Adversity is a universal phenomenon that can affect everyone in their lives. The ability to overcome adversity depends on perseverance, determination and other qualities that make us human. This theme is explored by Lois Lowry in her novel “the Giver”. We can see the Utopian Society created by Lowry through her insightful writings. We see that Jonas, the protagonist of “the Giver”, has grown to realize that life is much more than the Utopian society that Lowry created. He also realized how his adversities helped him shape his community’s future and the world in general. The story is one that has redefined Science fiction.
Lowry is always presenting the concept that adversity can be overcome. The Giver has accepted this idea, but Jonas still does not. As an example, when Jonas & the Giver plan to escape their utopian jail. ” There’s nothing. We can’t do anything. It’s been like this for a long time. It’s always been this way. Back and Back And Back” illustrates how memories suppress the knowledge and happiness that come from them, and how much effort is put into maintaining a culture that dates back more than five hundred year. It shows how the community’s stagnant traits frustrate Jonas and The Giver. They are only those who can see what they miss.
Jonas complaining about the lack difference and independent thoughts is another example. It’s unfair that there’s no color and no choice. I want the freedom to choose, but things are always the same. This quote shows the lack of confidence and anguish that Jonas feels, as well as his personal growth. This quote shows the gift Jonas received of being able to think independently, which in this environment is a real curse.
Lowry describes the pain of possessing memories and emotions. The pain is made even worse because no one except the Giver can feel it. Lowry also shows conflicting feelings and thoughts as well as his desire to see others experience the same emotions he has. Jonas’s question to his parents, “Do You Love Me?,” shows this. Please, be precise with your language. This short dialogue shows Jonas’ desperation to know if his parents love him, or even possess human characteristics. This shows his loneliness and sense of being completely alone in an environment that even his own family will not understand. Jonas feels the weight of adversity when he is in a world that does not reciprocate his feelings. Jonas’s feelings of being burdened by his memories and emotions is another example of the adversity that comes from having these memories. “I feel like I am weighed down by them”, he says. The burden of memories is becoming too much for him, especially those of sadness, violence and poor living. He feels it is almost too much for him to bear. However, this does not stop him from sharing his memories.
Lowry shows the strength of hope and the ability to overcome adversity throughout the entire novel. This is most evident when Gabriel and Lowry are on their last leg in the Journey to Otherwhere. Lowry portrays Jonas’ struggle to go elsewhere, and the difficulties he faces. The harshness of the outside world is particularly apparent. He lost his hope shortly after, despite his determination to continue. Jonas’s hopefulness is shown in another way when he uses an image from his past, provided by the Giver. This helps him to regain his strength and courage. “Warming his body for just a moment had shook away the lethargy of resignation and restored Jonas’ will to live”. It is clear that Jonas has used his strength and the warm memories of his past to regain his courage, his hope, and most importantly his will to continue fighting.
Lois Lowry’s The Giver (2009) teaches us to accept and overcome any adversities, regardless of their severity. This is vital for the growth of an individual as well as a community. The theme is explored from many angles, but the message is the same: it’s not what we face that matters, it’s how we deal with it. This ability to overcome challenges is one of the most important qualities in defining and shaping us as people. Because adversity may strike at any moment, Jonas’s determination to restore his human qualities, regardless of what he was facing, shows this.
