The Allure of a Perfect World
Lois Lowry's The Giver tells the story of Jonas, who lives in a futuristic society and who, until the age of twelve, has led a peaceful and normal, albeit regulated, life. Jonas has two parents, a mother who is happily employed at the Department of Justice, and a father who is happily employed as a Nurturer. He occasionally quarrels with his younger sister Lily, and he enjoys riding his bicycle, visiting with his friends Asher and Fiona, and musing about his future. In Jonas's world, everything (from an individual's desire, to the weather, to a person's career) is regulated. The community's rulers see to it, for example, that every member of this nameless, timeless community occupies a productive role in the society. The plot of The Giver develops out of Jonas's changing perceptions towards his community after he is selected to be the Receiver of Memory and discovers that nothing about his idyllic community is what it seems to be.
In Jonas's community, a child receives a professional assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, at which time s/he becomes an adult. Jonas, who has waited apprehensively to find out what his assignment will be, grows increasingly agitated during his long-awaited Ceremony. His friends have received desirable and appropriate assignments like "Fish Hatchery Attendant,"_ and "Assistant Director of Recreation,"' but it appears that he, Jonas, has been bypassed. Finally, after all of the other Twelves have received their assignments, Jonas learns that he, because the elders recognize his intelligence and courage, and because he has the "Capacity to See Beyond" (the ability to see colors), has been selected to become the next Receiver of Memory.
The Horror of a Perfect World
When Jonas is selected to become the next Receiver of Memory, his life is instantaneously altered. He had prepared himself to be separated from his friends, but Jonas had no way of preparing for the loneliness and challenges of his unexpected new job. The Chief Elder warns him at the Ceremony of Twelve, in front of all his friends and family, that his training will involve pain. "Physical pain... of a magnitude that none of us here can comprehend because it is beyond our experience."_ Jonas's friends all know what they are to become and what will become of them. Jonas's heart, however, is "filled with fear"; the last Twelve appointed to be Receiver of Memory failed.
Jonas's foreboding deepens when he receives his first training instructions. He learns that he is no longer allowed to share his dreams with anyone, and that he may lie. Both rules go against everything he has been taught up until this point. It feels like his world has been turned upside down. The only person who understands his fears is the current Receiver of Memory, a "bearded man with pale eyes,"' who tells Jonas to call him the Giver. The Giver's job is to consult his memories of "the whole world" in order to advise the Committee of Elders when they must come to a decision. The Committee of Elders needs the Giver's guidance because they, not having any memories of the past, or of Elsewhere, cannot imagine a world other than it is, and therefore have trouble addressing "new" problems.
The Giver begins to transmit his memories to Jonas. He begins with pleasant memories of snow, sledding, sun, and sailing. Gradually, he adds memories of injuries, of war, of hate, of horrors. Jonas begins to feel irrational anger at his group mates, who are "satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on."' He is angry at himself, too, because "he could not change that [shallow living] for them."' Suddenly Jonas's family, who tell each other their dreams and share their feelings every day, begin to seem shallow. None of them have any comprehension of what Jonas has been learning every day. "They have never known pain,"' Jonas thinks one night. The realization makes him feel "desperately lonely."' When his mother says she feels sad, Jonas feels sadder because he "had experienced real grief," yet there is no "quick comfort" for how he feels, as there is for his mother's childish feelings. He begins to "lie easily" to his family about how pleasant his job is. In return, they smile and "lie easily,"' too. As Jonas begins to experience colors, and new sensations of both pain and pleasure, he grows more and more estranged from his community, and to feel increasingly disturbed. Who are his people, and how can they love if they lack depth of feelings and emotions and, even in a very fundamental way, choices?
Jonas's alienation from his community is complete when he witnesses, with the help of the Giver's closed-circuit television, his father "releasing" unwanted babies. Always before Jonas had assumed that babies who were released went "Elsewhere."' It had never occurred to him that his father gave babies who were different (because they were twins, or because they, like his baby stepbrother, Gabriel, were difficult to care for) a lethal injection. As one of two "enlightened" members of the community, Jonas now feels a terrible responsibility to right his community's wrongs. He decides to escape. He believes that, when he leaves, his memories will be transmitted to the other citizens; his community will, therefore, finally regain its links to the past.
Jonas's Escape
Jonas's plans to escape during the Ceremony of Twelve are foiled when he learns that his temporarily adopted brother, Gabriel, is in danger of being released. Motivated by his knowledge that release is a euphemism for death, Jonas steals his father's bicycle and, with Gabriel in tow, rides towards Elsewhere. Their journey is cold, dark, painful, and hungry. Jonas twists an ankle, has little to eat, and must do the best he can to care for the weakening Gabriel. His only comforts are the knowledge that all of his memories will be returned to the community, and his own memories of sunlight and warmth, which he shares with Gabriel.
