What is the main conflict of the giver?

Sophia Martinez | 2023-06-10 07:47:57 | page views:1209
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Zoe Walker

Studied at the University of Tokyo, Lives in Tokyo, Japan.
As an expert in literature, I have a deep understanding of the nuances and themes present in various works of fiction. One such work that has garnered significant attention for its exploration of societal norms and individual morality is "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. This novel is a thought-provoking piece that delves into the complexities of a seemingly utopian society and the challenges faced by an individual who is given the responsibility to bear the weight of its collective memories and knowledge.

**The Main Conflict of "The Giver":**
The central conflict in "The Giver" is multifaceted, revolving around the protagonist Jonas's internal struggle with the dystopian society he lives in, the Community. This society is characterized by its strict adherence to sameness, where individuality and emotions are suppressed in favor of a controlled, orderly existence. The conflict is primarily manifested in three key areas:


1. The Assignment of the Receiver: Jonas is chosen to be the next Receiver of Memory, a role that entails taking on the collective wisdom and painful memories of the past. This assignment is the catalyst for the main conflict, as it exposes Jonas to a world beyond the confines of his society's limitations.


2. The Struggle with Knowledge and Emotion: As Jonas begins to receive memories, he experiences a profound transformation. He discovers the concept of 'feeling' and the richness of life that comes with individuality, love, and pain. This newfound knowledge creates a deep internal conflict within Jonas, as he grapples with the stark contrast between the beauty of the past and the sterility of his present.

3. **The Conflict with the Community's Principles:** The Community's principles are based on the belief that eliminating pain and suffering also means eradicating emotions and individuality. Jonas's growing awareness of the value of these elements leads to a moral and philosophical conflict with the very foundations of his society.

The Effect on Jonas and the Community:
The assignment of the Receivership role to Jonas has a profound effect on both him and the Community. It forces Jonas to question the society he lives in and its restrictions. The Elders have set these restrictions to maintain order and prevent what they perceive as chaos and suffering. However, Jonas's experiences with the memories challenge this notion, leading him to recognize the importance of individual freedom and the full spectrum of human emotions.

The Problem Jonas Has to Solve:
The problem Jonas faces is not merely one of personal discovery but also one of societal reform. He must reconcile his role as the Receiver with his growing dissatisfaction with the Community's system. The weight of the memories he carries and the knowledge of the past's joys and sorrows burden him with the responsibility to find a way to bring about change without causing the Community to collapse into the chaos it fears.

Conclusion:
In essence, the main conflict of "The Giver" is the clash between Jonas's emerging self-awareness and the oppressive uniformity of the Community. It is a conflict that forces Jonas to confront the harsh realities of his society and to make a choice between upholding its rigid structure or seeking a path to a more authentic and emotionally rich existence.


2024-05-09 13:25:28

Isabella Sanchez

Studied at the University of Seoul, Lives in Seoul, South Korea.
Explanation: Since the main conflict is what Jonas is assigned, the effect of that is that it causes him to question the society he lives in and its restrictions set upon the Community by the Elders. The problem Jonas has to solve is the way the Community runs.Oct 13, 2016
2023-06-19 07:47:57

Ava Garcia

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Explanation: Since the main conflict is what Jonas is assigned, the effect of that is that it causes him to question the society he lives in and its restrictions set upon the Community by the Elders. The problem Jonas has to solve is the way the Community runs.Oct 13, 2016
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