What is the main narrative conflict in "The Giver"?

The main narrative conflict in "The Giver" centers on the struggle against societal conformity. In the story, the protagonist Jonas lives in a dystopian society that prioritizes sameness and suppresses individuality to maintain control and predictability. The community has eliminated emotions, memories, and choices to avoid suffering and conflict, leading to a lack of true human experience.

As Jonas receives memories from The Giver, he begins to understand concepts like love, pain, and joy, which starkly contrast with the emotionally sterile environment he is accustomed to. This awakening prompts Jonas to question the values of his society and ultimately drives him to seek a life that embraces freedom and individuality, challenging the enforced conformity that governs his world. Through this journey, the novel explores themes of self-awareness and the importance of personal choice, making the struggle against societal conformity a central conflict.