In Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver, children are taught through a highly structured and controlled environment that emphasizes conformity and obedience. From a young age, children are placed in specific age groups and are given distinct roles and responsibilities as they grow older. This methodical approach to education is designed to maintain order and predictability in the community.
Education starts with basic lessons and social skills, where children learn to follow rules and regulations. They attend school where their curriculum is focused on practical skills and knowledge that align with the community’s values. For example, they learn about the importance of sameness and the need to adhere to the strict societal guidelines that dictate their lives.
As children progress in age, they experience ‘Ceremonies’ that mark their growth and the responsibilities they will take on. For instance, at the Ceremony of Twelve, they are assigned their lifelong professions as a reflection of their skills and interests, but these choices are heavily influenced by the community’s needs rather than personal desire.
This lack of personal choice in education reflects a larger theme within the novel: the suppression of individuality. The community believes that by controlling every aspect of life, including education, it can prevent chaos and ensure a uniform way of living. However, the consequences of this method are profound, as it leads to a lack of emotional depth and personal growth among its citizens.
Overall, teaching in The Giver is less about fostering creativity and critical thinking and more about instilling obedient conformity and uniformity.