The Givers

In the novel “The Giver”, by Lois Lowry, Jonas is the main character of the story. He lives in the “perfect” community which does not feel any experience or fear or pain, because they are protected from it. He is turning twelve and he has been chosen to become the next Receiver of Memories in his community. As he starts training with the Giver, he feels that people in the community have to know what things are like and should not be protected. As he becomes the new Receiver of Memories, he is no longer an obedient child. Jonas’ personality starts to change.

Jonas is well-behaved before he goes through the training to become the new Receiver. He is intelligent, brave, and obedient. “Jonas has noticed…the apple had changed.” (pg.24) He has the intelligent of seeing beyond. He is brave because when he feels the pain, he does not cry even though it hurts. These are his distinguishing characteristics that lead him to become the Receiver. He follows the rules and he listens to his parents. When he knows that he can not discuss his training with other people and he is prohibited from dream telling. He follows the rules, he does not tell anyone. However, as Jonas begins the training, he starts to realize that everything is not as “perfect” as he thought and he starts to question what he is being told. He starts to cover up things from his parents because one of the rules is “You may lie.” The most rebellious thing is that he wants to escape his community which he is not allowed.

Jonas’ social ability changes as he become the new Receiver. He always talks to his friends what his thinking and they always play together after school. Jonas often shares things with his family at the dinner table. However, he starts to change during the training. He can not discuss his training with any other members of the community. Jonas has to go to the training immediately at the end of school hours everyday. He can not hang out with his friends after school anymore. He starts to...