What Is The Conflict In The Book The Giver

What is the Conflict in the Book The Giver?

Lois Lowry's The Giver is a seemingly simple young adult dystopian novel, but beneath its surface lies a complex web of conflict that drives the narrative and explores profound themes of individuality, freedom, and the nature of truth. Understanding the conflicts within the book is key to grasping its enduring power and relevance. This essay will delve into the multifaceted conflicts present in The Giver, analyzing them from various perspectives and highlighting their significance to the story's overall message.

The Central Conflict: Individual vs. Society

The most prominent conflict in The Giver is the struggle between Jonas's burgeoning individuality and the rigidly controlled society of his community. This is a classic dystopian theme, exploring the tension between personal autonomy and societal conformity. The community, in its pursuit of "Sameness," has suppressed emotions, individuality, and free will. This suppression is presented as a necessary evil to maintain stability and prevent conflict, but Jonas's experience reveals its devastating consequences.

Jonas's Awakening

Jonas's training as the Receiver of Memory introduces him to a world beyond the controlled reality of his community. He begins to experience emotions – joy, sorrow, love, pain – that are forbidden and unknown to others. This awakening marks the beginning of his internal conflict: his growing awareness of the community's flaws clashes with his ingrained obedience and loyalty. He grapples with the responsibility of his new knowledge, recognizing the injustice and cruelty of the community's seemingly utopian system. This internal conflict fuels his actions throughout the novel, leading him to question, disobey, and ultimately rebel against the established order.

The Elders' Control

The Elders, the ruling body of the community, represent the oppressive force in this conflict. Their pursuit of Sameness is not driven by malice but by a misguided belief in its necessity for societal harmony. They fear the chaos and potential for conflict that comes with individual expression and emotional depth. However, their methods are undeniably totalitarian, suppressing individual rights and freedoms to maintain control. The Elders' actions create a constant source of external conflict for Jonas, as he struggles against their authority and their attempts to maintain the status quo.

Secondary Conflicts: Memory vs. Ignorance, Truth vs. Lies

While the central conflict focuses on the individual versus society, several secondary conflicts intertwine with and amplify the main narrative. The conflict between memory and ignorance is crucial to understanding Jonas's journey. The Elders have deliberately chosen to eliminate memories, believing that ignorance is bliss and that a lack of painful emotions fosters stability. However, Jonas's acquisition of memories reveals the profound loss inherent in this ignorance. He learns about the beauty and complexity of the world, but also the pain and suffering that the community has suppressed. This conflict illuminates the inherent value of experience and the cost of artificial happiness.

Linked to this is the conflict between truth and lies. The community functions on a foundation of carefully constructed lies and omissions. The Elders control information, shaping the reality of the citizens to fit their ideal of Sameness. Jonas's journey unravels these lies, revealing the truth about the community's practices, including the release ceremony—a euphemism for euthanasia—and the systematic elimination of individuals deemed unfit. This unveiling of truth forms a significant turning point in the narrative, forcing Jonas to confront the moral implications of the community's actions.

The Conflict of Choice and Responsibility

Jonas's journey is defined by a series of difficult choices and the weight of responsibility they carry. He is forced to choose between conformity and rebellion, between loyalty to his community and his conscience. The choice to share memories with Fiona and his subsequent decision to escape the community demonstrate the increasing weight of his moral responsibility. He understands that his actions have far-reaching consequences, not only for himself but for the entire community. This internal struggle, between personal desire and the needs of others, forms another significant conflict within the narrative.

The Conflict of Love and Loss

The novel explores the conflict between the artificial absence of love within the community and Jonas's growing understanding of its importance. The community's suppression of emotions means that deep connections and relationships are impossible. Jonas's growing feelings for Fiona, his friendship with Asher, and his evolving relationship with the Giver exemplify this conflict. His love for these individuals deepens his understanding of what the community has lost and fuels his determination to bring about change. The conflict also highlights the community's fear of attachments, seeing them as potential threats to their meticulously controlled system.

Resolution and Ongoing Conflict

The ending of The Giver leaves the ultimate resolution of the conflict somewhat ambiguous. Jonas escapes the community, but the future remains uncertain. He embarks on a perilous journey toward Elsewhere, carrying the memories that hold the key to restoring humanity and compassion. The novel's open ending underscores the ongoing nature of the conflict between individuality and societal control, suggesting that the fight for freedom and self-expression is a continuous struggle. Jonas’s journey represents a hope for a future where the balance between individual liberty and societal harmony can be found.

Thematic Conflicts: Power vs. Humanity

Beyond the specific conflicts within the narrative, The Giver explores broader thematic conflicts. The conflict between power and humanity is a recurring theme. The community's pursuit of control demonstrates the potential for power to corrupt and suppress human values. The Elders' actions, while seemingly motivated by good intentions, reveal the dangers of unchecked power and the prioritization of order over individual well-being. The novel subtly suggests that true progress comes not through suppression but through embracing the complexity and richness of human experience.

Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Conflict in The Giver

The conflicts in The Giver are not merely plot devices; they are the heart of the novel’s enduring power and relevance. Through the exploration of the central conflict between individual and society, as well as secondary conflicts involving memory, truth, and choice, Lowry creates a compelling narrative that forces readers to confront difficult questions about the nature of freedom, the cost of conformity, and the importance of individual expression. The book's enduring appeal lies in its ability to present these complex issues in a thought-provoking and accessible manner, sparking ongoing conversations about the balance between individual liberty and societal order, and the enduring struggle for a more just and humane world. The conflicts presented are timeless, mirroring the struggles faced by individuals and societies throughout history and ensuring the continued relevance of The Giver for generations to come.