The Giver As Myth

A myth is defined by the Encarta World English dictionary as "a traditional story about supernatural beings." It is also defined as "A story that has a hidden meaning, especially one that is meant to teach a lesson." The main conflict in The Giver is the problem of a society of people living in a supernatural utopian community. They are unable to see color and are not aware of many aspects of our world. Therefore, it is a story about supernatural beings. The Giver has a hidden message that is meant to teach a lesson. Interestingly, the message is left for the reader to decide. Are Utopian communities good or bad? Are differences between people something to be thankful for, ignore, make fun of, or hate? After reading The Giver, it became clear to us that it is a modern myth. We felt that it would be very informative to focus our site on a book relating to myths as opposed to simply doing a general website about them. This website, a simulated two-part village, explores Lois Lowry's incredible novel.

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The Giver takes place in a futuristic Utopia community. Everyone and everything is equal, and attributes of the Earth such as weather and hills have been scientifically taken away to prevent accidents, sunburns, and other bad things. Because this is the only kind of life the people living in this society have experienced, they have no idea nor any need for the things they don't have - with the exception of one person - the Receiver.

Jonas, a boy living in the community, is just turning 12, the age that he will be given a job. However, to his surprise, he is selected to be the Receiver of Memory. The Receiver, as he soon finds out, is kind of like a keeper of the memories of the society. He remembers all of the pain and suffering from past times, along with happier attributes such as love and sleigh-riding. Jonas, as the new Receiver, finds out through an interesting memory transmission process about all of the things his world used to have, and he soon finds himself yearning to give it all back to his community. And the Giver, (the old receiver) agrees. Soon Jonas finds himself leaving the community, traveling to other places, traveling through everything else in the world - Elsewhere.

Travel yourself through the community and Elsewhere in this simulation of Lois Lowry's world, and find out all about her wonderful book, and, in the process, learn about a completely different lifestyle, which, although different, isn't all that bad. At any point in your adventure, if you would like to return to our homepage, click on the corner icon at the top left corner of your window, which will zap you back to the bridge. This will allow you to quickly move from Elsewhere to the community, or the community to Elsewhere. Also, to move from road to road in the community and Elsewhere, click on the arrows at the beginning and the end of the streets.

We also hope that you will help us expand this website by submitting your own ideas having anything to do with any part of this book, along with any facts about Lois Lowry that we left out. Enjoy your Trek!

FAQ (Frequently asked question)
Why Can I view the community in color?

You may have noticed that although you are in the community, you are able to see in color. This is because it is not the actual society that lacks color but the community members' eyes that are unable to see it. Many parts in The Giver allow readers to infer this. One example is when Jonas and Asher are having a catch with an apple. At this point in the story, Jonas gets his first glimpse of color. He notices a change in the apple, just for a second, which the Giver then confirms is red. This part proves that color actually exists in the community. The fact that Jonas can see color fully later in the story also proves this.

You are not a member of the community, but a guest. Therefore, unless for another reason you lack such an ability, viewers of the community can see it in color.