The Giver By Ayn Rand: A Literary Analysis
Understanding Dystopias
Analysing The Giver by Lois lowry and Anthem by Ayn Rand
“to what extent do the actions of utopian societies in their attempt to create a perfect world rather creates a dystopia”
English
Dublin Coffman High School
School (3306)
May 2014
Advisor: Timothy Flora
Word count: 3977
Abstract
This investigation outlines the fine line between utopias and dystopias. It assesses the topic of when and how the shift from a utopia to a dystopia can occur, analyzing the characteristics that make up a utopia and a dystopia. This investigation will examine two utopian/dystopian narratives. In both books, we will see characteristics of a dystopia, and be further exposed to two different lives under a “utopian” community. We will examine The Giver by Lois Lowry and Anthem by Ayn Rand. The books will be evaluated for their setting, protagonist, governing group, and how they expose the themes of erasing identity and individuality, therefore, answering the question of “to what extent do the actions of utopian societies in their attempt to create a perfect world rather create a dystopia?” Many characters in the narrative …show more content…
In the book we are introduced to the main character Jonas and his behavior with his family. At first he seems to live a normal life. However, when he describes how his family came together was when he noticed that abnormalities began to appear. Lowry writes, “Two children--one male, one female--to each family unit. It was written very clearly in the rules” (Lowry 14). Jonas describes how his parents were picked to marry by the House of Elder (governing party), and how his sister and he were given to them. In other words, in his community people have no choice in who they marry or who their children will be. From choosing a spouse, to having children, and other factors such as career choice, all were decided by the House of
Analysing The Giver by Lois lowry and Anthem by Ayn Rand
“to what extent do the actions of utopian societies in their attempt to create a perfect world rather creates a dystopia”
English
Dublin Coffman High School
School (3306)
May 2014
Advisor: Timothy Flora
Word count: 3977
Abstract
This investigation outlines the fine line between utopias and dystopias. It assesses the topic of when and how the shift from a utopia to a dystopia can occur, analyzing the characteristics that make up a utopia and a dystopia. This investigation will examine two utopian/dystopian narratives. In both books, we will see characteristics of a dystopia, and be further exposed to two different lives under a “utopian” community. We will examine The Giver by Lois Lowry and Anthem by Ayn Rand. The books will be evaluated for their setting, protagonist, governing group, and how they expose the themes of erasing identity and individuality, therefore, answering the question of “to what extent do the actions of utopian societies in their attempt to create a perfect world rather create a dystopia?” Many characters in the narrative …show more content…
In the book we are introduced to the main character Jonas and his behavior with his family. At first he seems to live a normal life. However, when he describes how his family came together was when he noticed that abnormalities began to appear. Lowry writes, “Two children--one male, one female--to each family unit. It was written very clearly in the rules” (Lowry 14). Jonas describes how his parents were picked to marry by the House of Elder (governing party), and how his sister and he were given to them. In other words, in his community people have no choice in who they marry or who their children will be. From choosing a spouse, to having children, and other factors such as career choice, all were decided by the House of