The Giver Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Lowry expresses both satire and seriousness in her style of writing. Through the use of syntax, diction, point of view and formality, Lowry conveys her attitude and opinion towards events in the novel. The narrator of the story writes from Jonas` perspective. The reader learns about the world around Jonas along with Jonas. Next, Lowry uses the narrative technique of withholding knowledge from the reader until the protagonist receives it which affects the way the reader interprets information. It allows for critical reading. The most prominent example of information that was withheld but hypothesized by the reader was the meaning of release. The first chapter introduces release but never distinctly states the meaning. Another central element in Lowry’s writing is the

Furthermore, Lowry chooses to have short distinct chapters that cover no more than two events. For example, when the Giver passes memories to Jonas, each chapter covers one memory. If not, the most significant memory is described in the most detail. The shortest chapter in the novel was the transfer of warfare memories, a horribly painful event. Lowry chose for no discussion between Jonas and the Giver to follow the memory. As a result, the memory was emphasized and its significance became clear. Literary critics argue Lowry strategically chose Jonas` feeling of apprehension in the beginning of the novel to foreshadow the underlying tone of apprehension in the novel. To begin, Lowry presents the community as a utopian society thus, leaving the reader in approval of the community. After Jonas` selection as Receiver, Lowry has a sudden shift in attitude. The world is represented differently, the community is revealed as a dystopian society. Evidently, Lowry does not approve of the changes which society has imposed on its citizens. Lowry presents her opinion but still leaves room for judgement by the