The Giver

Jonas doesn’t want to return to the Annex for his training. The whole experience seems like too much to handle. He longs for the simplicity of childhood and an “ordinary” life “free of anguish” (121), as others are allowed to have. He doesn’t get to make this choice, so he returns to the Annex. The Giver reminds him that there are many wonderful memories to behold. Jonas enjoyed experiencing a birthday party that celebrated a single child and made him feel special. He has gained an understanding of solitude and joy from sitting beside a campfire. Seeing that Jonas is troubled, the Giver transmits more memories like these for some time.

The Giver shares his favorite memory with Jonas. It takes place in a warm, firelit room filled with people. It seems to be a Christmas memory, complete with food being cooked, colorful lights, presents, and children’s cries of delight. A sense of family permeates the scene. Jonas asks who the older people in the room were, as the elderly in his community are relegated to the House of the Old, never to leave. This arrangement ensures that they are “well cared for and respected” (123).