For as long as the human species has existed, humans have sought improved social states. The search for food, shelter and safety has been a big problem, even in today's world: of course, authors would write books about utopias that provide for the common needs of people and that ensure true social harmony. Lois Lowry's book The Giver presents a controversial utopia. A utopia (defined by the Oxford dictionary) is “an imaginary place where government, laws, and social conditions are perfect.” Perfect (also defined by the Oxford dictionary) is “having all the required or desirable elements, qualities or characteristics; the best possible.” The society created by Lois Lowry in The Giver is a utopia because its government, laws and social conditions are the best possible. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Lowry's society presented in The Giver has a very efficient and stable government: the society has a committee that governs by reaching a consensus and if the committee finds itself in a difficult situation, it asks the Giver to resolve an issue/problem worrying. Therefore, the committee wastes no time in solving the problem. For example, when the community petitioned to welcome a third child, the committee asked the Donor to resolve the issue. Lois Lowry writes “Many citizens petitioned the Committee of Elders…the strongest memory that came was hunger” (Lowry, 140), showing how The Giver showed the committee that they cannot change that rule. The government/committee demonstrates efficiency through cautious decisions that show concern for the well-being of the community. The government creates laws that people are willing to follow. Laws arrange jobs that people would do well in, spouses that get along, and pills that eliminate desire (which can lead to some form of disaster). Craving causes people to make bad decisions, such as stealing, killing, and other illegal acts. Crimes like these can destroy and bring down society. Jonas states: “Two children – a boy and a girl – for each family unit. It was written very clearly in the rules” (Lowry, 11). The laws were well designed to prevent problems in the community and ensure its stability and safety. One of the main factors of this society that makes it a utopia is that it has excellent social conditions. People living in the community receive food, water and shelter (the basic needs of human beings). There is no need to worry about poverty. Scientists have developed methods to eliminate pain when physical accidents occur. People don't have to worry about global warming, pollution, or threats from other animals. The creators of the community also eliminated a major obstacle, prejudice and discrimination. When the Giver and Jonas talked about community, they talked about Sameness. Lois Lowry writes “All flesh is the same today” (Lowry, 94) showing how society got rid of prejudice and discrimination by making everyone have the same skin tone. Everyone looks the same, everyone thinks the same thing, and everyone learns the same thing (until the Ceremony of 12). Due to society getting rid of prejudice, discrimination, pain, pollution, global warming, threats from other animals, hunger, dehydration and homelessness, society becomes a “perfect” place. Critics might say that this society is a dystopia because it takes away free will. People are not allowed to make decisions or have their own choices. Jonas claims “I want.