The Giver: Memory Reception and Identity

Questions and Answers

Describe Jonas's consciousness while he received the memory?

One part of him knew he was lying on the bed in the Annex room. Another part could experience the sensation of snow and the sled. He could see, even though his eyes were closed.

What words or concepts did Jonas experience?

He experienced snow, sled, hill, runners, and frigid air.

What happened to the old man's memory of the ride on the sled after he transmitted it to Jonas?

The old man didn't have the memory he transmitted to Jonas anymore.

What kind of questions did Jonas ask about snow, sleds, and hills? What was the old man's answer? What was Jonas's response?

Jonas asked why they didn't have them, when they had them, and if his parents had them when they were young. The old man said it had no usefulness and that the Receiver before him didn't even have it. Jonas wished they still had them. 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

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

The old man told him to call him The Giver because he would give the memories to Jonas, who is the new Receiver of Memory. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Jonas's experiences of seeing beyond.

It was a short, indescribable change. First, it happened with the apple. Next, it happened with the audience at the Auditorium. Then it happened with Fiona. Her hair changed in a way he could not describe. Signup and view all the answers

What was happening when Jonas 'saw beyond'? Why was it important?

He was seeing the color red. It was the beginning of his ability to see colors. Signup and view all the answers

Could the other people in the Community see colors? If not, why?

False Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the conversation between Jonas and The Giver about choices.

Jonas asks why they can't choose, and The Giver says that if they make the wrong choice regarding something important, it is much safer for the Committee of Elders to make choices for them. Signup and view all the answers

The Giver explained why the people needed a Receiver of Memory. What were the reasons?

They sometimes needed the Receiver to use his memories to help them make decisions. Most of the time, they needed the Receiver to keep all of the old memories so they would not have to have them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jonas's Reception of Memories

Jonas experiences a dual consciousness; one part knows he is lying in bed, while another feels sensations of snow and a sled.
He perceives vivid sensations such as snow, a sled, and frigid air despite having his eyes closed.

Memory Transmission

After transmitting the sled memory to Jonas, the old man loses that particular memory.

Questions about Experiences

Jonas inquires about the absence of snow and sleds, asking when they were present and if he and his parents experienced them in their youth.
The Giver explains that these experiences lacked usefulness, and previous Receivers did not possess them, leading Jonas to wish they still existed.

Power vs. Honor

Jonas believes the Receiver of Memory embodies power, but the Giver clarifies he possesses honor, not power—indicating a distinction between the two.

The Giver's Identity

The old man prefers Jonas to call him "The Giver" since he will be bestowing memories upon Jonas.

Experiencing "Seeing Beyond"

Jonas experiences a fleeting, surreal change, first with an apple, then with an audience, and finally with Fiona's hair, which he cannot distinctly describe.

Awakening to Color

During the experience of "seeing beyond," Jonas perceives the color red, marking the start of his capability to see colors in a community that has lost this ability.

Sameness in the Community

Members of the Community cannot see colors as they sacrificed this ability for the sake of Sameness.

Discussions on Choice

In dialogue about choices, Jonas questions why the community lacks the freedom to choose, while The Giver explains that potential wrong choices could have significant repercussions, making it safer for the Committee of Elders to decide for everyone.

Role of the Receiver of Memory

The Giver articulates the necessity for the Receiver of Memory, stating that the community occasionally requires the Receiver's experiences for decision-making, and predominantly, they need him to retain old memories to shield others from them.

Description

Explore the complex themes of memory transmission and the identity of the Receiver in 'The Giver'. This quiz delves into Jonas's experiences, his dual consciousness, and the significance of snow and sleds in their society. Understand the distinction between power and honor as presented by The Giver.