Euphemisms are often used to soften the cold truth. In The Giver, the people use euphemisms to hide reality. I don't think that reality is actually altered, but the perception of it certainly is. Probably the most obvious euphemism in the book is the use of the word "release."
Different people are released in the book: The pilot who flew in the wrong place near the beginning of the story was most likely released. Often, one of twin siblings is released to prevent the possibility of two individuals being alike (which is really ironic considering the emphasis on people's sameness in the community). Elderly people are released, and infants like Gabe who seem to develop too slowly are as well.
What Jonas learns as the receiver is that to "release" someone actually means to euthanize them, or KILL them. Calling this killing by another name doesn't really change the reality of the situation, but it does alter people's perceptions.
The community also values "precise language." This is ironic, since many of the things people say there are anything but precise. For example, Jonas' father is a "nurturer," but part of his job is to euthanize undesirable babies.
The Giver is a great book. For more information on it check out the links below:
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