Lois Lowry has touched many people through her novels, including Son, part of The Giver series. Because I have never read any of the books form this series, I felt lost sometimes in remembering who characters were and what their roles have been. This aside, I really was touched by Son. The theme of sacrifice was so strong and apparent, especially in the "between" section of the novel. Claire essentially gives up her own life and future, as any mother would do for their child. She is turned into an old woman. Reading this really opened my eyes to the sacrifices parents make for their children on a day to day basis. Even the small things, like cooking a meal their child likes over what they like, or what music they listen to in the car. I have always been told I am a selfless person, and I related to Claire's eagerness to help others, including the child she birthed and wasn't allowed to know. She found ways to see her son, Gabe, as a child and in the "beyond" section of the novel, eventually has the "old lady curse" reversed. She set a true example for selflessness, and the love and loss she felt without her son. This is a great novel to read and teach these themes with in a high school setting, and after reading this novel, I plan to read the other books connected to it. I wish I was introduced to them earlier!
Lesson Learned:
Being selfless is one of the rarest and most special characteristics for someone to have, but one must be cautious to not let others abuse it.
..................and what about the possibility of a society where the everyday lives of the people are controlled by the government? A society where no one questions authority? Is that worthy of discussion? Could that type of a society be created here in this country? Has government in this country begun to interfere in the lives of the people? In what way?
ReplyDeleteCan you think of countries where people are totally controlled by government?
Can we talk about the role of government here in this country? What freedoms do we expect as we live our lives? Could that change?
I believe that these are some of the topics that can be discussed while reading this novel..............along with selflessness and motherhood and connections with others. Another question: what was it about Claire that made her selfless? Why did she not succumb to the orders from above? Was it "the pills" that changed everyone or was it just an inability to stand up and speak out?
What happened to those who were "different" in this society? That is another topic for discussion.
Would our country be better off if we introduced some of the practices that existed in Claire"s society? Why?
Why did Claire and Jonas make a concerted effort to escape their community? What does that signify?
I would like to have read more of your thoughts as to how you would have used this book in your classroom...or not. Dr. Ries