Jonas, who is struggling to find the right words to express his emotions approaches his twelfth birthday, he is aware that significant changes and new responsibilities await him in his community. The precise use of language is of great importance in this society. Jonas ponders whether the feeling he is experiencing is fear, describing it as a "deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen." He reflects on a past incident that frightened him, involving an unidentified aircraft flying over the community. The loudspeakers, which are used by the community's Speaker to convey important commands and reminders, announced that everyone should seek shelter. Jonas vividly remembers the empty streets and abandoned bicycles, and the silence and uncertainty deeply terrified him. However, it turned out that the aircraft was a result of an inexperienced pilot making a wrong turn. The Speaker then announced that the pilot would be "released" from the community, a decision that Jonas perceives as a final and severe punishment, signifying failure. After considering his emotions carefully, Jonas concludes that the term "apprehensive" best describes his current state of mind.
Later, during their family dinner, Jonas and his family members take turns sharing their feelings from the day, a nightly ritual. Jonas's seven-year-old sister, Lily, expresses anger toward a child from another community who broke the rules on the playground during their visit. Jonas and Lily's mother reminds Lily that different communities may have different rules, and Lily recalls feeling strange and stupid when she visited that child's community the previous year, realizing that the child might have felt the same way. Consequently, Lily lets go of her anger. Jonas's father then shares his own feelings from his job as a Nurturer, where he takes care of the community's babies, known as "newchildren." He mentions a particular baby boy who has a sweet disposition but is not growing or sleeping well. If the baby does not improve soon, he will be released. Jonas explains that the release of newchildren is always sad
because they haven't had a chance to experience life in the community and haven't done anything wrong. Jonas's father suspects that the baby boy needs extra care and plans to request permission to bring him home at night.
Lily suggests that they keep the baby,but she is reminded that each family unit is assigned only one male and one female child. Additionally, community members are assigned spouses. Babies who are deemed unfit for assignment to families are released, and this evokes a sense of regret for what could have been done differently. Jonas's mother shares a similar feeling in her work with repeat offenders at the Department of Justice. Although Jonas initially chooses not to share his feelings during the dinner, he knows that keeping them to himself is not allowed. He finally reveals that he is apprehensive about the upcoming Ceremony of Twelve, which marks his transition into adult life and work. In response, Jonas's parents send Lily to bed so that they can have a private conversation with him.
The focus is on the various ceremonies that occur in December for the children of the community. For instance, during the Ceremony of One, all the children born in the previous year become "Ones"(one-year-olds), assuming none of them have been released. At this ceremony, each child receives a name and is assigned a family. Jonas learns from his father that he secretly looked at the name the struggling baby boy will receive at the upcoming Ceremony of One if he is not released. The baby's name is Gabriel, and Jonas's father hopes that by using this name with the child at home, he can help him thrive.
Jonas is surprised that his father has broken a rule, which is a rare occurrence in the community, except in the case of bicycles. According to the rules, children receive bicycles when they turn nine and are not allowed to ride them before that age. However, many older children assist their younger siblings in learning how to ride bikes before they officially receive them. Jonas is already helping his sister Lily learn to ride a bike. There have been discussions about lowering the age for bicycle assignments, but changing rules in this society is challenging. If a rule is deemed important, the Receiver, the community's most important elder, must be consulted for their opinion. The Receiver lives alone and
is not bothered with nonessential questions. Jonas has never encountered the Receiver personally.
The Ceremony of Twelve, which is the final childhood ceremony, takes place soon after the events mentioned earlier. During this ceremony, each child receives a job assignment for their adult life.Following the ceremony, they commence training for their assigned jobs, and age becomes less significant. Jonas's father shares that he wasn't overly nervous about his own Ceremony of Twelve because he had a strong sense of what his assignment would be. He had spent most of his volunteer hours at the Nurturing Center because he had always loved taking care of the newchildren. The elders of the community had observed his aptitude for newborn care, and the Nurturer position seemed suitable for his quiet and shy nature. Jonas has also noticed the elders closely monitoring his activities, taking notes, and having conversations with his teachers. Jonas's father mentions that the elders make careful decisions regarding job assignments, and most citizens are satisfied with their roles. Furthermore, if someone is disappointed with their assignment, they can go through an appeal process. However, such appeals typically result in the Committee of Elders conducting a study that does not yield quick results. Jonas wonders about the assignment his friend Asher will receive, as Asher is known for being fun-loving but lacking serious interests. Although Jonas's parents' explanation about the careful job assignments reassures him, he remains uncertain about his own assignment and anticipates feeling uneasy the following day due to the lack of knowledge about it.
