The Giver - Lois Lowry, Ron Rifkin

Lois Lowry argues that freedom is precious but dangerous, and continual sacrifices are needed to preserve it.

 

Lois Lowry communicates her belief that freedom is valuable and worth fighting for, despite its dangers. Unlike the citizens of Jonas' community, she feels that the freedom of choice is worth the risks. She admits that there is an attractiveness in protecting citizens; however, she proves that there is danger in over-protectiveness, too. Realistically, she also shows in The Giver that people must continue to fight for the right to free choice and that this fight will involve many sacrifices. At the end of the novel, Jonas is free, but he is also starving and frostbit. However, Lois Lowry's word choices show that Jonas is better off with physical pain, mental exhaustion, and emotional trauma. Without choice, Jonas loses out on too much. Therefore, it is important that each reader also evaluates their communities and lives. Each reader must step up and make sacrifices to keep their society and lives in balance.

 

 

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