All Chapter summaries were taken from Bookrags:
The Giver from BookRags Book Notes. ©2000-2009 by BookRags, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Chapter 23
Although he cannot see or hear anything, Jonas feels that he is getting closer to his destination--Elsewhere. When it begins to snow, riding becomes impossible. Jonas must abandon the bicycle and continue the journey. For a moment, he thinks that he would like to give up and drop beside the bicycle. All the memories that he received from The Giver have been shed, returning to the people of the community. When Jonas calls back the memory of sunshine, nothing comes at first, but a few moments later, it comes to him. Jonas transmits the memory to Gabriel to warm him. Renewed by this brief moment of warmth, Jonas begins to climb a steep hill. Occasionally, he tries to call back memories of warmth to protect himself and Gabriel from the cold. He regrets that there was not more time for him to receive memories of warmth from The Giver, but Jonas suddenly begins to be happy. Although he is still exhausted and cold, he remembers his family, his friends, and The Giver.
Chapter 22
Jonas moves ahead into an unfamiliar territory with untended roads. There are also more trees, forests, and streams. For the first time, they see a waterfall and wildlife. They even see a bird flying over them which Jonas vaguely remembers from the memories he received from The Giver. Soon, more birds appear as well as a deer and an animal he cannot identify. Jonas is happy looking around the new landscape, never having encountered these things before in the community with "a life of Sameness and predictability."
But there are new fears as well, one of them being the fear of starvation.
But there are new fears as well, one of them being the fear of starvation.
Chapter 21
Despite the careful planning, however, Jonas is forced to flee immediately that very night, unable to wait until the day of the Ceremony. Earlier in the evening, Father announced that Gabriel had been voted to be released. When he was taken to the Nurturing Center to sleep, Gabriel cried all night, and a decision had been made to release the child the very next morning.
Taking some leftover food and his father's larger bicycle with a childseat in the back to carry Gabriel, Jonas sets out on his journey. He transmits a calm memory of a hammock swinging back and forth by a beach on an island to Gabriel to soothe the child into falling asleep. He pedals steadily, leaving the community. He is leaving without the memories of courage and strength that The Giver had promised, but he hopes that the ones he has now will suffice. After stopping by a stream to eat with Gabriel, Jonas takes the newchild in his arms to sleep. To help the baby sleep, Jonas transmits another memory--this time, that of exhaustion.
Sleeping by day and pedaling by night, Jonas can no longer count how many days have passed. Despite his aching legs, Jonas continues his journey. At times, planes fly closely over the land. Remembering that these planes are equipped with devices that can detect body warmth, Jonas gives Gabriel memories of snow and saves some for himself so that their bodies will go undetected by the searchers. As Jonas journeys further away from the community, he realizes that his memories are becoming weaker and fainter. He is shedding the memories so they can make their way back to the people. Soon, the search planes become less frequent as Jonas moves ahead into an area uninhabited by people.
Taking some leftover food and his father's larger bicycle with a childseat in the back to carry Gabriel, Jonas sets out on his journey. He transmits a calm memory of a hammock swinging back and forth by a beach on an island to Gabriel to soothe the child into falling asleep. He pedals steadily, leaving the community. He is leaving without the memories of courage and strength that The Giver had promised, but he hopes that the ones he has now will suffice. After stopping by a stream to eat with Gabriel, Jonas takes the newchild in his arms to sleep. To help the baby sleep, Jonas transmits another memory--this time, that of exhaustion.
Sleeping by day and pedaling by night, Jonas can no longer count how many days have passed. Despite his aching legs, Jonas continues his journey. At times, planes fly closely over the land. Remembering that these planes are equipped with devices that can detect body warmth, Jonas gives Gabriel memories of snow and saves some for himself so that their bodies will go undetected by the searchers. As Jonas journeys further away from the community, he realizes that his memories are becoming weaker and fainter. He is shedding the memories so they can make their way back to the people. Soon, the search planes become less frequent as Jonas moves ahead into an area uninhabited by people.
