Why is the setting important to the story The Giver?

The setting in The Giver is an important aspect of its dystopian themes of isolation and conformity.  We are not told a great deal about the physical features of the community, but those we are told about are carefully selected to enhance these themes. The community experiences what seems to be absolute climate control and isolation from Elsewhere.  The people in the community do not see the sun or feel the wind.  The landscape must...

The setting in The Giver is an important aspect of its dystopian themes of isolation and conformity.  We are not told a great deal about the physical features of the community, but those we are told about are carefully selected to enhance these themes. The community experiences what seems to be absolute climate control and isolation from Elsewhere.  The people in the community do not see the sun or feel the wind.  The landscape must be completely flat, since Jonas' first experience of a hill is when he gets the memory of sledding from the Giver. There are no mountains or valleys to provide any geographic variety or interest.  Thus the weather reflects the Sameness of the community, as does the featureless landscape, and the people of the community are isolated from Elsewhere.