A Utopian Fiction novel by Lois Lowry Aimee Wester The Giver A Utopian Fiction novel by Lois Lowry Aimee Wester

Main Character Jonas 12 years old Pale eyes set him apart from others Caring, thoughtful and observant, level-headed and passionate Wants to reveal the true nature of the world to give meaning to the lives of his family, friends, and neighbors Can be compared to Katniss Everdeen and Charlie Bucket

Supporting Character The Giver Unknown age: described as very old Bearded with pale eyes and “sagging flesh” Mentor to Jonas as he transfers his memories so that Jonas can replace his role on the Council of Elders Shows Jonas how the world used to be seen before the Sameness Burdened and lonely due to the nature of his occupation, seen as a failure to the Community

Plot elements Setting Major Problems The Community: a future Utopian society- all natural elements of the environment and its inhabitants are controlled for convenience, called the Sameness. Major Problems All aspects of life are standardized to eliminate flaws within the social order, including feelings such as love The focus of the Community is efficiency, so pain is removed from life, but also beauty and enjoyable experiences Nonfunctional members are “released,” recreation minimal

Plot Elements Complications Climax Jonas perceives aspects “beyond” others abilities; he is alienated through his role as Receiver of Memory, which reveals to him the previous nature of life which he finds desirable Jonas realizes he can no longer relate to his family and friends because of his superior knowledge and that a life without feelings holds no meaning

Plot Elements Resolution Jonas kidnaps Gabriel and flees from the Community, attempting to find the boarder of the Sameness and then Elsewhere

Plot Elements Conflicts Theme Jonas cannot flee with the Giver as they planned because Gabriel is immediate danger, leaving him helpless Jonas are exposed to the unfamiliar elements without proper resources and have to hide from planes that are searching for them The importance of memory and the individual Life’s balance of pain and pleasure