Lois Lowry is renowned for her dystopian novels for young adults, including ‘The Giver’ and its companion novel, ‘Gathering Blue’. In ‘The Giver’, the protagonist Jonas challenges the notion of a supposedly ‘perfect’ society held by his people. Similarly, ‘Gathering Blue’ follows the story of Kira, an orphan with disabilities, who also questions her society and must present evidence to the Council of Guardians to prove her worthiness in a harsh society.
Both ‘The Giver’ and ‘Gathering Blue’ are dystopian fictions, belonging to the sci-fi genre. The use of narrative conventions such as plot, setting, characterisation, and theme effectively convey the dystopian nature of these novels. These two books prominently exhibit characteristics of a dystopian fiction, presenting an imaginary place or state where life is characterized by extreme suffering, deprivation, oppression, or terror. However, the dystopian nature of these novels also serves as a commentary on our own world and effectively instills fear in readers about living in such a society.
Examples of a dystopian society may range from post-apocalyptic, where there has been a previous catastrophic event that altered and controlled the society, to an alternate version of our own reality in which we observe a disparity in living standards. The Giver incorporates a setting that clearly portrays a dystopian fiction as it presents an alternate version of our society. Jonas’ world has chosen to live in Sameness, a place devoid of warfare, starvation, poverty, emotions, and freedom.
The text reveals that the lack of diversity and emotions, as well as the absence of vibrant visuals, are a result of choosing sameness in Jonas’ world. This choice was made before his time, leading to the loss of sunshine and differences, but also the abandonment of others. This lack of knowledge about pain and genuine happiness is a characteristic of dystopian novels. Similarly, the setting in Gathering Blue also suggests that it is a dystopian fiction.
Despite exploring similar features, The Giver presents a supposedly ‘utopian’ society, while Gathering Blue deliberately portrays a dystopian setting. In the future state depicted in Gathering Blue, social dominance prevails. Kira’s society is ruled by authoritative figures called the Council of Guardians, who hold the power to determine if one should live or be sent to the Field of Leaving. Kira herself describes her world as chaotic, as evidenced by her statement, “Kira continued through the crowds, past the food shops and the noise of bickering, bargaining women.”
Dogs were barking nearby, and a young child with curly hair cautiously watched them. The child then quickly jumped between the dogs, grabbed a piece of food, and ate it. The child’s mother, who was focused on her own task, noticed what had happened and angrily pulled the child’s arm back to her side. She even slapped the child’s head as punishment (p. 53).
The novel hints that Kira’s society is post-apocalyptic. This is evident from the embroidery and imagery on the Singer’s Robe, as well as the annual ceremony known as the ‘Ruin’. Both Jonas and the Giver are well-developed characters that embody the essence of a dystopian fiction.
The novel emphasizes the Giver’s role as a rebel within the society. Acting as a mentor to Jonas, the Giver accompanies him on his journey as the Receiver of Memory. Unlike others, the Giver does not conform to the strict rules of their society. Both the Giver and Jonas recognize the negative consequences of conformity, as depicted in the following passage: ” ‘He killed it! My father killed it!’ Jonas said to himself, stunned by his newfound understanding.” (p. 188)
This quote reinforces that Jonas is a dynamic character and develops the dystopian concept. Another characterisation put forward by author Lois Lowry is the main protagonist of Gathering Blue. Kira, a handicapped orphan, is given a second chance to live because she possesses the skills of coloring and needlecraft despite her deformity. Despite being demeaned by her society and left to die in the Field of Leaving, Kira relies on her gift to contribute and survive within her community.
This is proven by Katrina, Kira’s mother, who said, “Even when I held you for the first time and saw that your leg was bent wrong and you would never run, your eyes were still bright. I knew then that you were meant for something special…And when they tried to take you away, I wouldn’t let them. I simply refused.” (p. 5). Thus, both narratives demonstrate their dystopian nature by including these characters and their distinctive qualities.
The use of plot showcased in The Giver exposes the novel as a work of dystopian fiction. The main character, Jonas, starts to question the mysteries of his society throughout the story as he is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory. As the Receiver of Memory, Jonas holds the memories of the past and is able to see his community’s history, including experiencing colors and emotions. In Jonas’ community, everything is uniform and there is a lack of diversity. Jonas wonders why everyone cannot see what he can.
The text “Why did colours disappear?” (p. 124) explains that the speaker’s inquiries sparked a deep curiosity, leading them to gain a clearer understanding of their supposed “ideal” society. Another statement made by The Giver, “… memories need to be shared… you needed me then and now they will…” (p. 194-196), foreshadows Jonas’s escape from his deceitful world. These examples highlight the numerous lies that Jonas has been made to believe, causing him to question his surroundings and ultimately leading him and the Giver to decide they must flee to Elsewhere.
The plot of Gathering Blue demonstrates that it is a dystopian fiction work. The story starts in the Field of Leaving, where Kira witnessed her mother, Katrina, die. This event significantly changes Kira’s perspective on life as she is forced to leave her home and prove herself in society. Kira is then given the opportunity to begin again in the council edifice, where she must prepare the robe for their yearly ceremony that marks the annihilation of their past.
Gathering blue has a similar storyline to The Giver, as it explores the character’s realization about their society. Kira questions her community about the existence of beasts, the creatures that supposedly killed her father, Christopher. Similar to The Giver, the Council of Guardians, the authoritative figures in this society, hide many truths in an attempt to control the community through confinement and terror.
Jamison, a member of the Council of Guardian, responds to Kira’s speculations about Annabella, stating that it is dangerous for Annabella to speak in the way she does because she is very old (p. 128). Despite becoming convinced of the negative aspects of her society, Kira has the option to live with her supposedly deceased father, Christopher, in another community that is just a few days’ walk away from hers. This community is inhabited by disabled people who live together in harmony. However, Kira refuses this opportunity out of sheer desperation to help her own community and change their way of life. This refusal is yet another characteristic that is commonly found in dystopian fictions.
Both Kira and Jonas rebel against their oppressive societies and work to make their people aware of the negative aspects of their world. One of the main themes in The Giver is the absence of freedom. Jonas’ society is tightly controlled by the Chief Elders, who enforce rules and maintain stability. They have complete authority over people’s assignments, spouses, and children, as shown in quotes from the novel such as “The Committee of Elders chooses the right job…” (p. 1) and “But that choice is not ours.” (p. 111). These quotes illustrate how the community in which Jonas lives lacks self-determination and freedom. This theme is a key characteristic of dystopian fiction. Similarly, Gathering Blue explores the theme of limited freedom and human rights. The Council of Guardians makes all important decisions for the community, big or small. Lack of freedom is a prominent aspect of the novel, as is often seen in dystopian literature.
The character in the novel depicts mothers confining their children in pens, which highlights the disregard for human rights among the citizens. The text expresses the rights of speech, freedom, and fair treatment. This is evidenced in the story when Kira’s community is denied the right to voice their opinions. As stated, “They were forcing the children to describe the future they wanted, not the one that could be” (p. 212). This example effectively reinforces the theme.
In Kira’s society, fear and resentment are central. These characteristics are expressed through actions, which give rise to the idea of inhumane treatment. The central themes of earning freedom and having a decent standard of living play a crucial role in establishing this novel as dystopian. The color blue serves as a metaphor for freedom throughout the narrative. Lois Lowry utilizes narrative conventions to effectively convey these stories. The Giver and Gathering Blue, both being dystopian novels, share many common qualities.
