PARAGRAPH 2 Flashcards
TS
Setting has been cleverly used in the novel to position the reader to understand how the loss of history and memory has led to a loss of innovation and free choice but also a loss of pain, which aids in further communicating the idea that “one man’s utopia is another man’s dystopia” by thoroughly inspecting the colour, frames and shapes of the setting.
summary
Halfway through the novel, Jonas is in the Giver’s most painful memory (the memory of warfare) where a missile is dropped right next to him taking out a chunk of his arm but also injuring a man, who saw Jonas and groaned for “water”. After generously answering the man’s plea with a large sip of water, the man passed away. However in the next panel we see 10 new speech bubbles all with the word “water”. This memory demonstrates why the past receivers and creators believed that the memories and past historical events deserved to stay forgotten due to being so excruciatingly, overwhelmingly painful but also because then the civilians would know what humanity is truly capable of.
e.g 1
In addition there are various types of symbolism used in this chapter, such as the types of frames utilised. On the previous page there are two large triangular frames pointing directly to the two gruesomely blown off hands, the frames have been utilised to emulate arrows pointing at the middle frame which depicts a hand in a hand which is a popular phrase or cliche, meaning two things that are connected in this case destruction, death and suffering go hand in hand with humanity.
e.g 2
The illustrator’s use of inverted colour on this page is used to highlight the two hands in the middle; as the hands are coloured red (which also symbolises danger in this context) and are in a white background whereas the rest of the frames are fully red in colour.
summary + e.g 3
In comparison to the exuberant Christmas memory, where a family from the past is celebrating a white Christmas in their home which is full of warmth, joy and love. Which is symbolised through the body language of the children as they open up their multiple gifts with massive toothy smiles on their faces, raised eyebrows and wide eyes. Also the parents who are embracing one another have big cheery grins and are in the corner in awe of their beautiful family.
e.g 4
Colour has also been used symbolically as the only colour displayed in the entire memory is yellow except for the white fireplace which is the focal point. White flames symbolise freedom and choice, in the novel the family has the freedom to celebrate christmas, to cook their own meal, have more than one “comfort object” and to love each other.
Linking
The concept presented here by the illustrator and author is that while there were a lot of horrifyingly disturbing and excruciatingly painful memories there were also many euphoric and jubilant examples too. Which is why to many the idea of living without freedom and having to conform to others values and rules would be a dystopia. But if giving up these rights meant that there would be equality, no violence, no starvation then to some the community would be their dream world, their utopia.