Jonas finally comes to a sled on top of a hill, which he recognizes as the sled in his memory. He and Gabriel get onto the sled and sail toward Elsewhere. Writes Lowry,
The runners sliced through the snow and the wind whipped at his face as they sped in a straight line through an incision that seemed to lead to the final destination, the place that he had always felt was waiting, the Elsewhere that held their future and their past.
The novel's ending is ambiguous, but circular. Reunited with memories of light, snow, and sleds that the Giver gave him, reunited with memories of music, peace, joy, and freedom of choice that he found within himself, Jonas, along with Gabriel and the community that he left behind, has finally arrived in a better, more wholesome, place.
Chapter 1 Summary
In this chapter we are introduced to Jonas, who is in his "elevens." He is anticipating with fear the "ceremony of Twelve." We are not told what that ceremony is, only that all children face this and it changes their lives. Jonas recalls another time that he felt frightened. He remembers "that deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen." We participate in a memory last year when a jet over flew the community.
Jonas had ridden his bike to the landing field with other children to watch awkward round-bellied cargo planes unload supplies for the community. However, this was different. This was a sleek single-pilot jet. Jonas looked around to see that every one had stopped, confused, waiting for an explanation. The large speakers crackle to life. They order everyone to drop what they are doing and immediately go into the nearest building. Jonas obeys, running into his house where he looks out at the abandoned square. Relief comes as the speakers explain that a new pilot had lost his way. "Needless to say, he will be released," is the verdict. We learn that to be released was to be removed from the community. There were only three reasons to be released: the very old who could no longer contribute, the sickly very young who will not be able to contribute, and those who make mistakes or commit an act that is deemed serious enough for the ultimate punishment.
Jonas is part of a family two males, two females. There is father, mother and sister Lily, in her "sevens." We meet the family at the evening meal, where the ritual telling of feelings is shared. Each member describes an incident where they felt or displayed anger, frustration, or worry. Jonas explains feelings of apprehension for the "ceremony of Twelve."
Chapter 1 Analysis
The author brings us immediately into the mind of Jonas, an eleven year old boy. We listen in as he tries to determine what he is feeling. He is facing an unknown future. First he thinks he is frightened, then thinks back to the last time he was frightened. The routine of life was broken by an unexpected event, causing confusion. Jonas decides that fright is the wrong word substituting apprehension. Later, we learn that feelings are discussed every night at the evening meal.
The picture of the community seems at once familiar yet strange. Modern culture understands the reference to bicycles and planes, yet we don't understand the reason for fear when a plane over flies the common square. As the chapter unfolds, the differences begin to widen. We learn children do not have birthdays, per say, rather all children born that year are considered to age one year at the ceremony.
There is the word "released" used in an odd way, to be "released from the community." The assumption is the person released goes to join another community. Yet, there is no mention of any strangers joining this community.
Chapter 2 Summary
In Chapter 2 we learn that all children age a year in December. The ceremony for One is when the children are named. Children for a family must be applied for. One male, one female is awarded, about five years apart. The babies are raised in a nursery until the naming, when they are given to the parents that will raise them. We learn a little more about the importance of following the "Rules." Some rules are routinely broken. For example, children are not given a bicycle until the ceremony of Nine and are not to ride until then. However, older brothers and sisters often teach the younger to ride before that time.
Father is a Nurturer. His job is to care for the babies until they are brought to the ceremony of one and given a name and parents. Father is concerned about a male infant that is not thriving, and may be released. Father tells of breaking the rule of not naming a child by looking up the name assigned to the infant. Jonas is worried until he sees Mother smile. Father has received permission to bring "Gabriel" home at night for more personal care.
Rules can be changed by a committee. It is known that change moves very slowly, if at all. If the committee agrees that a rule should be changed, say lowering the age for bicycles, the final say goes the Receiver.
We learn that the ceremony of Twelve is when the children are assigned their life jobs. The elders observe the child, and then place them in a position that fits their interests and strengths. After the ceremony of Twelve, the child is considered an adult, and the yearly ceremony stops. Most adults don't know how old they are.
Chapter 2 Analysis
It is evident that the ceremony is a pivotal point for the children. Growth, independence, and new responsibilities change each year for all 50 children. They all move together into growth.
The elders are the authority of the community. They make the choice as to what position the child will ultimately fill as their life work. The elders are spoken of with respect and trust. However, it is a running joke that the board discussing rule changes will never decide. It is here that we learn of the Receiver, the highest authority and final say.
Chapter 3 Summary
We meet Gabriel for the first time when Father brings him home for the night. His comfort object is an imaginary animal called a hippo. Lily has one called an elephant. Children are given the comfort objects at birth. Then they give them up at the ceremony of Eight. The comfort objects are recycled to a new infant. Animals are unknown in this culture, considered imaginary.
