The importance of individuality

      What would we have left if our individuality was stolen from us? It is hard to imagine what life without individual characteristics would be, this book helps us see what it could potentially lead to. Almost every aspect of the community exists to squash diversity and individual creativity, all of the rules and ceremonies are the same for all of the children. Only when they go through the 12 ceremony are they granted some sort of job that allows them distinguish themselves from others based on their talents. Even the physical appearance of the people are the same, and any variations of this is not spoken of:
                "Almost every citizen in the community had dark eyes. His parents did, and Lily did, and so did all of    his group members and friends. But there were a few exceptions: Jonas himself, and a female Five who had noticed had the different, lighter eyes. No one mentioned such things; it was not a rule, but was considered rude to call attention to things that were unsettling or different about individuals." (Lowry 20)
      The fact that it is considered rude to point out someone's differences is proof of this ideal of everyone conforming and blending into the masses. This is a concept that Jonas struggles with after he is appointed the new Receiver of Memories. His new found awareness makes it extremely difficult for him to be content in a community in which the citizens so ignorantly follow the rules like a flock of sheep. And this conflict is part of the reason he decides to leave his community in the end of the book. This book encourages people to embrace their individuality and not be ashamed of it, which is something that young adults should always be reminded of.