Chapter 20
Weeping and trembling, Jonas shouts vehemently that he refuses to go home. The Giver speaks to the attendant behind the wall speakers, instructing her to tell Jonas's family that he will stay for the night for further training. The Giver calmly explains to Jonas that his father is simply doing what he is told to do, knowing nothing else. "It's the way they live. It's the life that was created for them. It's the same life that you would have, if you had not been chosen as my successor." Chapter 20, pg. 153
Chapter 19
When Jonas tells The Giver about the selection his father is making between the two newborn twins, The Giver says that he wishes they wouldn't do such things. Jonas says that he would like to watch, but unfortunately, children are not allowed to watch. The Giver reminds him that he can; the Receiver can ask anything of anyone. In the community, all private ceremonies are taped and placed in the Hall of Closed Records. Talking into the speakers on the wall, The Giver asks to see the release of the twin.
On a video screen, Jonas can see the Nurturing Center and his father appear with an assistant Nurturer. There are two identical twin babies on the bed. After weighing them, Jonas's father hands over one of the babies to the assistant who walks out of the room. Jonas tells The Giver that his father will clean the other baby, but instead, his father inserts a syringe into the newchild's forehead. After all the liquid in the syringe has been injected, the child moves for awhile until it falls limp. For awhile, Jonas thinks that he recognizes the "gestures and posture and expression" of the infant. They look familiar; he has seen them before. Then the memory of the young soldier dying on the battlefield comes back to him, and he realizes with horror that his father has killed the child.
On a video screen, Jonas can see the Nurturing Center and his father appear with an assistant Nurturer. There are two identical twin babies on the bed. After weighing them, Jonas's father hands over one of the babies to the assistant who walks out of the room. Jonas tells The Giver that his father will clean the other baby, but instead, his father inserts a syringe into the newchild's forehead. After all the liquid in the syringe has been injected, the child moves for awhile until it falls limp. For awhile, Jonas thinks that he recognizes the "gestures and posture and expression" of the infant. They look familiar; he has seen them before. Then the memory of the young soldier dying on the battlefield comes back to him, and he realizes with horror that his father has killed the child.
Chapter 18
The next day, Jonas asks The Giver about release. The Giver tells him that sometimes his pain makes him want to apply for a release, but he is not allowed to do it until Jonas is trained. Jonas is not ever permitted to request for a release because of the failure of the Receiver ten years ago. Upon Jonas's pleading, The Giver relents and tells him the story about the failed Receiver.
The new Receiver had been a female named Rosemary who had been selected and assigned just as Jonas had been during the Ceremony. She had been "a remarkable young woman," "self-possessed and serene...intelligent, eager to learn." The Giver had loved Rosemary just as he loves Jonas.
The new Receiver had been a female named Rosemary who had been selected and assigned just as Jonas had been during the Ceremony. She had been "a remarkable young woman," "self-possessed and serene...intelligent, eager to learn." The Giver had loved Rosemary just as he loves Jonas.
Chapter 17
An announcement is made through the speakers, declaring an unscheduled holiday when adults and children can get rest from work and school. Riding his bicycle to go look for Asher, Jonas thinks to himself that he has not been taking the pills for four weeks, and he feels guilty about the returning Stirrings. He also knows, however, that he cannot return to living without feelings.
Chapter 15
When Jonas enters The Giver's room, he knows that it is a day when he will be sent away without his training. The Giver is in his chair, apparently in pain and suffering. He pleads to Jonas to take away the pain. Jonas removes his tunic and lies on the bed, ready to be given the memory that tortures The Giver.
He finds himself in place of confusion, chaos, and smoke. He sees men and horses lying around suffering. There is a whisper for "water," and Jonas turns to see "the half-closed eyes of a boy who [seems] not much older than himself. Dirt [streaks] the boy's face and his matted blond hair.He [lies] sprawled, his gray uniform glistening with wet, fresh blood. The colors of the carnage [are] grotesquely bright: the crimson wetness on the rough and dusty fabric, the ripped shred of grass, startlingly green, in the boy's yellow hair." Chapter 15, pg. 119 Jonas finds that he is unable to move one of his arms; it has been torn. With the other arm, he feeds the boy water from a container after which the boy falls silent. But the confusion of the noise and the screams continues. Men who are injured call out for help, and horses lie on the ground. There are sounds of cannons. Lying there in pain, Jonas learns about "warfare." Opening his eyes, he sees The Giver look away, asking for his forgiveness for giving him such pain.
