The Giver: Home

Why Do We Like Dystopian Novels?  

Definition of euphemism

Examples of euphemism

The society in The Giver uses euphemism to distance itself from certain ideas (such as "Release"). 

How does our own society use this device to distance us from aging and death, bodily functions, and political activities? Think of some examples common in modern language. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using euphemisms? Can you think of times when they are appropriate?

Lois Lowry's The Giver is considered a dystopian novel. Unlike utopian works, which describe ideal societies, dystopian literature gives a negative view of the future of society and humankind. 

A dystopia is a society in which the conditions of life are extremely bad, caused by oppression, terror, or deprivation.  The qualities of a dystopian novel might include these traits:

• A government body, military force, or evil leader is in place in society.
• There is inequality among the citizens and a class system that is followed.
• Society is segregated and oppressed.
• The underlying message promotes desperation and a feeling of doom.
• Often, the message of a dystopian novel is meant to act as a warning about the current state of our world or the direction in which it is headed.

Using these guidelines, a few of the best examples of a dystopian society are George Orwell’s1984; The Hunger Games series; and The Giver.