The Giver Group

Question:

pinkprecious
pinkprecious
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Why doesn't Jonas tell his friends about his training in The Giver?

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Posted by pinkprecious on Saturday October 20, 2007 at 9:17 AM and tagged with characters, jonas, the giver, training.

Answers:


  1. dymatsuoka

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    The Chief Elder has told Jonas that although his position is a great honor, his training will be alone and apart.  And, when Jonas receives the instructions for his assignment, they contain 9 important directions.  Number 4 clearly states, "Do not discuss your training with any other member of the community, including parents and Elders" (Chapter 9).  Jonas also realizes that, even if he were allowed to tell, his friends, who do not have his gift, would never understand what he was talking about. What he is learning is too far out of their own experience.

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    Posted by dymatsuoka on Saturday October 20, 2007 at 10:03 AM


  2. leighanastasia Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    Yes, it is a part of the rules and regulations of his training not to talk about his memories with anyone.  Also, Jonas quickly realizes that the people of his society are not equipped to deal with the pain that Jonas is receiving as a side-effect of his training.   

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    Posted by leighanastasia on Saturday October 20, 2007 at 4:26 PM