The Giver Symbolism

Stuffed toys, hair ribbons, and beginning school. What do those things have in common? They all represent childhood and getting older. In “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, the theme is growing up. There are three main symbols that prove that the theme is growing up. The symbols are the ceremony, the children getting their careers, and the house of the old. First, the ceremony where the children rise in rank. This ceremony is one of the most important in the entire community, as Father said “December brings such changes” (11). In a community where everyone is the same and things rarely change, a big festival of only changes is quite the important thing. Next, the children getting new things, like bicycles (45). When the nines got their bicycles,
For the ceremony for the twelves, each child gets a lengthy speech celebrating them and their accomplishments in their lives so far. Finally, it often scares some of the kids, just like growing older scares kids now as well (9). As it scares children now to grow older, this shows that it is the same for the kids in “The Giver” as well. That is why the twelves getting their careers is an important symbol. Finally, the house of the old. First, the old went there when they had left their careers and their family units (28). This means that they’ve completely grown up and have nothing left to contribute. Next, the Old are full of stories from their time (31). Jonas is fascinated by the stories that the Old acquired over the years because things were a bit different when they were growing up. Finally, the Old have to be taken care of like newchildren (30). That represents the circle of life, where new and old are cherished. That is why the house of the old is an important symbol. In conclusion, the theme of “The Giver” is growing up. The reasons are the house of the old, the twelves getting their jobs, and the ceremony. What do stuffed toys, hair ribbons, and starting school have in common? They symbolize growing up, like the theme of this