Gabriel has pale eyes, as does Jonas. Pale eyes are rare. Lily makes a comment about becoming a Birthmother, only to be sharply reprimanded by her mother. Birthmothers have three births – three years of comfort and luxury. Then they are laborers until they enter "the house of the Old."
Jonas thinks that Lily could be a Speaker, one who makes the announcements. Some announcements are delivered to the community, but directed at a single person. Such as the one "This is a reminder to male elevens that object are not to be removed from the recreation area and that smacks are to be eaten, not hoarded"
Jonas had brought home an apple. He and Asher, his best friend, were playing catch with it. Jonas had seen the apple "change" as it was thrown. He brought it home to examine closely.
Chapter 3 Analysis
The new child Gabriel is introduced to the family. Jonas notices the pales eyes like his – a rarity in this community. He is not sleeping through the night, and could be released. The community will not accept anyone who does not conform to their idea of a member. Children are not born into the family, but birthed and kept until the ceremony of one. This would foster a strong feeling of a village – any of these children could be related to you. The community rules govern all aspects of behavior. Jonas finds this comforting, rather than restrictive.
Chapter 4 Summary
Jonas is on his way to perform his required volunteer work. Each child in the community has a certain number of hours that they must help out in some function of the community. The child may choose where he/she spends their hours. Jonas' father spoke of spending all his hours in the Nurturers building, helping with the new infants. When his Twelve came the Elders decided to give him a Nurturer position. The elders watch the children through the years; their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. At the ceremony of Twelve, the child becomes an adult. Their future career is assigned to them by the elders.
Today Jonas is working at the "House of the Old." He learns that one of the members was released today. He wonders what the old one saw as he left the community. Jonas gives a bath to a woman. It is against the law to see others nakedness, but there are two exceptions, very young children and the very old, who cannot dress or clean themselves.
Chapter 4 Analysis
Volunteer hours would be a good way for the children to try out different jobs and find out what they have an affinity for. They would learn of the different way the community works, and what it takes to do certain job.
Jonas is merely curious about the man that was released. There is a lot of speculation among the children as to where those released go.
Chapter 5 Summary
It's a new morning, and the family is sharing the dream ritual. They share their dreams and discuss the feelings that may have produced those images. Jonas rarely shares, but last night his dream was vivid, leaving rather odd feelings. He dreamed of wanting to bathe with a female his age, but she would not... Upon father's questioning, Jonas says, "The wanting, I knew that she wouldn't…But I wanted it so terribly." Mother and Father react a little oddly to this dream. Father takes the sister, Lily, to school, and Mother tells Jonas she will write an apology to his instructor so that Jonas would not need to publicly apologize to the class for his lateness.
Jonas learns that his dream is part of "Stirring," and he will need to start taking a morning pill to control it. The stirring normally starts in Elevens. Some of Jonas' friends were already taking the pills. It was considered rude to discuss it, but Mother assured him it was okay. She gives him his first pill and by the time he arrives at school the stirrings are gone.
Chapter 5 Analysis
Jonas experiences what we know is a sign of puberty and sexual awareness. In this community, the pills subdue the sexual drive. This would stop the pressure of performance to impress the opposite sex, and change the focus of the culture. The rules require one to be polite to the community as a whole. Public apology is common. So we have children without biology (of the parents). Culture without the pressure to perform.
Chapter 6 Summary
Chapter 6 opens with the family getting ready for the Ceremony. Lily fidgets while Mother ties the hair ribbons. Lily is impatient, and looking forward to tens. She will have her hair cut – no more ribbons.
Certain years of the ceremony brings new things to the children. First years get a name and a family. Fours receive a back-buttoned jacket to foster care for each other. Seven's had the first sign of independence when they were given the front – buttoned jackets. Lily became an eight this year, and proudly accepted the new jacket with smaller buttons and her first pockets. This was a sign that she was mature enough to keep track of her belongings. This is the year that they begin volunteer hours. By the time they are Twelve, they have had a chance to work at several different places and jobs.
The nines receive their first bicycle. The rules say that they are not to have ridden the bikes before that time, but most nines are able to hop on and pedal away. This rule is one that is always broken. Older siblings and friends teach the "eights" while the adults turn a blind eye. Tens make another step toward adulthood with shorter hair. The girl's long braids are cut, and the boy's hair is shortened to make self-care easier.
The Ceremony takes two days. Young Gabriel was not part of the "ones," getting another year to grow. He was labeled "uncertain" and given a reprieve instead of being labeled "Inadequate" and released from the community.
Finally the ceremony of "twelve's" arrives. Jonas and his friends nervously discuss what positions they will be given. If the child does not like the position given, the only choice is to ask for release. Then they can try again in another community.
Chapter 6 Analysis
The ceremony is essentially a "rite of passage." The children are given new toys or tools, clothes appropriate to their age. The culture expects the children to mature at the same rate. In reality, various images in the book tell us that it takes about 3 -4 years before the children are equal.
