Jonas
Extended Character Analysis
Jonas starts the novel at age eleven and is apprehensive about the Ceremony of Twelve. He does not have clear, specific interests the way his friends do, and he is self-conscious about his light-colored eyes. At the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas is selected to be the Receiver because of his intelligence, integrity, capacity for courage and wisdom, and ability to “see beyond.”
Jonas as an Average Child
At first, Jonas considers himself an average child. He has not excelled in an obvious way like his groupmate Benjamin or shown any particular talents or inclinations. We first learn how Jonas is different when Lily remarks that Jonas and Gabriel have the same light eyes. We also learn that it is considered rude to point out differences among people. Jonas is not naturally rebellious, and he follows the majority of the community rules without question. He readily takes the pill for the Stirrings when he reports his dream about Fiona.
Jonas and Seeing Beyond
Although Jonas does not understand it, his first instance of seeing beyond occurred when he was playing catch with his friend Asher. The apple they were playing with “changed.” It happens again at the Ceremony of Twelve, when Jonas sees the faces of the community change briefly, and again when he observes Fiona’s hair. The Giver explains to Jonas that he is beginning to see color, specifically red, and that Jonas will start seeing other colors and experiencing other senses more fully.
Jonas as Receiver of Memories
When Jonas receives the memories, he is immersed in a reliving of those memories. As Jonas experiences new sensations and colors through the memories, he becomes increasingly frustrated by the complacency of his friends and family. He tries to transmit the memory of these colors to them. He longs to share the vitalizing aspects of the memories that have enriched his life. He learns about the community’s policy of Sameness. He learns, too, that in order to keep tight control over communal life, the community had to do away with things like deeply felt emotions and colors. Still, Jonas yearns for deeper connections with people and a more vivid experience, in spite of how “logical” many of the community’s past decisions are.
Jonas as an Individual
On the unscheduled holiday, Jonas realizes how different he has become. He has stopped taking the Stirrings pill, allowing him to permanently see colors. He experiences almost euphoric happiness when he sees his friends. He is then brought to the verge of tears when he recognizes his friends’ game as a version of warfare, which he recognizes from a memory shared by the Giver. He tries to convince his friends to stop playing the game altogether, but Asher will not listen to Jonas’s reason and merely apologizes. Jonas begins to understand the isolation and difficulty of being the Receiver.
When Jonas discovers the truth about Release, he is furious and determined for things to change. He agrees to go along with the Giver’s plan and escape during the December ceremonies. However, when Jonas learns that Gabriel is scheduled to be released, he makes his first truly independent decision: to leave the community that same night with Gabriel. Jonas was supposed to receive memories of courage from the Giver to sustain him, but he proves to have enough courage to make it to another town outside of the community on his own.
Expert Q&A
In The Giver, how did Jonas react to the children's war game?
Jonas reacts with distress to the children's war game because he understands the true nature of war from the Giver's memories. He pleads with the children to stop, recalling traumatic experiences of death and suffering. Unlike the other children, who see it as just a game, Jonas is overwhelmed by sadness and ultimately walks away, unable to participate.
In The Giver, where does Jonas display intelligence, integrity, courage, and wisdom?
In The Giver, Jonas shows intelligence by understanding how his community functions and exercising perspective during the ritual sharing of feelings. He demonstrates integrity by apologizing for his minor transgressions and challenging his community's oppressive culture. Jonas demonstrates wisdom by recognizing the negatives of Sameness and displays courage by rescuing Gabriel. He courageously flees the community with Gabriel and embarks on the treacherous journey to Elsewhere.
In The Giver, do Jonas's parents truly not love him?
When Jonas asks his parents if they love him, they act amused and remind him to use precise language. Jonas's mother says she "enjoys" him, while his father says he is proud of his accomplishments. Considering that Sameness has made strong emotions obsolete, one could argue that Jonas's parents don't actually love him, because they have no concept of love. They are too ignorant, shallow, and insensitive to love anything and do not experience strong emotions.
How does Jonas feel after receiving the snow and sledding memory?
After receiving the snow and sledding memory, Jonas feels exhilarated and delighted by the new sensations of cold air, snowflakes, and the thrill of sledding. This experience marks his first understanding of memories and highlights his growing detachment from others in his community, as he now comprehends concepts unknown to them, such as snow and hills.
Which three community rules does Jonas break while escaping in The Giver?
Jonas breaks three community rules while escaping: he is out at night, steals food, and takes his father's bike. These actions are significant as breaking three rules leads to being "released" in his community. Jonas's escape plan was hastily executed to save Gabriel, deviating from his original, more structured plan with The Giver's help.
In The Giver, what happens when Jonas tries to transmit a memory to Lily?
When Jonas attempts to transmit a memory to Lily, he fails because she lacks the "Capacity to See Beyond." Unlike Gabriel, who shares this ability and can receive memories, Lily is not biologically related to Jonas and does not have the light-colored eyes that signify this capacity. Jonas's inability to share memories with Lily highlights his growing differences from the rest of the community, as he possesses unique feelings and understandings others cannot share.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of change for Jonas and his community?
Change in Jonas's community offers both advantages and disadvantages. The benefits include the ability for individuals to make independent decisions, experience emotions like love and joy, and live more fulfilling lives. However, these changes also introduce potential instability, social issues such as poverty and violence, and a greater risk of chaos. The loss of Sameness could lead to political instability and economic challenges, as citizens navigate newfound freedoms and responsibilities.
In The Giver, why did Jonas risk public chastisement for taking an apple?
Jonas risked public chastisement by taking an apple because he was curious about a change he noticed while playing catch with it. The apple appeared to change in midair, which intrigued him. Later, Jonas learns from The Giver that he has the ability to "see beyond," specifically seeing the color red, which is unique in his colorless society. This ability marks him as a suitable candidate for becoming the Receiver.
How does Jonas help Gabriel sleep in The Giver and why is it important?
Jonas helps Gabriel sleep by transferring memories to him, indicating that Gabriel is also a potential Receiver. This connection, marked by their shared pale eyes and ability to "See Beyond," is crucial. Jonas inadvertently becomes a Giver, cementing a bond with Gabriel. When Gabriel is threatened with release, Jonas's love and attachment compel him to flee with Gabriel, highlighting the importance of emotions and the need to restore them to their community.
Why is Jonas skipped at the Ceremony of Assignments and how does he feel?
Jonas is skipped at the Ceremony of Assignments because he has been selected for a special role as the Receiver-in-training, rather than a typical assignment. Initially, he feels stunned, confused, and embarrassed, fearing he has done something wrong. It is only later that the Chief Elder explains his unique selection, alleviating his anxiety.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
