The Giver Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1

• Jonas, an Eleven, feels anxious about the upcoming December, which is significant for all children turning Eleven.

Chapter 2

• Jonas's Father reveals he has viewed the naming list early, highlighting the name of a sick baby boy, Gabriel.

Chapter 3

• The community relies solely on bicycles for transportation, indicating the absence of cars.

Chapter 4

• Jonas reflects on Benjamin, an Eleven who is exceptionally knowledgeable due to his experiences at the Rehabilitation Center.

Chapter 5

• Jonas shares a dream about a bathtub resembling those at the House of the Old, which signals the emergence of new feelings.

Chapter 6

• Gabriel, deemed the runt of the litter, is temporarily saved from being released after Jonas's Father advocates for him.

Chapter 7

• The Chief Elder addresses the community, stressing that differences among individuals are now recognized as pivotal for their futures.

Chapter 8

• An uncomfortable mention of a prior failed selection for a new Receiver is briefly addressed by the Chief Elder.

Chapter 9

• Jonas inquires about the fate of the girl from the previous Receiver selection, but his parents confirm she vanished after the failure.

Chapter 10

• The old man, humorously complimented on his age, acknowledges the burden of his role has aged him significantly.

Chapter 11

• The Receiver admits to Jonas that while he loses specific memories, he has many similar memories to rely on.

Chapter 12

• During lunch at school, Jonas realizes that describing his training would be futile, as his peers lack the knowledge of sleds, hills, or snow.

Chapter 13

• Jonas contemplates the idea of Gabriel choosing his toys, referencing his discussions with The Giver.

Chapter 14

• The Giver shares insight on how past memories guide Elders' decisions, cautioning against population growth due to potential starvation and warfare.

Chapter 15

• When Jonas finds The Giver in distress, he willingly takes on some of the old man's pain, indicating their growing bond.

Chapter 16

• The Giver transmits joyful memories to Jonas, such as a birthday party, emphasizing the value of individuality.

Chapter 17

• Jonas, having ceased taking his pills, experiences heightened sexual feelings and dreams, marking his passage into adolescence.

Chapter 18

• The Giver reflects on Rosemary, a past Receiver, describing her gifts and the love he felt for her, paralleling Jonas's own experiences.

Chapter 19

• Discussing the release of a twin baby, The Giver expresses dissent over the community's practices, while Jonas recognizes the necessity of maintaining order.

Chapter 20

• Overwhelmed by emotion, Jonas resists returning home after learning of Gabriel's impending release; The Giver offers comfort and a place to stay.

Chapter 21

• At dinner, Jonas's Father casually announces Gabriel's release, illustrating the community's cold approach to life and death.

Chapter 22

• As Jonas rides away from the community, he notices the landscape changing, with rougher terrain, symbolizing his transition to the unknown.

Chapter 23

• Jonas senses he is nearing Elsewhere but is plagued by foreboding thoughts, feeling he may not survive the journey.