The "Nines" receive their first bicycle as the first step to adulthood. At ten, the childish hair styles are lost. At Twelve, they are considered adults.
There is no choice for one's position. We know that the Elders try to match the personalities and attributes to the job, but there are "urban legends" of children who rejected the choice made for them.
Chapter 7 Summary
The elevens line up by the stage in the order of the numbers they were given at birth. Jonas was nineteen, meaning the nineteenth newchild born that year. His full number was
The Chief Elder spoke to the Elevens-almost-twelves; "This is the time when we acknowledge difference. You elevens have spent all your years till now learning to fit in, to standardize your behavior, to curb any impulse that might set you apart from the group. But today we honor your differences. They have determined your futures."
She went on to describe the various personalities within the group. She used no names, but the children knew who she was describing. Finally the assignments began. Called up in order of numbers, the children received the badges of their office.
Number eighteen, Fiona, smiled when assigned as caretaker of the old. She's spent many hours helping in the House of the Old. Her gentle and quiet nature was soothing to the elderly residents. Jonas tensed to stand when the number "Twenty" was called. He'd been skipped! He waited with increasing embarrassment while the rest of the Elevens walked to the stage, returning with the badges. The Elder had made a mistake.
Chapter 7 Analysis
All aspects of life in this community are regulated by the word of the Elders or community rules. From your career to your spouse, the choice is made for you. Many early cultures allowed little or no choice in the same way. You grew up in your Father's business or apprenticed to a Master; often chosen by the Father. If you were female and high-born, you had little choice in the matter of a husband. You were a political tool.
Chapter 8 Summary
When the last child walked back to his seat, the audience clapped without enthusiasm. There were mutters and questioning whispers. The elder turned to the audience, acknowledging their discomfort. "I have caused you anxiety, I apologize to my community."
"We accept your apology," was the chorused reply. The Elder continued, "Jonas has not been assigned, he has been selected." The Elder went on to explain that Jonas had been selected to be the next Receiver of Memory. She continues, referencing a mistake that was made ten years ago. She explains why it has taken so long to select a new receiver of memory.
The Receiver of memory is different from the community. Jonas' training will not be public, shared with the community; Jonas has not experienced being set apart from the group. The elder explains the requirements for a Receiver. They must be intelligent, courageous, have integrity, and wisdom. She finishes with the statement that the Receiver must have the ability to "See Beyond." She does not explain, and Jonas thinks about the apple that changed.
Chapter 8 Analysis
The community is confused – something is different. The Speaker publicly apologizers for causing discomfort, soothing the group. She called Jonas and explains that he has been "selected" to the highest position of honor in the community. Things will be different for Jonas. He will be alone, set apart from the group. He will experience pain, and not be able to get relief. He will be different.
Chapter 9 Summary
For the first time in his twelve years, Jonas felt apart from his friends and family. Asher did talk to him after the ceremony, but he used a different tone, one of uncertainty. That night over dinner Jonas's parents talked to him about his assignment. "It's not a Job really, there's only one Receiver." Jonas's Mother went on to tell of the failed Receiver of ten years ago. It was a female then. The failure was so bad her name would never be used again for a newchild, nor was it to be spoken out loud. This was one of the highest disgraces in the community; to have your name removed from the house of records, and never used again.
Preparing for bed Jonas opened the thin folder he had been given for his assignment. Inside there was a single printed sheet with his instructions for his training.
"JONAS RECEIVER OF MEMORY
1. Go immediately after school to the annex behind the house of old.
2. Go immediately to your dwelling at the conclusion of training each day
3. From this moment you are exempted from rudeness. You may ask any question of any citizen and you will receive answers
4. Do not discuss your training with any other member of the community, including parents and elders.
5. From this moment you are prohibited from dream-telling.
6. Except for illness or injury unrelated to your training, do not apply for any medication.
7. You are not permitted to apply for release.
8. You may lie."
This last one impressed Jonas the most. What if all others had gotten the same instructions? He and his group mates had been taught at a very young age not to lie; now he had permission. Jonas made a promise to himself not to take advantage of this strange rule.
Chapter 9 Analysis
The list for Jonas is entirely out of his experience. He can lie? Rudeness is no longer an issue. Also, he can get answers to any question. Jonas must come to terms with this "honor" that sets him apart from the group. For twelve years he has learned to blend in, now he must stand out and alone.
