Dystopian Society In The Giver And In Time

The human aspiration for control has an element of cynical manipulation on the desires of society. Lois Lowry’s novel ‘The Giver’ and Andrew Niccol’s film ‘In Time’ portrays the potential harms of power through dystopian systems. Both texts scrutinize the exploitation of freedom through the development of a futuristic society that advocates potential harm to the human race. Through the progression of the two texts, Lowry and Niccol reveal a dystopian society, which at first is portrayed as a utopian setting. Societal norms have great influence in maintaining confirmative regulations for the system to continue operating; hence, both texts explore the consequences of corruption in an indoctrinated civilisation. The dictatorial regime evident in both …show more content…
In order to maintain peace, the community in ‘The Giver’ has to submit to various rules and regulations. Lowry appeals to the audience through the utopian society the world first appears to be. Similarly, Niccol redefines the idea of “time is money” (Benjamin Franklin) and questions the motives of a consumer driven society.
Niccol and Lowry reveal the extent of individuality in an engineered society restricted by power and money through a range of techniques including symbolism, emotive language, camera shots and reoccurring motifs. The modified society in ‘The Giver’ initially illustrates a dystopian system; however, masquerading as a utopia. The novel captures the essence of individuality in a society reluctant to accept imperfection due to the fear of corruption. Similarly, Niccol’s science-fiction thriller ‘In Time’ is situated in segregated time zones (communities) and investigates the possibility of corruption in an unbalanced society where the highly valued, wealthy citizens attempt to obtain immortality through a utopian system. “The life where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. The life without colour, pain or past (page 165)”. From the perspective of the