The Elders Of The Community In Lois Lowry's The Giver

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In the 1993 novel, “The Giver”, Jonas, the main character, uncovers disturbing facts about his community. The Elders of the community heavily control the lives of the citizens, going as far as picking their occupations, spouses and children. As the novel inches forward, Jonas acquires the ability “To see beyond”. This attribute allows Jonas to see colour, leaving him to wonder if sameness is wrong. Furthermore, Jonas is selected to be the new Receiver of Memories, a job that will allow Jonas to receive the memories of the past. Lois Lowry, the author of “The Giver”, uses Jonas to represent how a society can hinder someone from being unique and individual. The members of the community all live a life predetermined by the Elders. At the age of twelve, members are given a permanent occupation, without insight or input from the citizens of the community. This is evident when the text states, “... the assignments were scrupulously thought through by the Committee of Elders.” (page 62). This proves that the Committee of Elders choose the citizens’ occupations for them. Furthermore, if…show more content…
Jonas first begins to notice his ability to see beyond when he was playing catch with his friend Asher. This is evident when the text states, “... the apple had changed. Just for an instant.” (page 30). This describes how Jonas noticed an indescribable change in the apple. Moreover, during the ceremony of twelves, Jonas notices a slight change in the faces of the audience. The text states, “But when he looked out across the crowd , the sea of faces, the thing happened… They changed.” (page 80). This clearly indicates that Jonas had once again experienced the ability to see beyond. After these two events, Jonas consults with The Giver about his ability to see beyond, with both of them concluding that the eradication of coloured sight was a mistake. In eventuality, having the ability to see colour contributes to one’s
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