Sameness & Equality

Precise use of language is an important theme in The Giver. Why does Lois Lowry purposefully use the word ‘sameness’ instead of ‘equality’? Explain what the difference is in the meaning of the words. Then using the Giver and Animal Farm cite examples of how we have seen each word used. Which author uses language more precisely?

The difference between sameness and equality is that sameness is when everyone gets the same things and they do the same things. At dictionary.com it says “the state or quality of being the same; identity; uniformity.” Equality on the other hand is when everyone is treated the same way. According to dictionary.com equality is used when talking about quantity, rank or ability.

In “The Giver” everyone had the same things, and everyone did the almost then same things everyday. It was a pattern without real feelings, since they could feel some small feelings. But nothing big and complicated like love or pain. Equality on the other hand is when everyone is treated the same, but they might not do the same things everyday or the same things as everyone else.

The giver feedback

The Giver in many ways is a “coming of age” story, in which we witness Jonas’ growing up. To begin our discussion of The Giver please address the following three questions in your blog using “good” paragraphs.

1. When does one become an adult?
2. What does it mean to be an adult?
3. At what age are people no longer useful to society?

Becoming an adult is a very big step. When becoming an adult you have many responsibility and independence. If you are mature enough to take responsibility for your actions, and be independent and not rely on anyone else all the time. To be an adult means to support yourself and be able to make the right decisions for the future and yourself. You should be responsible enough to take care of yourself, and if you wish to start a family, you should be able to take care of them too.

I think that everyone is useful all the time in the society. The old people can still do something useful in the society in the giver. And the young kids are the future generation who will one day take care of the world. But I don't think anyone is useless to society. They can still help in their way. Wether it is mantaly helping (like thinkig of the ideas of the future) or physically helping (like doing the actual building and stuff). I mean some old people are still very sharp but they are so old. They can still help with their ideas for a better future.