He finds himself in place of confusion, chaos, and smoke. He sees men and horses lying around suffering. There is a whisper for "water," and Jonas turns to see "the half-closed eyes of a boy who [seems] not much older than himself. Dirt [streaks] the boy's face and his matted blond hair.He [lies] sprawled, his gray uniform glistening with wet, fresh blood. The colors of the carnage [are] grotesquely bright: the crimson wetness on the rough and dusty fabric, the ripped shred of grass, startlingly green, in the boy's yellow hair." Chapter 15, pg. 119 Jonas finds that he is unable to move one of his arms; it has been torn. With the other arm, he feeds the boy water from a container after which the boy falls silent. But the confusion of the noise and the screams continues. Men who are injured call out for help, and horses lie on the ground. There are sounds of cannons. Lying there in pain, Jonas learns about "warfare." Opening his eyes, he sees The Giver look away, asking for his forgiveness for giving him such pain.
Chapter 14
The memory is very similar to the first one, but the hill is steeper and the weather is colder. It is not snowing as much because the ground is hard, not as soft. Jonas is excited as the sled moves down, but gradually, he becomes frightened, realizing that he cannot steer and that the sled is gaining speed uncontrollably. "The sled [hits] a bump in the hill and Jonas is jarred loose and thrown violently into the air. He [falls] with his leg twisted under him, and [can] hear the crack of bone. His face [scrapes] along jagged edges of ice...Then, the first wave of pain. He [gasps]. It [is] as if a hatchet [lies] lodged in his leg, slicing through each nerve with a hot blade. In his agony, he [perceives] the word 'fire' and [feels] flames licking at the torn bone and flesh." Chapter 14, pg. 109 Unable to move, he screams and cries, vomiting and bleeding. Suddenly, he finds himself on the bed in the Annex room. He still feels aching pain, but when he asks for relief-of-pain, The Giver denies his request. Realizing that he cannot take any medication and that he cannot discuss his training with his family at home, Jonas is lonely. He thinks to himself that his parents and Lily "have never known pain."
Chapter 13
As time passes, Jonas learns the names of colors through the memories, and he begins to see things differently around him. But the colors don't last when he looks at objects, and The Giver explains that it will take a long time before he can keep the colors. Jonas becomes angry because he thinks that it is unfair to have everything be the same so that people are unable to make free choices. The Giver listens to Jonas, but also suggests that it may not be safe to let people make decisions on their own.
Chapter 12
When his mother asks in the morning, Jonas lies and tells her that he has had no dreams although he has had many dreams about riding the sled down the snowy hill. "Always in the dream, it [seems] as if there [is] a destination: a something--he [cannot] grasp what--that [lies] beyond the place where the thickness of snow [brings] the sled to a stop. He is left, upon awakening, with the feeling that he [wants], even somehow [needs], to reach the something that [waits] in the distance. The feeling that it [is] good. That it [is] welcoming. That it [is] significant. But he [does] not know how to get there." Chapter 12, pg. 88
Chapter 11
At first, Jonas does not feel anything, but after awhile, he feels that the hands on his back are cold. He discovers that the air has also turned cold, and his whole body can feel the chill. Then, "he [becomes] aware of an entirely new sensation: pinpricks? No, because they [are] soft and without pain. Tiny, cold, featherlike feelings [pepper] his body and face. He [puts] out his tongue again, and [catches] one of the dots of cold upon it. It [disappears] from his awareness instantly; but he [catches] another, and another. The sensation [makes] him smile." Chapter 11, pg. 80 Although he is aware of the fact that he is on the bed in the room with the man, another part of him feels that he is sitting on something hard and flat. Even with his eyes closed, Jonas can see something floating in the air around him. Somehow, he knows that it is "snow" just as he knows that he is sitting on a "sled" which is on top of what is a "hill." When the sled moves through the snow, he knows that he is going downhill. "He [is] free to enjoy the breathless glee that [overwhelms] him: the speed, the clear cold air, the total silence, the feeling of balance and excitement and peace." Chapter 11, pg. 82 He comes to a stop when too much snow piles up in front of the sled, hindering further movement. When he opens his eyes, he sees that he is on the bed with the old man watching him.
