In Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, the term ‘nurturer’ refers to a specific role within the community that is responsible for the care and upbringing of the young children. Nurturers are tasked with ensuring that the infants and toddlers receive the necessary attention, support, and nourishment to grow and develop properly.
Throughout the story, the role of the nurturer is crucial, as it reflects the highly controlled and structured society in which the characters live. The community prioritizes order and conformity, placing significant emphasis on the successful development of children into functional members of society. Nurturers play a key role in this process by providing the emotional and physical care necessary for the children’s well-being.
Moreover, the concept of nurturing goes deeper than just physical care; it also involves a sense of emotional connection and guidance, even though in the context of the story, such emotions are often suppressed in favor of a more sterile, controlled existence. This brings into question the nature of love and empathy in a society that values sameness over individuality. The role of a nurturer symbolizes the delicate balance between caring for others and adhering to the rules of the community, ultimately highlighting one of the central themes of the novel: the importance of emotional depth and human connection.