Both "1984" by George Orwell and "The Giver" depict a dystopia which is controlled by a powerful body. The state needs to preserve its own stability and power by controlling the behaviour, thoughts and actions of its citizens.

However, the principal difference between the two novels is the manner in which such control is exercised. In "1984"'s community called Oceania, this is achieved through the deployment of fear tactics and intimidation by constant government surveillance, secret police and torture. The seemingly omniscient "Big Brother" controls every aspect of human life. Even thoughts are controlled by the "Thought Police". Even thinking a rebellious or disloyal thought is a "thoughtcrime", which is in fact considered the worst crime of all. In essence, the government prohibits freedom of thought and any expression of individuality. Citizens are constantly watched through telescreens which blast a constant stream of propaganda designed to make the failures and shortcomings of the government appear to be triumphant successes.

However, in "The Giver", the Committee of Elders maintains power through the manipulation of the people's emotions and behaviour by rigid categorization and societal rules. Members are led believe that they are happy, secure and fulfilled, and that it is their own choice to live in such a society. In reality, this is a farce and the world they live in is far from perfect. In fact, they have been stripped of freedom and individuality, and have become almost like robots.

Despite the oppression and harsh control exercised by the government in "1984", the timidly rebellious protagonist, Winston Smith, feels frustrated and loathes the unrelenting dominance which the government seeks to wield over the people. He sets out to challenge the limits of "Big Brother"'s power and purchases a diary in which he writes his "criminal" thoughts.

In the same way, Jonas, in "The Giver", questions the strict rules which the community members have to abide by. For example, he could not see why it was necessary to have a rule of not seeing nakedness nor why he had to take a pill to suppress the "Stirrings" because he liked the feeling and wanted to have the "Stirrings" again. These niggling doubts start to grow and trouble him even more so after he begins his training as the new Receiver of Memory. After he gains wisdom from memories, he realises that the community members have given up their freedom for Sameness, and he becomes angry and frustrated.

It is clear from these two novels that no matter how much a government tries to eliminate any form of individuality, it is impossible to completely annihilate independent thought, which is the very essence of human nature.

Both "1984" by George Orwell and "The Giver" depict a dystopia which is controlled by a powerful body. The state needs to preserve its own stability and power by controlling the behaviour, thoughts and actions of its citizens.

However, the principal difference between the two novels is the manner in which such control is exercised. In "1984"'s community called Oceania, this is achieved through the deployment of fear tactics and intimidation by constant government surveillance, secret police and torture. The seemingly omniscient "Big Brother" controls every aspect of human life. Even thoughts are controlled by the "Thought Police". Even thinking a rebellious or disloyal thought is a "thoughtcrime", which is in fact considered the worst crime of all. In essence, the government prohibits freedom of thought and any expression of individuality. Citizens are constantly watched through telescreens which blast a constant stream of propaganda designed to make the failures and shortcomings of the government appear to be triumphant successes.

However, in "The Giver", the Committee of Elders maintains power through the manipulation of the people's emotions and behaviour by rigid categorization and societal rules. Members are led believe that they are happy, secure and fulfilled, and that it is their own choice to live in such a society. In reality, this is a farce and the world they live in is far from perfect. In fact, they have been stripped of freedom and individuality, and have become almost like robots.

Despite the oppression and harsh control exercised by the government in "1984", the timidly rebellious protagonist, Winston Smith, feels frustrated and loathes the unrelenting dominance which the government seeks to wield over the people. He sets out to challenge the limits of "Big Brother"'s power and purchases a diary in which he writes his "criminal" thoughts.

In the same way, Jonas, in "The Giver", questions the strict rules which the community members have to abide by. For example, he could not see why it was necessary to have a rule of not seeing nakedness nor why he had to take a pill to suppress the "Stirrings" because he liked the feeling and wanted to have the "Stirrings" again. These niggling doubts start to grow and trouble him even more so after he begins his training as the new Receiver of Memory. After he gains wisdom from memories, he realises that the community members have given up their freedom for Sameness, and he becomes angry and frustrated.

It is clear from these two novels that no matter how much a government tries to eliminate any form of individuality, it is impossible to completely annihilate independent thought, which is the very essence of human nature.