Student Question
What are two non-punitive reasons for release in The Giver?
Quick answer:
Two non-punitive reasons for release in The Giver are the release of the elderly and the release of newchildren. The elderly are released as a celebration of a life well-lived, and newchildren are released when they cannot be adequately cared for. Additionally, there are instances where individuals requested their own release, though this is no longer permitted.
In Chapter 1 of "The Giver", it is stated that
"There were only two occasions of release which were not punishment...release of the elderly, which was a time of celebration for a life well and fully lived, and release of a newchild, which always brought a sense of what-could-we-have-done".
The description of the release of Roberto, who reportedly entered the Releasing Room triumphantly after his eventful life had been recounted and celebrated, is an example of release of the elderly (Chapter 4). The release of the smaller twin which Jonas views on tape is an example of release of a newchild (Chapter 19).
Interestingly, there are at least two instances where a release was performed simply because of a person's own request. Jonas's mother describes a situation about ten years ago when "someone applied (for release) and was gone the next day" (Chapter 6). Rosemary, Jonas's failed predecessor as Receiver of Memories, also asked for her release, and her request was granted (Chapter 18). Apparently, the rules have been changed since then for everyone, as there are now only two instances in which release can occur without it being punishment.
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