Memory and Control in The Giver

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Questions and Answers

When Jonas started to receive his first memory, he felt himself sitting on a ________.

sled

In this memory transfer, Jonas was on top of a mound or a _____.

hill

For the first time, Jonas experienced the feel of ______.

Cold and snow

What happens to the memories when The Giver gives it away to Jonas?

The Giver no longer has that memory and he feels lighter for it. Signup and view all the answers

Why was there no longer snow in the community?

Their community was Climate Controlled. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the leaders go to 'sameness'?

To control everything in their environment and their citizens to prevent people from discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

The 2nd memory was warm and comforting. What was it?

Sunshine Signup and view all the answers

What was the last memory given to Jonas in this chapter?

A sunburn on his skin. Signup and view all the answers

Why are there no hills in Jonas' community?

It is more efficient to travel on flat terrain, so the Elders decided to eliminate them. Signup and view all the answers

Why are there no seasons in the community?

Unpredictable weather makes crops harder to grow. Signup and view all the answers

What 3 memories did The Giver give Jonas the first day?

Snow, Sunshine, Sunburn Signup and view all the answers

What name did the old man tell Jonas to call him?

The Giver Signup and view all the answers

What part of Jonas' body must be touched to transmit memories?

His back Signup and view all the answers

Why does The Giver share the sunburn memory with Jonas?

Jonas asks for pain. Signup and view all the answers

Why did The Giver give Jonas pleasurable memories before painful ones?

He made that mistake with the last Receiver of Knowledge and learned that it was a bad idea. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jonas feel about experiencing his first full memory?

He finds it startling and thrilling at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first lesson that Jonas learns about the sun?

The sun can bring pleasure and pain. Signup and view all the answers

Jonas thought the Receiver of Memory had power. What did the old man tell him?

The old man said he had honor, but not power, and they were not the same. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Receiver of Knowledge want Jonas to call him, 'The Giver'?

Because Jonas has taken over the job of Receiver of Memory. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the old man get so tired when he transmits memories to Jonas?

Because he must pull the memories out of his mind from the past and it is exhausting. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory Transfer and Experience

Jonas's first memory transfer involves him sitting on a sled, introducing him to the concept of cold.
He experiences the sensation of snow for the first time while on top of a hill, which contrasts sharply with his community’s climate-controlled environment.

Community Control

The community's absence of snow and hills is due to their "Climate Controlled" system and a preference for flat terrain for efficiency.
The leaders chose "sameness" to eliminate discomfort and maintain control over the environment and citizens.

Memories Received

Jonas's first day of memory transfers includes three key sensations: Snow, Sunshine, and Sunburn, illustrating the spectrum of human experience.
Sunshine is described as a comforting warmth, while the sunburn serves as an introduction to pain, which he requests from The Giver.

The Giver's Role

The old man identifies himself as "The Giver," emphasizing the exchange of memories now undertaken by Jonas.
To transmit memories effectively, Jonas must be touched on his back, indicating a direct and intimate connection necessary for the process.

Pain and Pleasure

The Giver intentionally provides pleasurable memories before painful ones, drawing from his past experience with the previous Receiver, highlighting a lesson learned from past mistakes.
This process is tiring for The Giver because it requires him to pull memories from his mind, illustrating the effort involved in sharing knowledge.

Emotional Reactions

Jonas feels a mix of exhilaration and shock during his first encounter with memories, reflecting the profound impact of these experiences.
He learns that the sun can bring both pleasure and pain, adding complexity to his understanding of emotions and sensations.

Perceptions of Power

The Giver clarifies to Jonas that his role conveys honor rather than power, emphasizing the heavy responsibilities tied to carrying memories.
As Jonas assumes the position of the new Receiver of Memory, he must navigate the emotional and societal implications of this role, stepping into a legacy defined by both wisdom and burden.

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Description

Explore the themes of memory transfer and community control in 'The Giver' through Jonas's experience of snow, sunshine, and the concept of pain. This quiz examines how these elements contribute to the society’s 'sameness' and Jonas's awakening to true emotions.