The Giver is about a young boy named Jonas who lives in a seemingly perfect, controlled society. When he is assigned the role of Receiver of Memory, he begins to uncover the dark and complex truths about his world. This journey forces him to make difficult choices that will change his life and the lives of those around him forever.
Table of Content
The Giver Book Summary
Jonas lives in a society where everything is under control and there are no choices. The community is 'protected' by having no memories or emotions.
When Jonas turns twelve, he is assigned the rare role of Receiver of Memory. The current Receiver, an old man called The Giver, begins to transfer memories to him.
Jonas experiences both the beauty and pain of the world's past. He becomes increasingly discontent with the lack of color, music, and feeling in his own life.
As Jonas gains more knowledge, he starts to question the society's rules, particularly the practice of 'releasing' individuals, which he discovers is a sanitized term for euthanasia.
He becomes attached to a baby called Gabriel and realizes that Gabriel has the capacity to receive memories, just like he does.
Jonas learns about love, fear, and death and is deeply affected by the contrast with his own community's values.
He and The Giver devise a plan for Jonas to escape from the community, taking Gabriel with him to spare the child from being 'released.'
As the memories have now been passed on to Jonas, the community starts to experience the feelings and emotions that he once held. Chaos breaks out as they struggle to cope with these new sensations.
Jonas and Gabriel face a perilous journey through harsh weather and terrain. The memories The Giver transmitted assist Jonas in understanding the world outside.
After enduring hardships, they finally come upon a sled at the top of a hill - a symbol of hope and freedom. They use it to slide downhill towards a distant village where they hope to find safety and a new life.
The book ends with the possibility of a better future for Jonas and Gabriel, as they leave the community behind and enter the unknown world.
Jonas' escape has a profound impact on the society he left, implying that change is inevitable and the human spirit is resilient.
The Giver Quotes
- If everything's the same, then there aren't any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things.
- The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.
- The worst part of it is that I will have to keep these feelings and the memories of the past to myself, and I will have no one to share them with.
The Giver Ending Explained
At the end of The Giver, Jonas makes the courageous decision to leave his community, taking Gabriel with him.
They embark on a treacherous journey, facing hunger and cold. Jonas uses the memories he received to guide them to safety and a new life.
As they approach a new settlement, Jonas hears music for the first time, and it is implied that they have found a place where he can share the memories and build a new world, free from the constraints of his former community.
Characters in book The Giver
- Jonas: The protagonist and the Receiver of Memory who begins to question the society he lives in.
- The Giver: The current Receiver of Memory who trains Jonas and shares his memories with him.
- Jonas' family: His father, mother, and sister who play important roles in the story.
- Asher: Jonas' best friend who is lighthearted and sometimes misunderstands words.
- Fiona: Jonas' friend who works at the House of Old and becomes romantically involved with him.
- The Chief Elder: The leader of the community who assigns roles to the citizens.
- Gabriel: A baby who is cared for at the Nurturing Center and eventually becomes an important part of Jonas' life.
Key Lessons
- Embrace Emotion: Emotions are an integral part of the human experience and should not be suppressed or feared.
- Question Authority: It is important to think critically and not blindly accept the rules and decisions of those in power.
- Freedom Requires Choice: True freedom is the ability to make choices, even if they come with risk and responsibility.
- Value Individuality: Each person is unique and has something valuable to contribute to the world.
- Memories Shape Us: The past and our memories of it greatly influence who we are and the decisions we make.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Giver worth reading? Absolutely yes, I found it to be a thought-provoking and beautifully written story that stays with you long after you've finished it.
I was captivated by the depth of the world Lois Lowry created and the complex themes it tackles. While I appreciated the stark contrast between Jonas' controlled society and the world of memories, I sometimes wished for more resolution in the ending.
I would recommend this book to young adult readers and adults alike, especially those interested in dystopian literature. It's a compelling tale that challenges perceptions and offers a glimpse into the importance of human experience and emotion.