Characters
This character becomes the new Receiver of Memory.
All citizens must take these daily to suppress strong emotions.
What are the Stirrings pills?
The sled is a recurring symbol for this idea.
What is freedom or the journey toward escape?
Jonas first sees this change when looking at an apple.
What is color (specifically red)?
The Giver’s first shared memory for Jonas is this.
What is the memory of sledding in the snow?
He is Jonas’s friend who has difficulty following the rules about precision of language.
Who is Asher?
Children receive their future careers during this annual event.
What is the Ceremony of Twelve?
Sameness represents the removal of these two major human experiences.
What are choice and individuality?
This event makes Jonas realize that Release is actually execution.
What is watching the video of his father releasing an infant?
This emotion is nearly eliminated in the community but returns strongly in Jonas.
What is love?
This character trains Jonas and holds all past memories of the community.
Who is the giver?
This is the term for a newborn who does not meet community standards.
What is an “Uncertain” or a “failure to thrive” infant?
This memory first teaches Jonas the pain of loss.
What is the memory of the elephant and the hunters?
Jonas and The Giver plan for this major act to bring memories back to the people.
What is Jonas escaping the community?
Jonas experiences this painful physical sensation through a war memory.
What is pain or agony from being injured in battle?
Jonas’s sister, known for her lively personality and strong opinions.
Who is Lily?
Citizens are prohibited from seeing this, which Jonas discovers through his ability.
What is color?
The river symbolizes this threat to the community’s stability.
What is unpredictability or danger of escape/death?
Jonas takes this action when he learns Gabriel is scheduled for Release.
What is he escapes with Gabriel?
This memory shows Jonas the concept of family warmth and connection.
What is the memory of Christmas?
This character applies for Release after feeling unable to continue receiving memories.
Who is Asher?
The community uses this system to maintain population stability.
What is Birthmothers and carefully controlled family units?
The concept Jonas gains when receiving deep memories, which the community considers dangerous.
What is wisdom or emotional depth?
The novel ends with Jonas seeing this symbolic image as he travels through snow.
What is the house with lights/music or possibly memory/hope of a family?
Jonas learns the community cannot handle memories because they avoid this fundamental part of human existence.
What is suffering?