate the cinematic medium.

Quotes

• “The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

• “We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.”

• “If you were to be lost in the river, Jonas, your memories would not be lost with you. Memories are forever.”

• “I feel sorry for anyone who is in a place where he feels strange and stupid.”

• “For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing. Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps, it was only an echo.”

• “It's the choosing that's important, isn't it?”

• “Of course they needed to care. It was the meaning of everything.”

• “The life where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. The life without color, pain or past.”

• “It's just that... without the memories it's all meaningless.”

Quick facts

• The Giver won the 1994 Newbery Medal for its contribution to American children's literature.

• The novel forms the first part of a quartet, followed by Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son, creating a rich universe that expands beyond the original narrative.

• The Giver has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

• Despite its success, The Giver has been frequently challenged and even banned in some schools and libraries due to its dark themes and depictions of violence.

• The story was inspired by author Lois Lowry's interactions with her father, who had lost memories of his own daughter's death, leading Lowry to explore themes of memory and loss.

• In 2014, The Giver was adapted into a film featuring renowned actors such as Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, and Brenton Thwaites.

• A unique aspect of the book is its exploration of "Sameness," a concept wherein the society has eradicated pain and differences at the cost of emotional depth and individuality.

• The Giver has also inspired stage adaptations, including a play by Eric Coble and an opera premiered by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Minnesota Opera.

• In 2012, The Giver was ranked as the fourth-best children's novel in a survey by School Library Journal.

• Lois Lowry confirmed at the 2009 National Book Festival that the protagonist, Jonas, is indeed alive, addressing one of the most frequently asked questions about the book's open ending.

About the author

Lois Lowry is an acclaimed American writer. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Lowry has published more than 40 books for young adults, including the immensensely popular The Giver Quartet and Number the Stars. Her work is known for addressing complex themes from the line between authority and domination to the importance of empathy. Her distinctive storytelling has earned her numerous accolades, including two Newbery Medals for Number the Stars in 1990 and The Giver in 1994.

Lowry was born on March 20, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her early life was marked by frequent relocation due to her father's military career, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that would later influence her writing. After attending Brown University, she married and started a family, eventually turning her focus to writing. Her debut novel, A Summer to Die, published at age 40, drew from the personal loss of her sister and explores human connections amist adversity. This theme repeats across her diverse body of work, from The Anastasia Krupnik series to The Giver and Number the Stars.

Throughout her career, Lowry's writings have often spurred discussions on censorship, with several of her books being challenged in schools and libraries, especially The Giver, for their unflinching exploration of complex issues. Despite controversies, Lowry's work remains essential reading in many educational curricula and is celebrated for encouraging critical thought and empathy. Today, Lois Lowry's contributions extend beyond her written work, as she maintains an active online presence and engages with readers worldwide. Her legacy not only rests in her acclaimed novels but also in her efforts to foster a nuanced understanding of humanity and our interconnectedness.