The Giver by Lois Lowry | In-Depth Summary & Analysis

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, and themes of Lois Lowry's novel The Giver.


In Lois Lowry’s The Giver, young Jonas lives in an apparently perfect society, free of poverty and strife.

However, it soon becomes apparent that something sinister lurks beneath this flawless facade. Conformity is rigorously enforced and certain undesirable people are mysteriously taken elsewhere.

Jonas is selected as the Receiver of Memory, a person who must hold the collective pain and suffering of his community. This role ostensibly frees everyone else from the burdens of memory and allows him to advise a governing council.

He is trained by his elderly predecessor and soon learns of the horrors of war, death, and eugenics. He must decide whether to perpetuate this system or follow his own developing conscience.

Author Lois Lowry’s The Giver was first published in 1993. The author of some 40 books for children and young adults, Lowry often challenges her readers with adult concepts and disturbing themes. Lois Lowry's young adult novel The Giver set the standard for the dystopian conceits that define much of the genre today.

The Giver contains many important themes, including conformity versus individuality, as conformity simplifies life but destroys what is special and innovative; the importance of memory, as without memories passed down by the community, life in Jonas's society has little meaning; and security versus freedom, as those who trade freedom for security might deserve neither. Important symbols include the sled ride, colors, and fire and candlelight.


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[elderliddle]

Just to sink the point in:
At the beginning of the book there’s a pilot who flies over the community. He is obviously lost. The fact that his vision is impaired made it worse. The announcement says, “needless to say, he shall be released”. It was literally a death sentence for having a situation outside your control. Getting lost was a crime.
I would also say it’s symbolic of those who seek freedom. Flight is associated with freedom and feelings of endless possibilities. The community can’t have people seeking freedom or their own path through life, even by accident.

[galaxyeliel]

I used this on a test i had recently, i havent really read the book and used this as a last resort and managed to get a 80 / 100. you are a lifesaver in everyway possible because you helped my grade get higher by around 14%.

[timy]

Who else is here after they forgot to read this book there teacher assigned them

[NickRyanBayon]

Looking back on this book i'm surprised how esoteric this book is, i never realized many of the hidden spiritual themes and truths are in in this.

[andrewstevens]

I had to read this over the summer and forgot

[dernenong]

i always enjoy this joy full man in my life, never fails to brighten up my day

[JennzOrs]

Great explanation thanks! I am not a child in school. I just read the book for fun as an adult and was looking for some answers. Appreciate the video 😊

[rachelnicklaus]

*i have a test on this tomorrow and i haven’t read it so thankss*

[laurencoyle]

Thank you!! I’ve read this book twice now and you did a great job summarizing this and I’m hoping to use this to help my classmates get a better understanding of the story : )

[jadenbroussard]

You are a life saver for so many people my guy

[rattatattattattat]

I read this book in school and honestly it's still my favorite

[ilaninljyt]

I have to read this whole book in 4 days wich is not possible so now I’m just searching up summarys

[liamwright]

I have a test tmrow and this vid was rly helpful!

[SeanNyc]

My class read The Giver freshman year of High school but i didnt pay attention. Now im back because Aaron Rodgers mentioned it as a book that can give you perspective on Pat Mcafee and perspective is what i need

[ciub]

I'm really grateful for this video, keep going like that!

[logan]

Thanks cause I have a really important test coming up and I haven’t read any of the book

[eliastrout]

I've got to write an essay on this tomorrow pretty sure and I forgot to read the book

[izzyodoardi]

thanks now i Tony have to do summer reading!

[codywaugh-mgnw]

Little theory that me and a friend came up with: the book the giver is also in the same type of way of the process between heaven and hell the community represents limbo the giver represents god, Gabriel represents the angel by the same name and thx council could represent a devil of sorts

[JoeyyBear]

I need this cause I ain’t readin allat