When thinking about how you want to construct your thesis about the importance of memories for The Giver, consider how people in Jonas's society are unable to critically think about the world around them without access to collective memories. Without having access to memories—which can also be referred to as knowledge of the past or history—the people in Jonas's world have no reference point for how their world could be different and more egalitarian. The Giver emphasizes the importance of social, political, and cultural memories within a society. Social memories/history can shape the ways in which individuals within a society relate to each other.
For instance, understanding the history of racism can help a society avoid replicating such oppressive behaviors within their communities. Political memories, such as having knowledge of oppressive governments or egalitarian modes of structuring society, can help a community resist unjust consolidation of power and authoritarianism. Jonas's community experiences a brutally oppressive government structure and has no reference point for another mode of societal structure. In fact, they have no reference for understanding that their government structure is incredibly repressive. Cultural memories, such as those found in music and art, are incredibly important to the individual and collective health of a community. These memories are especially important in the preservation of traditions and cultures.
Monday, April 7, 2014
What is a good thesis for The Giver by Lois Lowry involving the importance of memories?
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