Adversity can manifest itself in each of our lives in countless different ways, as a non-discriminatory event. However, through these adversities we can have the opportunity to improve ourselves and the outcome itself, depending on our levels of perseverance and determination, qualities that define us as a human race. In the novel “The Giver” by Lois Lowry this theme of overcoming adversity is explored in many ways as we observe the utopian society created by Lowry's insightful writings. As we watch the protagonist Jonas mature, we discover that he himself has realized that there is more to life than what his utopian environment offers him, and how the adversities he has faced have helped him shape the future of his community and hopefully the future. world around him in its entirety. A story that truly redefined the science fiction genre. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Firstly, the concept of overcoming adversity is consistently represented by Lowry in The Giver, a particular focus of this would be the identity and restrictions it places on the life of Jonas and the Giver himself, an adversity that has been accepted by the Giver but which Jonas has yet to accept. An example of this would be when Jonas and the Giver are planning their escape from the confines of their utopian prison. “There's nothing. There's nothing we can do. It's always been like this. Before me, before you, before those before you. Back and back and back. This piece of dialogue helps illustrate the continued suppression of the joy and knowledge that comes from possessing memories and the extensive efforts to maintain this culture dating back five hundred years or more. It also shows us that the stagnant characteristics of the community are frustrating for Jonas and the Giver, as they are the only ones aware of what they are missing out on as a whole. Another example of adversity induced by the suppression of differentiation otherwise known as identity is when Jonas exclaims about the lack of difference and independent thought. “It's not right that nothing has colour, there are no choices, I want to decide, but it's always the same, always”. This quote alone shows us Jonas' anguish and lack of self-image and his growth as a person. Although it depicts the fact that Jonas has gained the gift of independent thinking, a gift that is truly a curse in such an environment. Furthermore, throughout this novel Lowry describes the pain and adversity faced in possessing emotions and memories, such as pain that is even made worse by the fact that no one except the Giver or himself is experiencing it, the conflicting thoughts and emotions and Above all, the longing for the day when others will feel what he is feeling. This is represented when Jonas asks his parents if they have love for him: “Do you love me? … precision of language, please!”. This short piece of dialogue clearly describes Jonas' sheer desperation to know whether his parents feel anything, particularly love, for him, and even whether they possess any human traits. This shows the isolation and grave feeling of being truly alone in a world that others, including his own parents, will never understand. A world where no emotional feelings are reciprocated, an adversity that weighs heavily on Jonas. A further example of adversity induced by Jonas' possessed emotions and memories is when he talks about how he feels about possessing the memories: "I feel so burdened by them." He clearly states that the weight that comes from the memories he has is becoming increasingly difficult to bear, in.