Chapter 10 Summary
The first day of training Jonas rode to the house of old with his friend Fiona. She had been assigned as a caretaker there. Jonas went around the building to the annex. Nothing was significant about the outside. Once inside he talked to the receptionist and she led him into the Receiver's office. The thing the caught his eye immediately was the wall of books. In his own house there were only the required books; a dictionary, a book which contained descriptions of every office, house building and committee, and The book of rules. The receiver looked like any other elder, except for his eyes. Jonas had those same piercing light eyes. He welcomed Jonas with a smile and asked him to call him Giver. Jonas was now the Receiver. The Giver talked to Jonas about his own training and how he felt as a twelve. The process was almost identical to what Jonas had been through. Jonas tried to understand. "Sir, is this all we will be doing? Telling me of your childhood? Meaning no disrespect, but I could do a regular job and come listen afterwards. I would like that very much." The Giver shook his head "it is not my memories I will give you Jonas, It is the memories of the world, the memories of before you, me and all receivers past." Jonas was confused. He'd never known a world outside of his community. "I'm so weighted with all the memories it will be nice to let some of them go. It's like going downhill in a sled, at first you have speed, crisp air all downhill, but then the snow builds up in the runners and you slow down having to drag the sled back uphill." Jonas was now more confused than ever "sled? What's that?" The Giver smiled "come lie on this couch and take off your shirt." Jonas did so. The Giver placed his hands on Jonas's back. "I'm going to give you snow."
Chapter 10 Analysis
Jonas and his friends had spoken of other communities, but never speculated that they would be any different than the one here. The Receiver spoke of things that Jonas could not comprehend.
The Receiver told Jones that he was now to be the Giver, as Jonas would be the receiver. The Giver is passing on memories. They were memories of things that no longer exist in the community, like cold snow. These are memories not shared by the general community. Jonas will be the keeper of history.
Chapter 11 Summary
Jonas closed his eyes. He felt the touch of the old mans hands on his back get colder. The air around him changed, getting harder to breathe. He felt pinpricks all over his body. He stuck out his tongue and got a cold surprise. Smiling he did it again and again, each one turning to water in his mouth. Part of him knew that he was just lying on a couch in a room with the Giver, but a separate part of him felt and saw himself sitting on a sled at the top of a hill. These new words came to him as he looked at them. The sled ride was exhilarating, Jonas wanted more. The Giver promised it as a treat for another time. Jonas was a flood of questions. "Why don't we have those things?" The Giver explained that snow made it hard to grow food, and hills hindered transportation.
The Giver silenced Jonas, "I want to give you another memory, this time I won't tell you the name; you should be able to perceive it on your own." Jonas lay back down and the Giver started. Jonas felt the warmth start on his neck and travel over his body. "Sunshine," he told the Giver as he opened his eyes. Jonas asked the Giver about the painful things the Elder had mentioned. "Maybe another day, you've just started." The Giver was reluctant to hurt Jonas so soon. Jonas was firm though he wanted to prove his bravery. The Giver gave Jonas a memory of sunburn. Jonas woke with his skin still stinging from the pain. "I understand now thank you sir, see you tomorrow"
Chapter 11 Analysis
Many things were lost in order to make life easier. The weather was tamed, and the land made flat. People no longer needed to feel pain for more than the time it took to call for relief. Jonas had never known snow, but recognized sunshine. He was surprised by the pain of sunburn. We may assume that no one in his knowledge ever had sunburn.
Chapter 12 Summary
The next morning Jonas's mother asked him if he had any dreams while he slept. Thinking of the dream he'd had of snow, he told her he'd slept soundly. His Father made a comment about Gabriel not sleeping through the night. Mother agreed he'd woken them up in the middle of the night crying. School was a little different that day. Classes were the same but breaks and lunch were filled with twelves buzzing about their first day of training. After school he again rode with Fiona to the house of old. As Fiona went into the house of old Jonas was startled. A change had happened again, this time with Fiona's hair. It had been just a glimpse, but he was sure he'd seen something. He decided to ask the Giver about it
The Giver smiled as Jonas entered his room. When Giver commented that Jonas was one minute late, Jonas started to apologize, then remembered the giver had said they didn't have time for apologies in this room. He tried to explain to the Giver what had happened with both the apple and Fiona's hair. The Giver thought a little and asked Jonas if he'd looked around in the memory of the sled. Jonas shook his head. He'd only felt the sled underneath him as he went racing down the hill.
The Giver suggested that they do a test. He told Jonas to lie on the couch again. Jonas did so and waited for the giver's hands on his back. They didn't come, instead the Giver told Jonas to conjure up the memory. Jonas was a little confused. "Don't you have to give me the memory?" The Giver replied "I already have. It's in your head not mine, now concentrate." As Jonas did the sled was suddenly under him. He was delighted and actually looked around this time. He was startled to see himself, his hands holding a rope, his legs blocked view of the sled beneath him. Moving his legs he was dumbfounded. This was not a simple glimpse of the change; the sled was different. Opening his eyes Jonas looked questioningly at the Giver. The Giver sighed and told Jonas that he was beginning to see the color red. While Jonas tried to grasp the concept of color, The Giver got an idea. "Lie back down Jonas. I'm going to give you a rainbow."