Chapter 9
For the first time in his life, Jonas feels different from the rest of the Elevens. After the Ceremony, he looks for his friends and family among the throng of people who eye him and whisper about him among themselves. Having spotted Asher, Jonas invites him to ride back home together. Although Asher agrees, Jonas feels that for a moment, Asher is uncertain. "There [is] just a moment when things [aren't] quite the same, [aren't] quite as they [have] always been through the long friendship." Chapter 9. Pg. 66
During the evening meal, Lily talks on as usual. Mother and Father tell Jonas that they are proud of his honorable Assignment as the Receiver. Father adds that the job is the most important and honored in the community. When Jonas asks them about the failed selection of the Receiver ten years ago, both parents fall silent, unable to give a complete answer. The Eleven who had been chosen as the Receiver ten years ago had been a female, but her name was never to be mentioned or used for a newchild. Her name had been designated Not-to-be-Spoken, the worst disgrace in the community. Neither of his parents knew what had happened to her.
At night, Jonas opens the folder he received at the Ceremony. Every Eleven had received a folder with pages of rules and instructions along with his or her Assignment. Jonas's folder is thin compared to those of others he has seen, and in it is only one sheet of rules.
There is a total of eight rules on the sheet. Everyday, Jonas is to report himself to the attendant at the Annex behind the House of the Old. After each day of training, he is to go immediately to his family dwelling. He is also exempt from rules regarding rudeness; he can ask anything of anyone. He is not to talk about his training with anyone, however, not even with his parents and other Elders. He is prohibited from talking about his dreams or applying for any medication related to training or applying for release. Finally, he is allowed to lie.
Having read over the rules, Jonas is stunned. He is disappointed that there will no longer be time for recreation in his schedule, and he is surprised to see that he will be exempt from the rules regarding rudeness. He thinks that he will never be rude to someone in the community. "He [is] so completely, so thoroughly accustomed to courtesy within the community that the thought of asking another citizen an intimate question, calling someone's attention to an area of awkwardness, [is] unnerving." Chapter 9, pg. 69 Because he dreams very rarely, Jonas thinks that no longer being able to tell his dreams will not be a problem. Thinking about the rule that no longer allows him to receive any medication, Jonas is reminded of what the Chief Elder said about his Assignment--that it would bring inexplicable pain. As for not being able to apply for release, Jonas is certain that he will never apply for one, but he is bothered by the rule that allows him to lie. From childhood, he has been taught to use language precisely and to never lie. Once as a Four, Jonas had indicated his hunger by saying "I'm starving," and he had been mildly scolded for using language incorrectly. He had not been starving; he had only been hungry. No one in the community starved, and he had spoken an "unintentional lie." Jonas is disturbed because he does not lie nor does anyone else around him like Asher, Lily, and his parents. Suddenly, however, Jonas has a thought that frightens him. "What if others--adults--had, upon becoming Twelves, received in their instructions the same terrifying sentence? What if they had all been instructed: You may lie?" Chapter 9, pg. 71 Jonas is confused and terrified by this idea.
During the evening meal, Lily talks on as usual. Mother and Father tell Jonas that they are proud of his honorable Assignment as the Receiver. Father adds that the job is the most important and honored in the community. When Jonas asks them about the failed selection of the Receiver ten years ago, both parents fall silent, unable to give a complete answer. The Eleven who had been chosen as the Receiver ten years ago had been a female, but her name was never to be mentioned or used for a newchild. Her name had been designated Not-to-be-Spoken, the worst disgrace in the community. Neither of his parents knew what had happened to her.
