The Giver is a captivating novel written by Lois Lowry that explores complex themes such as freedom of choice, individuality, and the dangers of a perfect society. Set in a dystopian world, the story follows a boy named Jonas who is chosen to become the next Receiver of Memory, a role that exposes him to the harsh realities of the past. Through Jonas’s experiences, readers are introduced to lessons that are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1993. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 lessons in The Giver.
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
Lesson 1: The Importance of Memories
Memories play a critical role in shaping our identities and how we perceive the world around us. In The Giver, the memories that Jonas receives from the current Receiver of Memory, also known as the Giver, expose him to a range of emotions and sensations that have been suppressed in the society he lives in. Memories of love, pain, joy, and grief make Jonas realize that life cannot be complete without experiencing its full range of emotions. This lesson reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories and recognizing their power to shape our lives.
Lesson 2: The Danger of Sameness
The society in The Giver strives for sameness in every aspect of life, from clothing to careers to emotions. The intention behind this is to eliminate social inequality and bring universal peace and harmony. However, over time, the citizens of this society have lost their ability to think critically and make choices for themselves. The book illustrates how a pursuit of sameness can lead to the suppression of individuality, creativity, and freedom. We should learn from this lesson and value diversity and uniqueness rather than imposing uniformity upon people.
Lesson 3: The Importance of Emotions
In The Giver, emotions are considered dangerous and are therefore suppressed in order to maintain social harmony. However, when Jonas starts to experience emotions in his memories, he realizes that they are essential to the human experience. Emotions help us connect with others, develop empathy, and appreciate the beauty of life. This lesson serves as a reminder to value our emotions and not to suppress them but rather learn how to manage them and express them constructively.
Lesson 4: The Value of Pain
Throughout The Giver, we see that pain is seen as a negative force that should be avoided at all costs. However, we soon learn that pain is not only inevitable but also essential for growth and development. Without experiencing pain, we cannot learn from our mistakes, develop resilience, or appreciate the good times in life. This lesson is a reminder that pain has value, and it should not be avoided but rather accepted as a part of the human experience.
Lesson 5: The Importance of Choice
In The Giver’s society, choices are made for citizens, from choosing their career to life partners to the number of children they have. The citizens have no autonomy over their lives, and as a result, they lack a sense of personal responsibility and accountability. Jonas’s journey to becoming the Giver exposes him to the power of choice and encourages him to question the lack of freedom in his society. This lesson reminds us of the importance of having the freedom to make choices in our lives and the role of personal responsibility and accountability.
Lesson 6: The Danger of Complacency
One of the greatest dangers in The Giver’s society is complacency, the idea that everything is perfect and there is no need for change or improvement. However, this complacency leads to a lack of progress, innovation, and critical thinking. This lesson is a reminder that in order to grow and improve, we must be willing to question the status quo, challenge our assumptions, and embrace change.
Lesson 7: The Cost of Conformity
Conformity is highly valued in The Giver’s society, from the way people dress to the words they use. However, this conformity comes at a cost. When people are forced to conform, they suppress their individuality, creativity, and freedom. They become compliant and unable to think critically or challenge authority. This lesson highlights the importance of individual thought and the dangers of blind conformity.
Lesson 8: The Importance of Truth
Throughout The Giver, we see that the society is built on lies and the suppression of truth. Citizens are told that there is no hunger, war, or pain when in reality, these experiences still exist outside of their community. The suppression of the truth leads to a lack of trust, understanding, and compassion. This lesson reminds us of the importance of honesty and transparency in all aspects of life.
Lesson 9: The Power of Love
The concept of love is foreign in The Giver’s society, and it is only through Jonas’s memories that we see the depth and beauty of this emotion. Love allows people to connect, to empathize, and to find meaning and joy in life. This lesson is a reminder that love is a vital force in our lives, and without it, we are incomplete.
Lesson 10: The Importance of Hope
Hope is the driving force behind Jonas’s journey in The Giver, and without it, he would not have been able to overcome the obstacles he faced. Hope gives us the resilience and motivation to overcome challenges, to dream big, and to make the world a better place. This lesson highlights the importance of maintaining hope in the face of adversity and working towards a better future.
Conclusion
The Giver is a remarkable novel that explores complex themes and offers valuable lessons that are as relevant today as they have ever been. From the importance of memories to the power of love and the dangers of conformity and complacency, these lessons remind us of the importance of personal freedom, individuality, honesty, and tolerance in all aspects of life. By embracing these lessons, we can create a better future for ourselves and those around us.
