In Lois Lowry’s dystopian novel, The Giver, the concept of “release” is pivotal to the story’s dark undertone. But what does it mean to be released in The Giver? This seemingly benign term hides a disturbing reality that underpins the strict societal control and emotional suppression within the community. Understanding what it means to be released reveals the chilling mechanics of the society Lowry created, reflecting themes of conformity, control, and humanity.
What Does It Mean to Be Released in The Giver?
At face value, being “released” in The Giver might sound like a positive event — a person being freed or discharged from some obligation. However, the novel reveals a much darker interpretation. Release is, in fact, a euphemism for euthanasia or execution within the community. Citizens who are deemed no longer useful or who deviate from community rules face release, a process that eliminates them under the guise of maintaining societal order and peace.
The Community’s Illusion of Peace
The community in The Giver is designed to be perfect and devoid of pain, suffering, and differences. It controls every aspect of life, including emotions, careers, and family units. Release serves as a method to keep this illusion intact.
Who Gets Released?
Understanding who is released helps clarify what it means to be released in The Giver. Release is not limited to criminals but extends to various members of society, including:
- Newborns who do not meet the community’s health standards or fail to thrive.
- Elderly members who have completed their lifespan or community service.
- Individuals who violate community rules or show signs of rebellion.
- Twins, where the less favored twin is released to maintain population control.
The Process and Reality Behind Release
The process of release appears benign to the community. It involves a ceremony, and the person being released often believes they are being sent to a place of peace or freedom. However, the reader and Jonas, the protagonist, uncover the brutal truth: release means death, typically through an injection that causes immediate and painless death.
Jonas’ Family and Release
A particularly heart-wrenching revelation occurs when Jonas learns that his father, a nurturer, has released a newborn twin by lethal injection. This moment exposes the stark contrast between the community’s official narrative and reality, deepening the novel’s critique of blind conformity and authoritarian control.
Why Does the Community Use “Release”?
The euphemistic use of “release” serves several functions within the community:
- To Mask Reality: The term softens the perception of death, making it socially and psychologically easier for community members to accept.
- To Maintain Control: By controlling who lives and dies, the community preserves order and eliminates unpredictability.
- To Suppress Emotion: Avoiding the harsh truth of death prevents citizens from developing emotions such as grief or anger.
These factors illustrate how the term “release” acts as a tool of manipulation and control within the narrative.
The Symbolism of Release in The Giver
More than a plot device, release symbolizes the community’s loss of freedom and humanity. It encapsulates the consequences of sacrificing individual rights and emotions for the illusion of safety and sameness.
For Jonas, discovering what it means to be released in The Giver becomes a catalyst for his rebellion against the community’s oppressive rules and his ultimate quest for true freedom and feeling.
Key Takeaways About Release
- Release is a euphemism for euthanasia or execution in the novel’s community.
- It represents societal control over life and death.
- The community uses it to enforce conformity and suppress emotions.
- Jonas’ understanding of release marks a turning point in the narrative.
In summary, to be released in The Giver is a fate far from freedom — it is a controlled and sanitized death used to uphold the community’s rigid structure. Lois Lowry uses this chilling concept to challenge readers to think about the value of individuality, emotions, and true freedom.
