This one photo encapsulates the main themes as well as symbols that were brought out in The Giver. Firstly, it would be the idea of "sameness" which is a theme constantly being emphasized throughout the book. The children of different races, twins as well as the colourless trees bring out the theme of "sameness". Jonas' community tries so hard to achieve this element, however from the first two pictures, it shows that being different is not necessarily a bad thing to have because we can live harmoniously together despite being of different races. The third picture shows us a very sad aspect, a community without colour and life to bring out the idea of "sameness" in Jonas’ community
Secondly, would be how Jonas is able to see beyond the surface of objects. The 2 toned apple, the eye filled with colour and the most important of all, the red rosy apple which stands out from the rest of the monochrome background. All these show how Jonas was different from the rest of his peers that he was able to see the colour of objects. This relates to the very key event where he discovered his rare talent of being able to seeing beyond, which led on to him being chosen as the Receiver.
Thirdly, the pictures of a fire place and a happy family depict love and warmth. This is related to when Jonas thirsts for love from his family. However this idea of love fails to exist in his rigid society leading Jonas to feel even more oppressed. This simple example brings out the rigidness of Jonas’ society that the idea of love and warmth does not exist because everything is structured and organized.
Fourth would be the young baby with deep blue eyes. This reminded me of the new child Gabriel. Gabriel plays an extremely important role as he acts as a symbol of hope to start over for Jonas. As a new child, he was not accustomed to the rules of society thus Jonas brought Gabriel with him to run away as a gesture of trying to change the way things were in his society. Jonas wanted to break free from the rigid, organized society that he lived in.
Fifth, would be the sled that symbolizes both the journey and discoveries that Jonas makes during his trainings as it was the very first memory he received. It also symbolizes his entry into a new world at the end of novel when Jonas discovers a real sled and enters the real world.
Lastly, would be the lake in Jonas' society which symbolizes escape from the confines of his society. For example when little Caleb drowned in the river, it was one of the few events that the community failed to predict would happen. Thus from this Jonas was inspired to try and change the community just like the river and its unpredictable behaviour.
