In The Giver, Lois Lowry creates a community where everything is perfect. Lives are pre-planned by the Committee of Elders so that the structure within the Community will never rest on narrow shoulders. Rules are set in place that guarantee the happiness of every citizen. Choices are rarely ever made by citizens, so they do not have to deal with the stress of decision-making. The Community functions for its best interest.

From the time a child is born, every stage of his/her life is organized. Certain articles of clothing are worn for each age. For example, females under the age of nine must wear hair ribbons. Maturation is moderated by such things as the retraction of comfort objects at the age of eight and the introduction of responsibilities as each year passes. Volunteer work must be done at the age of eleven so that the child can...