The Giver Theme & Charecter Development

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.

My Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This specific holiday is meant for people like us to recognize and give appreciation to those who we are thankful for. I, like many others, am thankful for not only my friends and family, but also for the little stuff that make me happy such as: books, musicals, and television series.

I am quite grateful for my family. My mother and father are fairly loving parents and will always support me in positive objectives, even if it’s a rather teensy or minor goal. In fact, my mother is quite wise and is full of wisdom. Overall, she would be the one I would look up to for any type of advice. She helps me make mature decisions due to her fascinating story telling. The stories from her past usually assist me throughout times I am doubtful or uncertain because, she once somewhat experienced what I have to encounter now. This would be in anything, from my educational life to mayhem I have to face in social occasions. In addiction, my father, well he is quite oblivious on what is occurring around me. However, he still loves me along with my two younger sisters. Like I said before, he supports me only on positive goals and decisions I make, even if they are ratherly small or inessential. For instance, about a year ago I decided I wanted to play the clarinet because of the instruments elegance and my fathers admiration, which I did succeed on. Furthermore, my parents can sometimes be silly but are also quite strict. They always keep me on guard and make sure I am doing my best no matter what. I am thankful for that because, I am well aware that there are plenty of children like me who don’t have parents who aren’t concerned over their child compared to mines. I am quite lucky, and I feel rather grateful for the type of parents I have.

In addition, I am thankful for some of the friends I have. My best friend Elyza, who I have known since I was the age of three, gives me a great feel of significance. In which I feel important and happy around her when having a discussion. I am also grateful for my good friend Emily D, someone who I can talk to about anything and is always putting a smile on my face. My friend, Mia L who makes it almost impossible to not laugh around her, but also makes me angry. I am quite grateful for my other friends as well. They usually make me angry and in some cases bored, embarrassed, scared, or disgusted,  but they’re sometimes fun to be around with and usually make me laugh.

I am also extremely appreciative for the existence of my favorite books, musicals, and television series. My favorite book, The Giver, gave me plenty of mixed emotions and overall, it made me super happy! I can also say the same way for my favorite musical, Hamilton, and television show, Voltron Legendary Defender and She-Ra and the Princess of Power, because they always simply give me a positive feel whenever I am upset or just feeling neutral.

First Quarter Reflection

          I have multiple goals for the following three quarters in ELA. For instance, I would like to improve on determining the theme of a story and enhancing my writing. I am familiar with the idea of determining the theme of a narrative thanks to my seventh grade ELA class. However, this year, in our short story unit, I somewhat struggled with the idea of finding and analyzing the theme of a story due to how superficial I was. Like I said previously, I would also like to improve my writing format and grammar throughout this year. I am not completely satisfied with it, yet and I probably never will. This is because I want to keep exceeding this skill by learning new words, such as the words we are tested on in our vocabulary exams, and reading stories more frequently.

          Personally, I believe my greatest success in ELA was this year. One such accomplishment was my dramatic change in word choice. It wasn’t till last year in seventh grade when I truly had a passion for ELA due to the great teacher I had. This benefitted me to become more of a frequent reader and wanting to exceed in my vocabulary. Which also meant the dictionary was my best friend at the time because it helped enhance my grammar, memory skills, and have a phenomenal essay. However, since I and another very little amount of peers that also volunteered to do this, I wasn’t as committed to it as I am now. I have personally seen a huge difference in my vocabulary due to the tests that are held every Friday. These quizzes made a huge impact on my speech and writing, which I am truly thankful of.

          Like I said before, I would say my personal struggles throughout the first quarter was determining the theme of a story. Personally, I believe I understood and found the accurate theme of a narrative for most of the stories I’ve read. However I had difficulties with some specific tales that were quite complex to understand in my opinion. It is not simple to understand, not because of authors grammar and vocabulary throughout the narrative, but because of how explicit the author writes the plot of the story. If the author is not the most clear and lacks explanation while writing the narrative, I on the other hand would have quite of a hard time determining the theme of a tale. A good example for a story that was easy to understand its theme was “The Lady or The Tiger” because the author explained most of the narrative clearly and in detail. However, there were stories, which I can’t see to recall the name of, were not as explicit and easy to understand. Wich will and has effected me throughout last quarter, and explains why I should practice more frequently with this skill.

