While reading The Giver the protagonist Jonas is a dynamic character. Meaning that he has a ratherly important inner change throughout the novel. In the beginning, Jonas is fairly oblivious over his uniqueness. In addition, he has the quality of integrity and curiosity. In chapter 3, Jonas recalls the time he was with his best friend asher while playing a game of catch when, “But suddenly Jonas had noticed, following the path of the apple, through the air with his eyes, that the piece of fruit - well that was the part the he couldn’t adequately understand- the apple had changed… Jonas had been completely mystified. "Ash?" he had called. "Does anything seem strange to you? About the apple?" "Yes," Asher called back, laughing… So Jonas laughed too, and with his laughter tried to ignore his uneasy conviction that something had happened. But he had taken the apple home, against the recreation area rules.”. This memory moment indicates that Jonas has the quality of curiosity, integrity, and is clearly unaware of how unique he is. Jonas notices a difference in the apple that Asher doesn't. Furthermore, he brings the apple to his dwelling to investigate it; though he gets in trouble by the community. This connects to the aspect of being curious and honest because he takes the apple home to analyze it when he shouldn't. This also shows that Jonas is unique because he saw something (color) that no one else could see.
Throughout the end of the novel, Jonas develops to have courage and empathy towards Gabriel . He also now In chapter eight, Jonas was chosen to become the Receiver of Memory. When Jonas was selected, he felt fairly anxious because of the honor that was bestowed upon him. Once Jonas realizes the importance of memories and emotions (chapter 20), The Giver makes a plan to escape to Elsewhere. “it was possible, If it failed, he would be very likely killed… ‘if you get beyond, if you get to Elsewhere, it will mean the community has to bear the burden themselves, of the memories you had been holding for them.’”. In the following chapter, the plan was cut short. “Jonas is forced to escape right away… so he takes some leftover food and his father’s bicycle, which has a child seat, and leaves, relying on his own courage and strength instead of on the memories that the Giver had promised. Jonas has broken serious rules against leaving his dwelling at night and taking food.” this indicates that Jonas is starting to become courageous and selfless because he is willing to risk his life to save the community and Gabriel. This also connects to Jonas being unique. Jonas now knows that he isn’t like others in the community. That is because of his ability to ‘see beyond’ (colors and memories). This connects to the piece of evidence because, if Jonas does make it to Elsewhere, everyone on the community will now ‘the truth’. In other words, if Jonas is capable is making it to Elsewhere, the community will redeem all the memories and color vision.
There are many themes in The Giver. One such theme is the importance of memories. Memories are exceedingly significant to society because It has a connection with individuality. Memories are associated with our emotions and actions. The quality of having emotions is connected to having individuality, unlike in the community. In the beginning of the story, everyone in the community is not their own individual; the communities people also have memories that aren't fundamental. This especially regards to Jonas until he became the Receiver of Memory. After some time possessing this job he starts to develop true emotions; that are based on the memories. In chapter 13 Jonas and The Giver are having a discussion over the communities people and wisdom. The Giver than complains “Sometimes I wish they’d ask for my wisdom more often — there are so many things i could tell them; things i wish they would change. But they don’t want to change. Life here is so orderly, so predictable — so painless.’” (Page 103). What The Giver is saying is that he now feels desire for change. Since desire is an emotion, it has a connection to the memories in some way. The memories influenced The Giver to desire change within the community because he feels as if everything is so predictable and painless. These memories made an impact on The Giver to have certain emotions; In which has wants the best for the community.
Heading towards the ending of the novel, there has been major development with the theme. Memories are now much more essential. This is also starting to make an impact on Jonas. He is now starting to realize the importance of memories because of what it brings. He now truly understands that memories are associated with our emotions because he now has experience. In chapter 20, Jonas quotes“‘ It’s trues that it has been this way for what seems forever. But the memories tell us that it has not always been. People felt things once. You and I have been part of that, so we now. We now that they once felt things like pride and sorrow… ‘And Love,’ Jonas added, remembering the family scene that had affected him. ‘And Pain’... ‘the worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.’” (page 154). Jonas is saying that memories can lead to loneliness if they aren’t shared. The quote also infers that memories can bring love and other emotions; the emotions Jonas and The Giver felt. Memories help bring affection and empathy. If there is no memories, there is no affection and emotion, everything will be plain.
