In Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, the term ‘released’ holds significant weight and reveals much about the society in which the characters live. To be ‘released’ typically means to be sent away from the community, often under circumstances that are shrouded in secrecy and ambiguity.
Initially, the community presents ‘release’ as a benign or even positive occurrence. It is associated with the idea of moving on to a better place or an opportunity to be free from the burdens of their controlled existence. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that ‘release’ is actually a euphemism for euthanasia. Those who are considered different, unfit, or simply too old are not moving on to a paradise, but rather they are being killed.
This concept plays a crucial role in highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced within the tightly controlled environment of the novel. It prompts readers to reflect on the value of life, the importance of individuality, and the dark side of a society that prioritizes sameness and conformity over compassion and humanity. The practice of ‘release’ ultimately raises questions about the costs of utopian ideals and the sacrifices made in the name of societal ‘perfection.’