Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry is a fascinating and thought-provoking dystopian novel that explores the consequences of a seemingly perfect society where there is no war, pain, or suffering. The society in the novel is meticulously planned, and everyone is assigned a specific role in life. The government controls everything, including the weather and the emotions of its citizens, to maintain order and harmony.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Jonas, a young boy who is about to turn twelve, the age at which all children are assigned their roles in society. Jonas, unlike his peers, is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory, a highly respected and revered position. As the Receiver of Memory, he is tasked with holding all the memories of the past, both good and bad, which were deemed too painful for the rest of society to bear.

Jonas starts his training with the current Receiver, who is referred to as The Giver, and he is exposed to the harsh realities of the society he lives in. He begins to experience emotions, colors, and sensations that were previously unknown to him. He learns about the dark secrets that the society has been hiding from its citizens, including the practice of euthanasia and the release of those who are deemed unworthy.

As the story progresses, Jonas becomes increasingly disillusioned with his society and begins to question its principles. He realizes that the world he lives in is not as perfect as he once believed, and that there is a price to pay for the absence of pain and suffering. He discovers that his society's obsession with sameness and conformity has led to the loss of individuality and free will.

In the climax of the story, Jonas decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out on a dangerous journey to save a baby that has been marked for release. Along with the baby, he also takes with him The Giver's memories and plans to share them with the rest of society, hoping to bring about change. Jonas's journey is filled with danger and uncertainty, but he is determined to break free from his society's oppressive control and create a better world for himself and others.

The Giver is a powerful novel that explores the themes of conformity, individuality, and the price of perfection. It is a thought-provoking tale that challenges the reader to question the values of their own society and to consider the importance of memories and emotions in shaping our lives. The novel's vivid descriptions and intricate plot twists keep the reader engaged from beginning to end, making it a must-read for anyone interested in dystopian fiction.