Chapter 12 Analysis
We learn that no one sees in color in this community, other than the Giver and receiver. In the push to be the same, even colors had to be muted to shades of gray. The Giver teaches Jonas how to retrieve the memory of Snow given the day before.
Should we assume that the community does not retain memory? Yet, the children learn in school. Twelves are learning their positions. Perhaps the ability to recall in vivid detail has been muted with the colors. It is said that newborns only see in black and white, then red. Jonas is seeing the world with an infant's sight.
Chapter 13 Summary
Weeks went by and Jonas learned the names of all the colors which he'd begun to see. Jonas asked the Giver why color had been taken away from the community. It had been a decision the elders made before the first receiver, to remove colors from the community. This made life easier with fewer choices to make. One morning after that, Jonas tried an experiment to give his friend Asher an awareness of red. He asked Asher to look at some flowers while he touched him. All that came out of it was that Asher became uneasy around Jonas that week. That day the Giver gave Jonas a memory of an Elephant laying on the ground without its tusks, its mate grieving over the corpse. That night Jonas tried to share the elephant memory to his sister and Father. But neither one got anything out of it.
One day Jonas asked the Giver if he'd ever had a spouse. The Giver did have one; she now lived with the childless adults. This conversation turned into one on rules and what the Receiver actually does in the community. Sometimes the council calls on the Receiver for advice on matters they do not understand.
Some days Jonas would walk into the room to find the Giver hunched over in pain. He knew these days he would be sent home with nothing more than "I'm in pain go away." One day Jonas suggested that the Giver give him some of the painful memories, so his load wouldn't be so heavy. The Giver agreed, knowing that Jonas would have to bear them all some day. Jonas lay on the couch and the Giver started with the sled memory.
Chapter 13 Analysis
Jonas is becoming more isolated from the experiences of the group. He tries to reach out and share some of his new way of seeing, but his friends and family do not understand.
The elders have chosen, in the interests of "making life easier" to blunt and dull what we would consider normal life. No major changes or upsets no frustration from too many choices. I wonder if those stressed by modern life might find a lack of choice peaceful? There is a trend in American culture for less freedom, fewer choices; a "Daddy knows best" attitude from the leadership. Is this a good trend?
Chapter 14 Summary
Jonas grinned with delight as he sat atop the sled he now knew well. The landscape was a little different this time, the snow not as soft, the hill a little steeper. Speeding down the hill the sled hit a bump, knocking Jonas off into the air. He came down hard on the ice, breaking his leg and scraping his face bloody. He awoke on the familiar couch whimpering he looked at the Giver with tears in his eyes. He asked for a relief-of-pain. The Giver shook his head. Jonas limped home, his face feeling raw and body bruised. His father asked him if he wanted a relief-of-pain, but Jonas remembered his rules; no meds for training pains.
Now Jonas's days included many painful memories. The Giver tried to lessen them a little with pleasant ones directly following. Jonas asked why these memories couldn't be shared throughout the community. The pain would be less and the joy shared. The Giver agreed but the council did not The Giver explained that Jonas and he were there to take the pain for everyone else.
The extra time Father had been putting in with Gabriel was paying off. His motor skills were developing nicely. His weight was going up. During the talk around the table, Father mentioned that Identical twins were on their way. Mother looked concerned, "will you be the next to release one of them?" To make things simpler, the council got rid of one twin.
Even with the progress Father had made with Gabriel, he still wasn't sleeping through the night. Jonas suggested putting Gabe in his room for a night. During the night when Gabe cried, Jonas accidentally transferred a memory of sailing to Gabe while trying to calm him down. This scared him. He decided not to tell anyone.
Chapter 14 Analysis
Jonas's training has become painful, as the Giver passes sorrowful and painful memories to him. Jonas wonders why the community doesn't share these. There would be less pain, and others would know joy as he does. Jonas has realized that the community does not truly have emotions, only a pale copy of anger, love, or happiness. Earlier, the Giver explains that when the previous receiver was released, the memories she'd been given spread into the community, causing distress, pain, and panic. This upset the routine of the community, proving to the Elders that the correct choice had been made to "protect" the people.
Jonas discovers accidentally that Gabriel is also a receiver. Perhaps the pale eyes was a physical display of this ability.
Chapter 15 Summary
One day when Jonas walked into the Annex he knew this would be a day he would be sent away. Instead the Giver looked at Jonas and pleaded him to take some of the pain away. Jonas agreed with fervor and lay down on the couch. The Giver gave Jonas a long hard memory of war. Pain, death and destruction were everywhere. He watched a boy his age die right next to him. Finally, when he was begging for death himself, he woke up with a start. The Giver jerked his hands off Jonas and sobbed "forgive me." Jonas was still in shock to speak.