At night, Jonas opens the folder he received at the Ceremony. Every Eleven had received a folder with pages of rules and instructions along with his or her Assignment. Jonas's folder is thin compared to those of others he has seen, and in it is only one sheet of rules.
There is a total of eight rules on the sheet. Everyday, Jonas is to report himself to the attendant at the Annex behind the House of the Old. After each day of training, he is to go immediately to his family dwelling. He is also exempt from rules regarding rudeness; he can ask anything of anyone. He is not to talk about his training with anyone, however, not even with his parents and other Elders. He is prohibited from talking about his dreams or applying for any medication related to training or applying for release. Finally, he is allowed to lie.
Having read over the rules, Jonas is stunned. He is disappointed that there will no longer be time for recreation in his schedule, and he is surprised to see that he will be exempt from the rules regarding rudeness. He thinks that he will never be rude to someone in the community. "He [is] so completely, so thoroughly accustomed to courtesy within the community that the thought of asking another citizen an intimate question, calling someone's attention to an area of awkwardness, [is] unnerving." Chapter 9, pg. 69 Because he dreams very rarely, Jonas thinks that no longer being able to tell his dreams will not be a problem. Thinking about the rule that no longer allows him to receive any medication, Jonas is reminded of what the Chief Elder said about his Assignment--that it would bring inexplicable pain. As for not being able to apply for release, Jonas is certain that he will never apply for one, but he is bothered by the rule that allows him to lie. From childhood, he has been taught to use language precisely and to never lie. Once as a Four, Jonas had indicated his hunger by saying "I'm starving," and he had been mildly scolded for using language incorrectly. He had not been starving; he had only been hungry. No one in the community starved, and he had spoken an "unintentional lie." Jonas is disturbed because he does not lie nor does anyone else around him like Asher, Lily, and his parents. Suddenly, however, Jonas has a thought that frightens him. "What if others--adults--had, upon becoming Twelves, received in their instructions the same terrifying sentence? What if they had all been instructed: You may lie?" Chapter 9, pg. 71 Jonas is confused and terrified by this idea.
Chapter 10
On the first day of his training, Jonas rides alongside Fiona who will receive her training at the House of the Old. When he enters the Annex which is located behind the House of the Old, an Attendant greets him respectfully. Although doors in the community are never locked, Jonas notices that the door leading to the Receiver's room is. Noticing Jonas's discomfort, the Attendant politely reassures him that it is to give the Receiver privacy.
Chapter 8
Everyone in the Auditorium is uncomfortable and confused. Jonas is humiliated and terrified. After the final Assignment, the Chief Elder speaks again, first apologizing to the community for the anxiety she has caused them to feel. But she tells them that she has not made a mistake.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
The Elevens sit in front of the stage in the order of the original numbers that were given to them at birth. The numbers are a rarely used form of identification. Jonas is Nineteen which means that he is the nineteenth child born his year, born after Fiona who is Eighteen and before Pierre who is Twenty.
The Chief Elder who is the leader of the community elected every ten years makes a speech about the times of childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. She mentions the Committee of Elders who has worked hard on the Assignments, and one by one, Elevens are called up to the stage. For each new Twelve, a speech is made about his or her childhood and new Assignment he or she will receive. Number One, a girl named Madeline, is assigned as Fish Hatchery Attendant after whom Inger, Number Two, is announced as a Birthmother. Jonas thinks that the Assignment fits Inger who is strong, but lazy. After Issac, Three, is assigned as an Instructor of Sixes, Asher is called. The Chief Elder begins her speech about Asher. She talks about Asher's days as a Three. One day, Asher, impatient for his juice and crackers, blurted out "smack" although he had meant "snack." Because precise use of language was important, Asher was given a smack with the rod used to discipline children which was what he had asked for.
The Elevens sit in front of the stage in the order of the original numbers that were given to them at birth. The numbers are a rarely used form of identification. Jonas is Nineteen which means that he is the nineteenth child born his year, born after Fiona who is Eighteen and before Pierre who is Twenty.
