1

Emily F. Price

Mrs. Tow

English 8

4 October 2019

The Giver
Jones can not believe he is witnessing his father draw the life out of an infant. Jones, the

protagonist, must stand against his futuristic society in Lois Lowry’s novel “The Giver”. This

dystopian society promotes sameness, commits murder, as they take their memories away.

Although sameness might appear perfect it is a frightening way to live.

Sameness is trapping people to live their lives a certain way. “You elevens have spent all

your years till now learning to fit in, to standardize your behavior, to curb any impulse that

what might set you apart from the group.” (Lowry 65). To ensure sameness they must behave

and exterminate any differences. “There were a lot of colors and one of them was called red.”

(Lowry 112). Colors were nonexistent because everyone has different colors and that would set

them apart from others, so they vanquished them. “Two children-one male, one female-to each

family unit. It was written clearly in the rules.” (Lowry 11). Every family was the same from the

assigned partners to their assigned children.

Murder is disguised as release. “He killed it! My father killed it!” (Lowry 188). Jones’

father killed a baby because it is the weaker twin. “Rosemary had been released very early in

her training.” (Lowry 178). Rosemary saw a video of a release and asked to be released because

of how horrific it was. “Release is always like that? For the old?” (Lowry 192). The o;d and the
 2

people who make three mistakes are murdered.

Memories are burdened to only one person. “Once, back in the time of memories,

everything had a shape and size, the way things still do, but they also had a quality called

color.” (Lowry 119). Only Jones and the Giver had memories of different colors. “What’s his

comfort object called? Lily asked, picking up the stuffed creature which had been placed beside

the new child in his basket. Father glanced at it. Hippo, he said.” (Lowry 109). Animals are

unremembered and are apparently just a figment of their imagination. “It was sunburn.” (Lowry

109). It is the first time Jones felt real pain. No one remembers what it is like to have real pain.

This dystopian society promotes sameness commits murder, and takes away their

memories. Sameness is everywhere, from color, their kids, partners, and jobs. The old, twins,

and people who make three mistakes are murdered. Only Jones remembers things such as

colors and pain. In his futuristic society all he wants and needs is for things to go back the way

that he remembers things used to be, life full of love, joy, sorrow, regret, and most importantly

happiness. All he wants for everyone is a opportunity for true emotions and true feelings to

create new, real memories.