After the Ceremony of Twelve, additional changes occur. As the children begin preparing for their adult lives and occupations, they no longer spend their days exclusively with peers of the same age. Volunteer hours become less important, playtime diminishes, and friendships are not as intimate. School continues but loses some of its former significance. The children are expected to adapt to these changes, just as they do after previous ceremonies that bring about significant shifts. For example, when children turn eight, they are required to give up their comfort objects, special toys assigned to them at birth. Jonas and Lily each had a comfort object - an elephant and a bear, respectively - but since they have never seen real animals, they view these toys as imaginary creatures.
Jonas's family takes in Gabriel, the newchild who is at risk of being released, to stay with them during the evenings. Lily comments that Gabriel has the same "funny" eyes as Jonas, as most members of the community have dark eyes, while Jonas, Gabriel, and a few others have pale eyes, giving them a moreprofound appearance. Lily wonders if Jonas and Gabriel share the same birth mother. However, such remarks are considered impolite in the community, as it is deemed rude to draw attention to unsettling or different aspects of individuals. Consequently, no one openly discusses such matters. Similarly, individuals are rarely singled out when receiving reprimands. When Jonas saved an apple from snack time instead of consuming it immediately, the Speaker reminded all male Elevens that such behavior is not allowed. Jonas knows that he is required to apologize in suchinstances, and he fulfills this expectation.
Lily finds Gabriel adorable and mentions that she would like to become a Birthmother. However, her mother sternly tells her never to express such desires again, explaining that being a Birthmother is an assignment with little honor. A Birthmother's responsibility is to bear three children whom she does not get to raise or see. Although she receives special treatment during pregnancy, she is then subjected to strenuous physical labor after fulfilling her childbearing duties. This labor continues until she enters the House of the Old. Lily's father suggests that she might be a good Nurturer and recommends that she start volunteering at the Nurturing Center, as all children are required to do once they turn eight.
Jonas recalls a peculiar incident involving an apple from the snack basket. While playing catch with Asher, the apple seemed to change its appearance in midair for a brief moment before returning to its normal state. Jonas asks Asher if he noticed anything unusual about the apple, but Asher did not. Curious, Jonas examines the apple under a magnifying glass, rolling it around, but finds nothing remarkable about it. It remains the same size, shape, and dull shade as before. Nevertheless, Jonas feels unsettled by the incident and tries to push it out of his mind, although doing so proves challenging.
Children between the ages of 8 and 11 are required to complete a specific number of volunteer hours, and they have the freedom to choose where they want to volunteer. Failure to fulfill this requirement results in not receiving a job assignment when they turn 12, which negatively affects their future. Once they complete the required hours, they receive their job assignments privately, without a ceremony. Jonas considers the choice of volunteering as a luxury and freedom since most aspects of their dailylives are strictly regulated. He has volunteered at various places and appreciates the differences among different types of work. Volunteering helps children develop skills, discover their interests and abilities, and some children exhibit exceptional aptitude in certain areas. However, discussing their accomplishments openly is discouraged as it is considered bragging, even unintentionally.
Jonas meets his friend Fiona at the House of the Old, her preferred place to volunteer. The House of the Old is described as a serene and slow-paced location, distinct from the bustling centers of manufacturing and distribution. During their volunteering, they assist an elderly woman named Larissa with bathing. It is mentioned that citizens are not allowed to look at others' nudity, and even accidental glimpses require an apology. However, this rule does not apply to babies and the elderly, as they may need assistance with activities like bathing and dressing. Jonas observes the warm and secure atmosphere in the bathing room and notices the level of trust between Larissa and the bathing assistants. Larissa shares with Jonas and Fiona that an old man named Roberto was released that morning. Before his release, his life and achievements were described in great detail. Larissa mentions that Roberto appeared happy as he was escorted through a door into the Releasing Room. Children and residents of the House of the Old are not privy to what happens in that room, and Larissa is unsure why. She speculates that release must be something wonderful. Larissa also mentions a woman named Edna, noting how the authorities tried to portray her life as meaningful, even though she was a Birthmother and did not have a family unit. Larissa concludes by emphasizing that all lives are meaningful.
The morning ritual of sharing dreams is introduced. Each morning,
families are required to discuss their dreams from the previous night, similar to sharing feelings after dinner. Jonas, who rarely dreams, had a vivid dream the night before. Reluctantly, he is obligated to talk about it, although he is still trying to comprehend its meaning.
Jonas's mother and sister describe dreams filled with fear associated with transgressions. When it's Jonas's turn to speak, he feels embarrassed as he recounts his dream. In the dream, he and Fiona are in the bathing room at the House of the Old, and Jonas is trying to convince her to undress so he can bathe her. He experiencesa sense of slight anger because she doesn't seem to take him seriously. Jonas describes the dream as filled with a sense of "wanting" and acknowledges that such desires are called "Stirrings" in their community. The Speaker often reminds everyone that Stirrings must be reported for treatment, and pills are prescribed to suppress these feelings. Jonas knows that his friend Asher takes these pills, although he has never directly asked him about it, as it falls into the uncomfortable category of being different. Jonas is aware that the dream about Fiona brought him pleasure, but the pill he takes will distance him from that feeling.
