Themes: The Value of Emotions
The quality of Jonas’s emotions changes dramatically over the course of the novel, and this transformation binds the other three themes together. After experiencing the intensity of emotion present in memories of great suffering and joy, Jonas comes to understand that the emotions of his family and friends are shallow and limited. This lack of emotion is promoted through behavioral conditioning that discourages community members from displaying strong emotions and through medication. At the beginning of puberty, a time referred to as “Stirrings,” all adults are required to take pills that further dull their emotions and sexual desires. When Jonas asks his parents if they love him, they chastise him for being imprecise with language, implying that they likely do not love him—at least, not in the way that Jonas comes to understand love. They may even be incapable of experiencing true feelings of love, due to their narcotized emotions. When Jonas stops taking the pill, he experiences all of his emotions more deeply, and this emotional strength helps Jonas to decide that things in the community should change. Jonas comes to believe that even though the intense feelings associated with his memories can be difficult to bear, it is wrong to lock them away inside the Receiver of Memory. Ultimately, Jonas chooses to flee the community, thereby saving himself and allowing everyone left behind to experience true emotions, individuality, and choice for themselves.
Expert Q&A
What causes Lily's anger in The Giver, and what is her true emotion?
Lily's anger in "The Giver" stems from her frustration with visiting children who didn't follow playground rules, particularly a boy who cut in line. Her parents suggest the boy might not know the rules, leading Lily to admit she felt similarly "strange and stupid" in new situations. Ultimately, she realizes her emotion was not true anger but "shallow impatience and exasperation," as Jonas later understands from his experiences with the Giver.
Why did the Giver seem sad at the end of the first training day?
The Giver seems sad at the end of the first training day because he understands the burden of painful memories he must pass on to Jonas. While he will be relieved of these memories, he knows Jonas is unprepared for the pain and unpleasantness he will face. The Giver's sadness stems from his empathy and the knowledge that Jonas's training will be long and painful.
In The Giver, what are Jonas and Larissa's feelings about the release of the old?
Jonas and Larissa initially view the release of the old as a positive, celebratory event. Larissa describes a recent release ceremony as wonderful, highlighting the sharing of stories and well-wishes. Jonas shares her enthusiasm, expressing regret at not witnessing the event. However, neither is aware that release is actually a euphemism for death. Later, Jonas learns the truth about the community's practice of euthanasia, which profoundly shocks him.
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