Symbolism is defined as “the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense” (Symbolism - Examples and Definition of Symbolism). If people pay close attention they can find that a detail that seems insignificant can have a valuable representation. Lois Lowry implements elements of symbolism throughout The Giver series, some elements more obvious than others. The red sled, the color blue and the Forest all consist of a deeper meaning in The Giver, Gathering Blue and Messenger, respectively. All three novels contain elements of symbolism. In the first novel The Giver, one object that stands out as a symbol is the sled. The sled stands for the process of transmitting
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She uses dyes from plants, and the one color dye she lacks is blue. Towards the end of the novel Kira receives a present from her friend Matt, The present is blue fabric and plants from which blue dye can come from, and Matt acquired those gifts from Kira’s father. Throughout the whole book Kira wondered if she would ever obtain blue dye, and at the end she finally does, hence the name Gathering Blue. Often times people associate colors with different feelings and emotions. Just as red can resemble anger and yellow can resemble happiness, blue resembles peace, serenity, and hope. Kira is a very peaceful person just as blue is often perceived as a calming color. Also, since Kira does not know how to create blue dye, blue seems unattainable. Nonetheless, Kira never completely gives up on finding blue, and so the blue represents a hope that seems nearly impossible at the time. Even though Kira had a tough journey, she reached her goal and received her blue. In life humans undergo numerous trials and tribulations, but in the end we can always receive hope. Just as the blue gifts came from Kira’s father, we can turn to our Father God to grant us the gift of hope. In stressful times especially, it is comforting to know that God really does want for His people to be at peace, and if we ask we can receive it. While blue is an uplifting symbol, the Forest is a contrasting symbol because of the darkness it
She uses dyes from plants, and the one color dye she lacks is blue. Towards the end of the novel Kira receives a present from her friend Matt, The present is blue fabric and plants from which blue dye can come from, and Matt acquired those gifts from Kira’s father. Throughout the whole book Kira wondered if she would ever obtain blue dye, and at the end she finally does, hence the name Gathering Blue. Often times people associate colors with different feelings and emotions. Just as red can resemble anger and yellow can resemble happiness, blue resembles peace, serenity, and hope. Kira is a very peaceful person just as blue is often perceived as a calming color. Also, since Kira does not know how to create blue dye, blue seems unattainable. Nonetheless, Kira never completely gives up on finding blue, and so the blue represents a hope that seems nearly impossible at the time. Even though Kira had a tough journey, she reached her goal and received her blue. In life humans undergo numerous trials and tribulations, but in the end we can always receive hope. Just as the blue gifts came from Kira’s father, we can turn to our Father God to grant us the gift of hope. In stressful times especially, it is comforting to know that God really does want for His people to be at peace, and if we ask we can receive it. While blue is an uplifting symbol, the Forest is a contrasting symbol because of the darkness it