The Giver

Synopsis

In a perfect world, Jonas begins to see the flaws…

THE GIVER is the classic award-winning novel that inspired the dystopian genre and a major motion picture adaptation for 2014 starring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes and Taylor Swift.

It is the future. There is no war, no hunger, no pain. No one in the community wants for anything. Everything needed is provided. And at twelve years old, each member of the community has their profession carefully chosen for them by the Committee of Elders.

Twelve-year old Jonas has never thought there was anything wrong with his world. But from the moment he is selected as the Receiver of Memory, Jonas discovers that their community is not as perfect as it seems.

It is only with the help of the Giver, that Jonas can find what has been lost. And it is only through his personal courage that Jonas finds the strength to do what is right…

The Giver is the award-winning classic of bravery and adventure that has inspired countless dystopian writers as the forerunner of this genre.

Summary

Chapter 1:

Jonas, an 11-year-old boy, lives in a society where everything is rigidly controlled. He is chosen to be the next "Receiver of Memories," the person responsible for preserving the community's history and wisdom.

Chapter 2:

Jonas begins his training with the Giver, an elderly man who has held the position for many years. The Giver teaches Jonas about the past and the choices that led to the society's current state.

Real Example:

Jonas learns that his community banned all emotions and colors to prevent conflict and maintain stability.

Chapter 3:

Jonas experiences vivid memories of the past, including emotions like love, joy, and sadness. He also learns about war, poverty, and other societal problems.

Real Example:

Jonas sees a memory of a family celebrating a child's birthday, filled with laughter and joy.

Chapter 4:

Jonas's training becomes increasingly difficult as he struggles to reconcile the painful memories with the sanitized world he has always known.

Real Example:

Jonas experiences the memory of a young child dying from starvation, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and horrified.

Chapter 5:

Jonas begins to challenge the community's rules and question its leaders. He also develops a close relationship with Fiona, a girl who shares his growing disillusionment.

Real Example:

Jonas confronts the Chief Elder about the community's suppression of individuality, arguing that it is cruel and unjust.

Chapter 6:

Jonas discovers that newchildren are released to unknown destinations when they fail to meet certain standards. Horrified, he becomes determined to save Gabriel, a newborn who has been deemed unfit.

Real Example:

Jonas witnesses the release of a young girl from the community, knowing that she will likely be left to die alone.

Chapter 7:

Jonas and Gabriel flee the community, seeking a place where they can live freely. They face numerous challenges along the way, including the pursuit of the community's search planes.

Real Example:

Jonas and Gabriel encounter a snowstorm and must find shelter in an abandoned car, relying on their memories of warmth and courage to survive.

Chapter 8:

Jonas and Gabriel finally reach the boundary of their community and encounter a group of strangers who welcome them. They are told that the outside world is still struggling, but filled with hope and freedom.

Real Example:

Jonas and Gabriel experience the sound of music for the first time, marveling at the beauty and diversity of the world beyond.