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

use of simple language. As a result of this narrative technique, the reader feels that this is certainly Jonas` story. Moreover, the language used by the citizens of the community is exact and carefully spoken; the emphasis on the importance of precision reveals the extent of absent emotions. For instance, dwelling place is used rather than home and stuffed animals are referred to as comfort objects. Lowry uses this syntax/diction to highlight the importance of emotion, an ongoing theme in the work.

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

reader. Specifically, at the end of the novel, Lowry leaves open judgment to the reader. She allows each reader to end the novel based on their own beliefs, needs and wants. The change in tone and attitude when the society turns from a utopia to a dystopia is crucial in terms of thematic development. The dangers that are created when society robotically follows their government is a vast underlying theme in the novel that is evident through Lowry’s attitude. Lois Lowry describes her own tone as seductive. She says in her Newbery Medal speech:
`I tried in writing it to make it seductive, so that for the first third of the book readers will feel as though this is a good place to live... but in an “only us, only now” world where we are all the same and feel safe. We would have to sacrifice too much. The richness of color and diversity would disappear. Feelings for other humans would no longer be necessary. Choices would be obsolete”
Lowry’s choice to write the first third of the book in this style outlines the theme of the fine line between utopian and dystopian societies.