Chapter 15 Analysis
Jonas gets his first taste of how ugly war and death can be. The question still begs, "Is it better for one person to suffer intensely; or to spread the misery through the community, coloring the culture?"
Chapter 16 Summary
After that, Jonas was reluctant to go back to the Annex. The next couple of days the Giver was very gentle with Jonas. All memories were of happy things; a birthday party, museums. He even went riding for an afternoon and was introduced to the bonds between animal and man. Jonas asked the Giver about his favorite memory. The Giver gave it willingly. It was a Christmas party with family and grandparents. There was joy on everyone's faces as they opened up their presents. It was with this memory that Jonas experienced love.
That night Jonas asked his parents "do you love me?" They replied with amusement chastising him for an inappropriate use of words. They told him they were proud of his accomplishments and that they enjoyed his company. His mother asked him if he understood why "love" was an inappropriate term. He replied" yes, thank you I do"
It was the first lie to his parents. The next morning Jonas did not take his pill. Something inside him had told him to throw the pill away.
Gabriel had been sleeping so well in Jonas' room that the nurturers decided he could come back to the nursery. But in the nursery, the infant cried and would not sleep through the night. So he was returned to Jonas' room. We learn that Jonas has been transferring peaceful memories to Gabriel to help him sleep.
Chapter 16 Analysis
Jonas learns of the old style family unit, with three or four generations together. He witnesses the love between the members. He is confused until the Giver names the emotion. This community does not keep families intact. When the children grow up, the parents move to the childless adult's area. There is little or no contact with the grown children. The family unit is sacrificed for the community unit.
When Jonas asks his parents if they love him, they respond with amusement and correction. "Love" is an imprecise word, they explain – so generalized and meaningless that the word is rarely used.
Jonas is developing a connection with Gabriel, something that is against the rules. At the ceremony of one Gabriel will be officially named and given to another family. Jonas has learned love, and seems to be unable to reject those feelings for the baby.
Chapter 17 Summary
"TODAY IS AN UNSCHEDULED
Jonas could see colors now and keep them. He had seen oceans, mountains, and canyons. These were things no one in the community had dreamed of. While out in the field playing with Asher and his friends, Jonas realized that they were playing war games. Jonas asked them to stop playing. He understood the pain of war. The other children were irritated when Jonas wouldn't join in the play.
Jonas understood more clearly that his friends and family didn't understand what real emotion was. They experienced only a pale shadow. Back at the house Lily started a conversation on babies. They talked about Gabriel, and the twins who still hadn't been born.
Chapter 17 Analysis
Again, Jonas is forced to see his differences from his family and friends. Jonas knows that what he feels for his family and friends Asher and Fiona is love. But he also realizes that they are incapable of love, or any strong emotion.
That evening the discussion turns to the impending release of one of the twins. The elders long ago decided that having identical twins would be too complicated. Lily chants "One for here, One for elsewhere." Jonas asks for a detailed explanation from his Father. Father explains that he will weigh the babies, then perform a ceremony of release for the smaller infant. He would then wave "bye bye." Jonas is unsatisfied with this, and asks if someone will be taking the child to the new community. Father replies. "of course."
Chapter 18 Summary
Jonas asked the Giver about release the next day. The Giver replied that sometimes he wished he could apply for release but couldn't until Jonas was trained. That rule had not been in effect until the failure ten years ago with the female receiver. She couldn't handle the emotional pain the Giver had to transfer. He had loved her and tried to give her happy memories, but like Jonas, she knew her duty was to handle all the memories good and bad. She couldn't handle the painful memories and asked for release. All her memories came back to the people. Most were happy, but the sad ones upset the community. After, that the council added the no release rule to the list for Jonas.
Jonas mentioned that if he died, would all his memories would come floating back to the people. Would they have to remember things for themselves? The Giver looked a little troubled at Jonas's remark and asked him to be careful.
Chapter 18 Analysis
The discussion of release includes more detail about the female receiver who couldn't finish her training. When she choose to be released, the memories transferred to her came back to the community. We are not told if those memories eventually went back to the receiver or if the community absorbed them. Jonas is feeling the pressure, and wonders what it would be like if the community handled their own emotions. Again we have the theme of one suffering for the community.
Chapter 19 Summary
Jonas mentioned to the Giver that his Father was releasing one of the twins today. He wished he could watch. The Giver asked his secretary to play back the video from that morning. Jonas saw his Father weighing both babies. The bigger one went off to a nurse to be taken care of. The other was laid on a table while Father got out a syringe out from the cupboard and filled it with a liquid that had been prepared earlier. He injected it into the twin and stood there while the child spacemen and became still. Jonas recognized the expression from a memory and realized his Father had killed the baby. He was horrified.
The Giver commented about the previous receiver's release. She asked to inject herself.