The Giver Book Blog

          While reading The Giver by Lois Lowry, the main characters little sister, Lily, realizes and tries to understand many scenarios that happen throughout the novel. One such as the time she finally perceives the fact of how unfortunate it is be allocated into a Birthmother as an assignment. In chapter three, Lily and her parents gaze upon the infant, Gabriel, then thinks to herself how adorable newborns are. She then desires, in an instant, to receive a Birthmother  as an assignment for when she promotes herself into a Twelve. Her mother than infers on how ignominious and obsolete it is to be a Birthmother and asks Lily if she still desires for the same future. Lily then realizes and responds, "Well, no, I guess not," Lily acknowledged reluctantly Father turned… "Anyway, Lily-billy," he said affectionately, "the Birthmothers never even get to see newchildren. If you enjoy the little ones so much, you should hope for an Assignment as Nurturer." "When you're an Eight and start your volunteer hour, you can try some at the Nurturing Center," Mother suggested. "Yes, I think I will,” This might change the way on how Lily judges individuals based on their assignment, especially Birthmothers, making her feel either superior, inferior, or pitiful because she was influenced by her mothers beliefs.

          A various amount of memories have been shared by the main character Jonas from the novel The Giver, by Lois Lowry. One such as the time Jonas being impressed by his peer, Benjamin, for his phenomenal and mature accomplishments. In chapter four, we are introduced to the character, Benjamin who has always been one of Jonas’s groupmates. He has, for nearly four years volunteered at a Rehabilitation Center, working with citizens who have been in peril. It was rumored that this effected Benjamin to have the skills of a Rehabilitation Director and he has also developed machines and techniques to quicken rehabilitation. So, “There was no doubt that Benjamin would receive his Assignment to that field and would probably be permitted to bypass most of the training. Jonas was impressed by the things Benjamin had achieved… they had never talked about the boy's accomplishments because such a conversation would have been awkward for Benjamin. There was never any comfortable way to mention or discuss one's successes without breaking the rule against bragging, even if one didn't mean to. It was a minor rule, rather like rudeness, punishable”. This memory might be important because Jonas would not be able to touch upon or discuss over one's talents without accidentally bragging. This will not only affect Jonas and Benjamin, but could also make an impact on others social conversations. Though, if someone does happen to brag in an accidental matter, they will have to face the consequences from the law.

The Lord Of The Rings book blog

1) Are the charecters realistic (could they seem like they could be real people) why or why not.

           Surprisingly, all the characters I have met so far have been quite realistic and sane. Even though most of the characters are Hobbits and mystical creatures, they all have a human-like persona. For instance, Hobbits are known for their innocent, pure, and lovable souls. However, it wouldn’t stop them from saying rumors, gossip and having naughty behavior (such as getting drunk or being possessive). Bilbo Baggins would often be the subject of a conversation due to his surprising disappearance and unexpected return to the Hobbits shire. It would also be because of his wealth and “peculiar” self. In addition, seven kings, each from different realms, the former Hobbit Gollum, and nearly Bilbo Baggins were all corrupted by the intoxicating Rings. When these characters were the possessor of the ring, it made them believe they were powerful and more superior. This caused them to be selfish and possessive over the One Ring. The human instinct would be to treasure the Ring because it makes them feel mighty and worthy of themselves. Which was exactly what they all did, until the ring was lost and found a new holder.

2) Describe the similarities and differences between the main character and you.

          I and Frodo Baggins have some similarities and differences. For instance, if I was put in the same situation as Frodo was by Gandalf (which was to destroy the ring) I would have been terrified and surprised to face this quest. Mostly because I enjoy staying in a place that is safe and I wouldn’t be comfortable being put in a life-threatening situation. I would also be confused on why was I chosen to be the protagonist of a very dangerous quest. Frodo reacted the same way I would have if I was in his shoes. The way how Frodo treats Pippin and Meriadoc throughout the beginning of the quest he was serious. I on the other hand would have been humored and brightened due to the cousins clumsy and playful self, despite the aghast situation I was put in.

3) do you like what your reading? Why or why not.

