The Giver by Lois Lowry

For Language Art class we are studying dystopian stories and novels. The Giver is a dystopian novel by Lois Lowry, and it was the novel that we are currently studying and having fairly interesting discussions and arguments over. But before I talk about any of our analysis, I will introduce the plot and story of the book. So if you're planning on reading this book and hate it when people give away endings, stop reading this blog entry this moment. 

The story takes place in a "community" of about a few hundred people. Everything is perfect, and it would seem like an utopia if you didn't know better. In this community, no one knows of pain. Not war, not fear, not any emotions or feelings. However, while these unpleasant elements of life are hidden from the people, they also are not aware of happiness, love, or even the existence of color. The world in which the story takes place is organized with a set of rules. All language must be precise, and no lies are allowed. A family must share their feelings of the day at each dinner table  and share each dream at breakfast to make sure you have nothing hidden. Each individual owns the same amount of objects and property, given to you at specific ages of your life. children are assigned to family units and jobs are assigned to each individual when they become a "twelve". The same ribbons and hair styles, the same clothing, the same treatment... to make sure that everyone fits in. No one in this community is left different, no one is allowed to point out any differentness in another, to show respect and prevent uncomfortableness. The people are protected from any conflict and any unpleasant emotions: a world made of lies. 

Jonas is the main character of the novel. He is a child living in this community, around the age to receive an assignment and start specified training for his job in the rest of his life. At the ceremony, Jonas was assigned as the "Receiver". The receiver is the most respected of the community. It required wisdom and courage, but no one knew of his actual duty. The Receiver took training from the previous receiver, who is now referred to as the "Giver. During training, Jonas discovers that his assignment was to carry memories of the past, where mistakes and lies were allowed, and where people felt loneliness and love. Jonas discovers a whole new depth of feelings, from a cozy family christmas eve to a devastating war. Jonas was overwhelmed with complicated feelings and reactions, but he knew he wanted everyone else to feel what he can feel. He wanted his parents to love him, and he wanted his friends to see colors like he does. The Giver was inspired by Jonas's reactions, and decides that the truth must be revealed. They plan for Jonas's escape from the community to "Elsewhere". After Jonas leaves the community, all of the memories he carries will be given away and spread over the community. 

Lois Lowry leaves the ending ambiguous. Jonas leaves the community, his memories pulled away from him one by one. The author never stated whether Jonas survived his escape and reached Elsewhere, but personally I believe he did. There's no reason to believe that Jonas died on the way, and therefore I prefer to think positively. I have no actual evidence to support my opinion, I make this choice just on the way it made me feel. The tone of the ending was fairly optimistic. I believe that Jonas reached Elsewhere, and received new memories elsewhere.