Chapter 19 Analysis
Every child comes to a time when they realize that parents have not always been honest. Subjects that range from the benign – like the tooth fairy, to the mysterious – like where babies come from. That feeling of betrayal is often the first time the child knows the parent is not invincible or perfect. For Jonas, he not only learned that his Father lied, but committed murder.
Add to that the understanding that "release" was not, as the children thought, a move to elsewhere, but death. This could apply to change. Any change is a sort of death to the past, and a move to the new.
Chapter 20 Summary
Jonas had a tantrum on the couch. "I won't go home you can't make me!" he kept screaming. The Giver said he'd allow him to stay there that night. He called his secretary and asked her to notify Jonas's family unit. Jonas kept going on about how his Father had lied to him. He was also worried about Fiona and how she'd take the release thing. The Giver informed him that Fiona was already schooled in the ways of release. As they ate they concocted a plan for Jonas to escape to elsewhere. Jonas asked the Giver to come with him again and again, but the giver knew with Jonas gone the people would need someone to turn to.
The next morning Jonas went home to his family cheerfully lying about being busy all night. In school Jonas went over the plan in his head over and over. Over the next two weeks the Giver would transfer every memory of courage and strength he could. They would hoard food and Jonas would leave at
Chapter 20 Analysis
This is where Jonas must come to terms with his feelings. The Giver reminds him that he and Jonas are the only ones who really have feeling. The others simply do as they are told – to "release infants, elderly and three-time rule breakers." Jonas realizes that this arrangement must stop. He plans to leave. The Giver will not go with him.
When Jonas leaves, the memories he carries will come back to the community. The Giver feels he must stay to help the community work through the transition. These two are, in effect, planning to change their culture. There are no other children old enough with the pale eyes to be a receiver. The community will be forced to bear the memories.
Chapter 21 Summary
Jonas was hunched on his father's bicycle with Gabriel on the back in a child seat. He found out that Gabriel was up for release in the morning. He left the community with stolen food and his father's bike. That was three major transgressions against him, enough for them to release him. Before he left, Jonas transmitted the most soothing memory he had, one of sitting on a hammock, swaying gently in the breeze. They stopped after a while and had breakfast. Jonas took Gabe back into some trees to sleep during the day so the planes wouldn't find them. He transferred a memory of deep contented exhaustion and Gabriel fell right to sleep. Every day they slept, every night they traveled. Jonas always kept a sharp eye out for planes as they searched for them; diving into the bushes whenever he heard one. Then there came a time when he stopped hearing planes at all.
Chapter 21 Analysis
The plans to leave were moved forward quickly when Jonas learned that Gabriel was going to be released. Jonas stole his father's bike with the infant seat, and left that evening. He abandoned the life he knew. "The life where nothing was ever unexpected. Or inconvenient. Or unusual. The life with out color, pain, or past."
Jonas committed the unthinkable – leaving in the night, with stolen food, on a stolen bike, with a condemned child. There was no turning back. He had to leave without the memories of strength and courage the Giver planned to pass on. Jonas demonstrated impressive individual strength as he dodged search planes, sleeping during the day and pushing on at night. He did not know where he was going, only away.
Chapter 22 Summary
The landscape was changing and the road becomes more difficult to ride on. Jonas's bike caught on something and he fell. His first instinct was to reach for Gabriel, but fortunately, Gabriel was strapped to the seat and didn't get hurt. Jonas traveled in the daytime now with no fear of planes. He'd hurt his ankle falling, and stopped at every stream to soak it.
On their way to a new life Jonas and Gabriel saw much wildlife. He and Gabe were starving slowly, Jonas tried to give Gabe as many memories of food as he could but as soon as the memory faded, they were both hungry again. Jonas no longer cared for himself. He just wanted to get Gabriel to a safe haven so he could live out his life.
Chapter 22 Analysis
Jonas is discovering a world that he had only glimpsed through old memories. Now it was real – and painful. He debated if he had made the right choice, where he would not be hungry or hurt. The conclusion was that he'd rather do this than live without color, feelings, or love. There are many hard choices in life. Some include walking into pain, knowing it is the better choice in the long run.
Chapter 23 Summary
They encountered snow. Jonas kept pedaling concerned only for Gabriel's well being. He tried to give the baby every scrap of heat and warmth, leaving none for himself. Eventually he abandoned the bike, for the snow had gotten to thick to ride through. Wrapping Gabe up in a blanket as tight as he could Jonas trudged on foot up a never ending hill. Upon reaching the summit of the hill Jonas found the sled that was waiting for them. Seating himself and Gabe they started down the hill. Faster and faster he went, with certainty that whoever was at the bottom was waiting with open arms for him and the baby. For the first time he thought he heard music, but maybe it was just an echo.
Chapter 23 Analysis
The author leaves uncertainty about the ending of this story. It is unclear whether Jonas experiencing real life or reliving one last happy memory before death.