          So far, I am really enjoying the book. This is because the story itself is so interesting and explicitly explained, you can clearly imagine everything that’s going on. I also love it because it’s absolute fantasy and has a wide variety of alfheim-like references that remind me of the renaissance times and fairy tales. Also, the characters seem like people you’ll actually now in real life, which would cause readers like me to be very caring over a specific character. For example, my preferred character, Pippin is so lovable and unique it’ll be heartbreaking to hear if something life-threatening happened to him.

Posts I commented on-

• Alondras Blog
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"An Abundance Of Katherines" Book Blog

1) Summarize what you just read.
     I am currently reading the novel, An Abundance Of Katherines, written by John Green. It’s about a teenaged boy named, Colin Singleton. He had recently graduated from his last year of Secondary School. Along with his achievement, he also received a break up with his girlfriend. Throughout his childhood years and all the way up to current times, Colin has always been attracted to girls specifically named Katherine. So far he has had at least nineteen girlfriends. Despite his intelligence, Colin believes he has no purpose and nobody cares about him. He’s depressed. This is mostly due to his past and current break ups. Colin’s only friend, Hassan Harbish encourages Singleton to join him on a interminable road trip. Eventually, they end up leaving Chicago. Driving for many miles, they finally found their destination .

2) Are the characters realistic (do they seem like they could be read people)?
Why or why not?
         Most of the characters seem unrealistic. Colins persona is over exaggeratedly insecure, objective, and waver. He constantly relates regular young adult conversations to mathematics and geometry. Generally, he is very intelligent and it is normal for people to be doubtful of themselves. However, the way the author expressed these characteristics was overly done. It seemed as if he was trying to labelize his characters due to their extreme personality. This also relates to the other characters as well such as, Hassan, Lindsey, and Holis. these characters personalities are delightful yet idealistic due to their actions.

3) Describe what was either believable or unbelievable about your reading.
Defend your opinion.
          What I was reading seemed unrealistic and illogical.‘Twas desperate. Colin and Hassan uncoincidentally stop at Gutshot, Tennessee during the road trip. They meet a family of two, a mother named Hollis Lee Wells and her daughter Lindsey. Ms. Lee Wells offers Colin and Hassan a job and two rooms in the Lee Wells estate. This was only because they are both intelligent and not from the area which seems very abnormal.  Colin and Hassan accepted the job and room offer the same day they met the Lee Wells Family. Agreeing to the queer offer, they both settle to live a partial life in the county.  In my opinion, I find this peculiar and quick. Realistically you shouldn’t live in a household with strangers because it is dangerous and in most cases uncommon.

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4) Do you like what you’re reading? Why or why not?
           the first couple of chapters were captivating and engaging  due to Colins drama. However, getting more deeper into the book we meet Hollis and Lindsey Lee Wells. This changed the book dramatically to become disengaging and dull. The reason why I feel like this is because it made a major impact on the plot. It wasn’t focused on Collins obsession with Katherines like it was in the expedition on the plot diagram. It was more centered to their new lifestyle with the Lee Wells household, which I found unfortunate . 

Introduction

       

           Greetings! My name is Natalia Nicole and I live a simple, yet enjoyable life. I would say most of my family lives under the same household which includes me, my mother, father, and two little sisters. My mother and father were raised by a Hispanic household in Bolivia. My father although is quite Indian. I was raised by the American culture and a handful of my father's heritage as well.
                               
          Like I said previously, I live a happy and simple life outside and inside of school. In my spare time I like drawing, reading romances, and listening to music. My most preferred musical genre I would say is: musical theatre, pop, and indie. I enjoy listening to Katy Perry, Panic! at the disco, and ABBA. I also find theater rather interesting. Hamilton and La La Land are the musicals I consider most dear to me.

          I am absolutely fascinated my romance novels. I find it the most fun to read, watch and write! It has been something I have always been passionate for. I also love watching films and animated series’. My favorite shows so far has been Voltron Legendary Defender, Once Upon A Time and the Golden Girls. Films I have enjoyed watching is The Trueman Show, To All The Boys I Loved Before, and La La Land.

          In conclusion, I am fairly looking forward to this school year to expand my growth mind set educationally and in life situations.

comments I posted:
Mia's Blog
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