Monday, September 5, 2011

Mrs. Sternke's Question

I'm having trouble posting comments so I'll just make a new posting about Mrs. Sternke's question about The Giver.  She asked what aspects of the novel might appeal to modern readers.  The whole concept of being given a profession or place in society based on aptitude tests and personality profiles...at first it sounds horrible and directly opposite all the freedoms we hold dear.  But I know so many people who are lost and have no direction in life, with no plans or goals for the future.  Would it be so bad to have someone say "this is what you should do, this is what you will be good at"?  As long as it isn't random or arbitrary, would it be so bad to have someone steer your future for the greater good?  Thoughts?

The Giver

I re-read this book this weekend because it had been such a long time since my last reading...my question to you (once you've finished reading, of course) is, what aspects of this lifestyle would you like better than our current way of life, and which ones seem the worst to you?