Jonas's Apprehensive Anticipation

In a meticulously controlled community where emotions and individuality are suppressed, Jonas feels a sense of apprehension as December approaches. This is the month of the Ceremony of Twelve, where children are assigned their lifelong roles. Jonas is careful with language and introspective, unlike his friend Asher, who is carefree and often in trouble for his imprecise speech. The community values conformity and obedience, and Jonas's family participates in nightly rituals of sharing feelings, though Jonas's emotions are more complex than he can express.

The Ceremony of Twelve

During the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas is skipped over, causing confusion and anxiety. However, it is revealed that he has been selected for the rare and prestigious role of Receiver of Memory. This role requires him to inherit the community's collective memories from The Giver, an elder who holds the community's history and emotions. Jonas is both honored and apprehensive, as he learns that his training will involve experiencing pain and isolation.

The Burden of Memories

Jonas begins his training with The Giver, who transmits memories of the past, including both joy and suffering. Jonas experiences snow, sunshine, and the concept of color, which have been eradicated in the community's pursuit of Sameness. He learns about emotions and the depth of human experience, which are absent in his community. The Giver explains that the community's choice to eliminate pain also removed the richness of life.

Discovering Color and Emotion

As Jonas receives more memories, he begins to see colors and feel emotions that others in the community cannot. He struggles with the realization that his friends and family live shallow, emotionless lives. Jonas attempts to share his newfound awareness with his friend Asher, but is met with confusion. He learns about love and family from The Giver, and yearns for a world where these feelings are possible.

The Pain of Knowledge

Jonas discovers the dark truth behind the community's practice of "release," which is actually euthanasia. He is horrified to learn that his father, a Nurturer, participates in this practice, believing it to be a benign ceremony. The revelation shatters Jonas's trust in his community and his family, and he feels isolated by the knowledge he now bears.

A Plan for Change

Jonas and The Giver plan to change the community by releasing the memories back to the people. Jonas will escape to Elsewhere, which will force the community to confront the memories and emotions they have suppressed. The Giver will stay behind to help the community cope with the influx of memories. Jonas is determined to bring change, even if it means sacrificing his own safety.

The Escape Begins

Jonas learns that Gabriel, a baby staying with his family, is scheduled for release. Desperate to save him, Jonas flees the community with Gabriel. They travel by night, hiding from search planes and struggling against hunger and exhaustion. Jonas uses memories of warmth and love to comfort Gabriel and himself as they journey toward the unknown.

Journey to Elsewhere

As they travel through a changing landscape, Jonas and Gabriel face increasing challenges. Jonas's strength wanes, but he is driven by the hope of reaching Elsewhere, a place where they can live freely. In the final moments, Jonas finds a sled and descends a snowy hill, feeling a sense of joy and belonging. He hears music and sees lights, believing they have reached a place where love and memories are cherished.

Characters

Jonas

Jonas is a thoughtful and perceptive boy who is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory. He is initially apprehensive about his role but grows to understand the depth of human experience through the memories he receives. Jonas's journey is one of awakening, as he learns about emotions, color, and the complexities of life. His empathy and courage drive him to seek change for his community.

The Giver

The Giver is the current Receiver of Memory, tasked with holding the community's memories and advising the Elders. He is weary from the burden of memories but finds hope in Jonas's potential. The Giver is compassionate and deeply cares for Jonas, guiding him through the painful and joyful memories. He ultimately supports Jonas's plan to escape and bring change to the community.

Gabriel

Gabriel is a baby who stays with Jonas's family due to his inability to sleep through the night. He forms a bond with Jonas, who shares memories with him to soothe him. Gabriel represents hope and the possibility of a different future. His scheduled release prompts Jonas to flee the community to save him.

Asher

Asher is Jonas's best friend, known for his humor and lack of precision in language. He is assigned the role of Assistant Director of Recreation. Asher represents the carefree and unthinking acceptance of the community's rules. Despite Jonas's attempts to share his new awareness, Asher remains unaware of the deeper truths Jonas has learned.

Fiona

Fiona is a kind and responsible girl who is assigned to work at the House of the Old. She is one of Jonas's closest friends, and he harbors feelings for her. Fiona is unaware of the true nature of release and the emotions Jonas experiences, highlighting the community's suppression of individuality and feeling.

Jonas's Father

Jonas's father is a Nurturer who cares for newchildren, including Gabriel. He is gentle and loving but unaware of the true nature of release, which he performs as part of his duties. His actions reveal the community's moral blindness and the consequences of living without true understanding.

Jonas's Mother

Jonas's mother works at the Department of Justice and is committed to the community's rules and structure. She values precision of language and adherence to societal norms. Her interactions with Jonas highlight the community's lack of emotional depth and understanding.

Lily

Lily is Jonas's younger sister, known for her curiosity and energy. She represents the innocence and conformity of childhood in the community. Her interactions with Jonas provide moments of levity and highlight the differences between Jonas's growing awareness and the community's ignorance.

Rosemary

Rosemary was the previous Receiver-in-training who failed and requested release. Her inability to cope with the painful memories led to her release, which caused chaos in the community. Rosemary's story serves as a cautionary tale for Jonas and underscores the risks of bearing the community's memories.

Plot Devices

Memories

Memories are central to the narrative, serving as a means for Jonas to learn about the past and the emotions that have been suppressed in his community. Through memories, Jonas experiences joy, pain, love, and loss, which shape his understanding of the world and drive his desire for change.

Sameness

The community's pursuit of Sameness has eradicated differences, emotions, and colors, creating a controlled and predictable society. This plot device highlights the consequences of sacrificing individuality and depth of experience for the sake of order and stability.

Release

The concept of release is a euphemism for euthanasia, used to maintain the community's population and eliminate those who do not conform. The revelation of release's true nature is a turning point for Jonas, prompting his decision to escape and seek change.

The Ceremony of Twelve

The Ceremony of Twelve is a pivotal event where children are assigned their lifelong roles, reinforcing the community's control over individual destinies. Jonas's selection as Receiver sets him apart and initiates his journey of discovery and rebellion.

The Escape

Jonas's escape from the community represents his rejection of its oppressive rules and his pursuit of a life with freedom, emotion, and choice. The journey to Elsewhere is fraught with challenges but embodies the hope for a better future.

Analysis

Lois Lowry's novel presents a dystopian society where emotions and individuality are suppressed in favor of order and predictability. Through Jonas's journey, the story examines the importance of memory, emotion, and choice in defining the human experience. The narrative critiques the dangers of sacrificing individuality for the sake of societal control and highlights the value of diversity and emotional depth. Jonas's awakening and eventual escape underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for freedom and authenticity. The novel invites readers to reflect on the balance between safety and freedom, and the role of memory and emotion in shaping identity and community.

Last updated: November 13, 2024