The Chief Elder who is the leader of the community elected every ten years makes a speech about the times of childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. She mentions the Committee of Elders who has worked hard on the Assignments, and one by one, Elevens are called up to the stage. For each new Twelve, a speech is made about his or her childhood and new Assignment he or she will receive. Number One, a girl named Madeline, is assigned as Fish Hatchery Attendant after whom Inger, Number Two, is announced as a Birthmother. Jonas thinks that the Assignment fits Inger who is strong, but lazy. After Issac, Three, is assigned as an Instructor of Sixes, Asher is called. The Chief Elder begins her speech about Asher. She talks about Asher's days as a Three. One day, Asher, impatient for his juice and crackers, blurted out "smack" although he had meant "snack." Because precise use of language was important, Asher was given a smack with the rod used to discipline children which was what he had asked for.
Chapter 6
Mother is fixing Lily's hair for the Ceremony in December. She is impatient and irritated, but Jonas reminds her that with the ceremony each year, good things happen. This year, she will start her volunteering, and the year before, she had gotten her front-buttoned jacket as a Seven. All Fours, Fives, and Sixes are required to wear jackets that are buttoned in the back so that they can learn to depend on one another. As Sevens, the children wear jackets that are buttoned in the front. As Nines, they start riding bicycles, signaling their independence.
Chapter 5
During the morning ritual of telling dreams, Lily talks about a scary dream she had in which she had been caught riding Mother's bicycle. Mother then talks about a dream in which she had been scolded for something she could not understand. After each dream telling, the family thanks the person for sharing and discusses the importance of the dream. Jonas usually does not dream often, so he does not have much to tell, but this morning is different. After Father says that he has not had any dreams, it is Jonas's turn. Jonas slowly begins to share the strange dream he has had. In the dream, he is naked in the bathing room at the House of the Old with Fiona. He wants to take off Fiona's clothes so he can bathe her in the tub, but she laughingly refuses. He says that the strongest feeling in his dream had been "the wanting." Jonas is strangely embarrassed as he shares his dream with his family, but must abide by the rule of telling all of a dream. After he finishes, Father deliberately leaves with Lily, and Mother is left alone to talk to him. Mother tells Jonas that the wanting he felt in the dream was his first Stirring. As something that happens to everyone, it begins with a dream, and Mother and Father had been expecting it to happen to Jonas. Handing Jonas a small pill, Mother tells him that Stirrings are treated by taking the pill every morning. Both his parents take it, and Jonas knows that some of his friends including Asher have already started. He never mentions it to Asher because it is impolite to bring attention to what is different about someone. Mother tells him that he must take the pill every morning because the Stirrings can return if he forgets. He is to take them everyday of his adulthood.
Chapter 4
On his way to do volunteering, Jonas thinks that he has always liked being able to choose how to spend his volunteer hours because the rest of his hours are always so "carefully regulated."
Chapter 3
When the baby boy arrives at the family unit, Lily first notices his unusual eye color that are similar to Jonas's eyes which are also pale. In the community, dark eyes are the most common, but there are exceptions like those of Jonas and of a female Five. Jonas does not like the fact that Lily has mentioned his eyes. "No one [mentions] such things; it [is] not a rule, but [is] considered rude to call attention to things that [are] unsettling or different about individuals." Chapter 3. Pg. 20
Chapter 2
Jonas's parents begin talking about the Ceremony in December. During the conversation, Jonas remembers the ceremonies he has had before and the ceremonies he has seen. During the Ceremony of One, all newchildren who were born the year before turn One. There are always fifty in each year's group. During the ceremony, each one of them is brought up to the stage to be given names. At the mention of the ritual of Naming, Father guiltily admits that he broke a rule earlier that day. Despite rules against doing so, he peeked at the Naming List of the newchildren who had been born last year. He wanted to know the name of the boy he had brought home for the night, and found that it was to be Gabriel.
Chapter 1
With December approaching, Jonas feels frightened, but he immediately corrects himself. He was frightened when an unknown aircraft had twice flown over the community a year ago. It had been his first time seeing an aircraft fly over so closely because it is against the rules to fly over the community.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
