The Giver: Jonas's Painful Memories

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Questions and Answers

What was Jonas's painful memory and what was he denied when it was over?

He fell out of a sled; denied medicine

What does the Giver provide Jonas to soften the blow of the daily painful memories?

Positive memories like sailing on a lake

According to the Giver, what is the reason behind keeping all of these painful memories?

Pain means wisdom

How did the Giver change the minds of the elders about birth mothers having four births instead of three?

He gave them his advice such as memories of hunger, starvation, and warfare Signup and view all the answers

What concerns does Jonas have about Gabe?

He doesn't sleep well at night Signup and view all the answers

What unusual occurrence happened when Jonas took over the care of Gabe at night?

Jonas gave away a memory to Gabe Signup and view all the answers

Why do you suppose Jonas was able to successfully transfer a memory to Gabe?

It has something to do with his eyes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the horse in the memory of war?

The horse falls and dies Signup and view all the answers

Which figurative language device is used in the statement 'During the war, the air smells foul and there is tremendous noise'?

Imagery Signup and view all the answers

Which war do you think is occurring in the memory?

Civil War Signup and view all the answers

What is going on in the war memory with the blond-haired boy?

He is thirsty and coughs up blood Signup and view all the answers

What is going on with Jonas in this memory?

He is in great pain Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the end of Chapter 15?

The Giver asks for forgiveness Signup and view all the answers

Why is Jonas reluctant to get more memories?

The war memory was too painful Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Giver's favorite memory he gave to Jonas. What emotion is attached to this memory?

Christmas, love Signup and view all the answers

What does Jonas find unusual about the elderly couple in the memory?

They are called 'grandparents' and he doesn't understand them Signup and view all the answers

What did Jonas find dangerous about the memory?

The fire Signup and view all the answers

How did Jonas's parents react when he asked if they love him?

He was using the wrong language Signup and view all the answers

What was Jonas's first lie?

He lied when he said he understood Signup and view all the answers

What is announced in the beginning of this chapter?

They had an unannounced holiday Signup and view all the answers

What new emotion did Lily help Jonas feel by sharing her community story?

Anger Signup and view all the answers

What 'game' did the friends play?

War Signup and view all the answers

How did Jonas react to the game? Why?

He had a breakdown because he knows what war really is Signup and view all the answers

How did the friends respond to Jonas's behavior?

They didn't understand so they went and played somewhere else Signup and view all the answers

What did Jonas realize about Fiona and the concept of love?

He thinks she is lovely, but she takes the pills so she can't have stirrings about him Signup and view all the answers

If this novel were written from Fiona's point of view, what new information would we learn?

We would learn if Fiona has feelings for Jonas Signup and view all the answers

What did Gabe learn to do? Why did Jonas's father bring home a discipline wand?

Walk and he can say the first syllable in his name, to teach him to behave Signup and view all the answers

What happens when twins are born?

The heavier one is kept and the smallest is released Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jonas's mother suggest that Lily become a storyteller?

She talks too much Signup and view all the answers

When can the Giver request a release?

When Jonas is fully trained Signup and view all the answers

What did the Giver reveal about the previous Receiver?

Her name was Rosemary, she only stayed for 5 weeks, and she applied for release Signup and view all the answers

Why was Rosemary's release a disaster?

Her memories were sent into the community and they could not handle the loneliness Signup and view all the answers

Who is Caleb, and what happened to him?

He was a 4, who fell into the river and drowned Signup and view all the answers

What is the Giver worried about?

Jonas drowning Signup and view all the answers

What part of the plot is going on in Chapter 18?

Rising action Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jonas's Painful Memories and Philosophy

Jonas experiences a painful memory involving a sled accident, leading to a denial of medicine.
The Giver alleviates Jonas’s suffering by providing positive memories, such as sailing on a lake.
According to the Giver, pain is essential for wisdom and understanding.

Giver's Influence on Community Decisions

The Giver advises the elders against restricting birth mothers to three births, sharing memories of hunger and warfare to illustrate the importance of such choices.

Concerns for Gabe

Jonas worries about Gabe’s sleep issues and his overall well-being, indicating a deeper emotional connection.
An unusual event occurs when Jonas transfers a memory to Gabe, suggesting a unique bond between them, potentially linked to their physical eye characteristics.

War Memories and their Impact

In a vivid war memory, a horse falls and dies amid chaotic, foul-smelling air, representing the horrors of conflict, likely the Civil War.
Jonas experiences intense pain during the memory, mirroring the suffering of characters within it, such as a blond-haired boy afflicted by thirst and coughing up blood.
The Giver seeks forgiveness from Jonas, highlighting the emotional weight of the memories being shared.

Emotional Developments and Societal Observations

Jonas expresses reluctance to receive further painful memories, particularly due to the distress linked to war.
The Giver shares a cherished memory of Christmas, filled with love, contrasting with the community's emotional sterility.
Jonas struggles to comprehend the concept of grandparents shown in the memory, associating it with danger, particularly regarding fire.

Family Dynamics and Language

Jonas's parents respond to his inquiry about love with confusion, stating he is using incorrect language, revealing the limitation of emotional expression in their society.
Jonas's first lie occurs when he states he understands the complexities of emotions, marking a significant moment in his development.

Community Events and Emotional Growth

An unannounced holiday is announced, prompting reflection on community dynamics.
Lily’s story invokes feelings of anger in Jonas, showcasing the awakening of emotions through storytelling.
Jonas's reaction to a game of war highlights the disparity between understanding real conflict and the ignorance of his peers.

Relationships and Emotional Realizations

Jonas recognizes that Fiona is lovely but takes medication to suppress her emotions, creating a barrier between them.
If told from Fiona's perspective, the narrative could reveal her true feelings for Jonas, enriching the story’s emotional complexity.
Gabe learns to walk and speak, showcasing growth, while Jonas's father introduces a discipline wand for behavioral correction.

Community Rules and Individual Lives

The community’s practice requires that when twins are born, only the heavier infant is kept, while the lighter is released, illustrating the lack of individual value placed on life.
Jonas's mother suggests Lily become a storyteller due to her talkative nature, emphasizing the importance of communication within family dynamics.

Giver's Responsibility and Past Failures

The Giver can only request a release for himself after Jonas completes his training, highlighting the intense responsibility placed on both characters.
The Giver reveals the story of Rosemary, the previous Receiver, who applied for release after five weeks, causing chaos in the community when her memories flooded back to them.
Caleb, a child who drowned, reflects the community's strict control over life and death, with the Giver expressing concern over Jonas’s potential drowning.

Plot Development

Chapter 18 is marked by rising action, heightening tension and complexity within the narrative as Jonas's journey progresses.

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Description

Explore the impactful experiences of Jonas in 'The Giver', focusing on his painful memories and the lessons imparted by The Giver. Discover how these memories shape Jonas's understanding of pain, wisdom, and the decisions affecting his community, as well as concerns for Gabe's well-being.