The significance of the uniforms worn by children is discussed. The uniforms indicate their age and the level of independence they have achieved. For example, Sixes wear jackets that fasten in the back, requiring them to assist each other in getting dressed. Receiving jackets with buttons in the front symbolizes the first sign of independence and serves as a visible symbol of growing up. The bicycles given to Nines represent their progression towards adulthood and separation from the families that raised them. As an Eight, Lily receives a jacket with pockets, signifying that she is now responsible enough to keep track of small personal belongings.
Gabriel, the baby who was temporarily staying with Jonas's family, is not attending the ceremonies with them. Instead, he has been returned to the Nurturing Center. The Committee of Elders made an unusual decision, granting Gabriel an additional year of nurturing before deciding whether to name him and assign him to a family or release him from the community. Jonas's father had pleaded on the baby's behalf during a meeting with the committee. However, Jonas and his family had to
pledge not to become attached to Gabriel and not to protest when he is assigned to another family. Jonas hopes that Gabriel will eventually be placed with another family so that he can still see the child from time to time. It is also explained that when someone is released, they are sent Elsewhere and never return to the community.
During the Ceremony of One, the community becomes emotionally stirred when a newchild named Caleb is introduced. He is a replacement for a 4-year-old named Caleb who was lost in the river, a rare occurrence in their closely monitored and safe community. When the first Caleb waslost, there was a ceremony where the community members gradually decreased their murmuring of his name throughout the day until it faded from their consciousness. Now, as the new Caleb is presented, the community murmurs his name louder and more frequently. Another child named Roberto is also introduced, but he does not receive a murmuring ceremony because the old Roberto was released rather than lost. As a result, the new Roberto is not considered a replacement.
The narrator notes that children's transgressions, even minor ones, reflect poorly on their parents, suggesting inadequate guidance. These transgressions disrupt the community's sense of order and success. Asher shares a story with Jonas about the ultimate transgression of escaping the community. Asher claims that a boy once swam across the river to another community because he was unhappy with his assigned job at the Ceremony of Twelve. The boy never returned, and no Ceremony of Release was held for him. Jonas doubts the truthfulness of the story, but Asher's mother confirms that someone did leave the community and never come back. It is also mentioned that people can apply for Elsewhere and be released if they do not fit into the community. Jonas wonders how someone could not fit in, given the high degree of order and careful decision-making in the community, especially regarding assignments of spouses. He remains confident that the elders will make the right job assignments for him and even for Asher.
The children are gathered for the yearly ceremony and arranged according to their birth numbers. Jonas, being number 19, is one of the
older children among the group of 50. Birth numbers are rarely used once children receive their names, but they become significant during the Ceremony of Twelve. At this ceremony, children are assigned their jobs in the order of their birth.
The Chief Elder, who is elected every 10 years, takes the stage and delivers a speech at the Ceremony of Twelve. She begins by discussing the transition from childhood to adulthood and emphasizing the importance of job assignments. The Chief Elder acknowledges that the assignment of jobs is one of the rare instances when the community recognizes differences, as the children are usually encouraged to conform and standardize their behavior.
During the announcement of assignments, the Chief Elder shares an anecdote about Asher, highlighting his previous struggles with language precision. She explains how, as ayoung child, Asher had trouble using language accurately and received discipline with a wand that caused temporary stinging when he made mistakes. Despite his difficulties, Asher overcame his challenges and developed a cheerful disposition, leading the elders to assign him the role of Assistant Director of Recreation. Fiona, described as a gentle and sensitive girl, is assigned to be a Caretaker of the Old. The Chief Elder expresses gratitude to each child for their childhood before revealing their job assignments.
The narrator notes that some assignments require more training than others and that certain jobs hold more status than others. The role of Birthmother is specifically mentioned as a job with high importance but low status. When the Chief Elder skips over Jonas during the announcement of assignments, he is taken aback and filled with deep worry. He fears that being skipped signifies a low-status assignment or even punishment. Jonas is unable to look at his parents, fearing the shame that may be on their faces.
The audience at the Ceremony of Twelve is disturbed when the Chief Elder skips Jonas. After the build-up of anticipation, excitement, and pride leading to the ceremony, Jonas now experiences terror and humiliation. Sensing the unease in the room, the Chief Elder apologizes for causing it, specifically apologizing to Jonas. This is an unusual act in a community that tries to avoid recognizing differences. She reveals that
Jonas has not been assigned a regular job; instead, he has been "selected" for an exceptionally special role - the Receiver of Memory. This position is extremely rare, as there is only one Receiver in the community. The current Receiver is an elder whom Jonas has never noticed before, described as a bearded man with pale eyes.
The Chief Elder mentions that the Committee of Elders failed the last time they chose a Receiver, and the mention of this failure makes the crowd uneasy. She states that they cannot afford another failure and assures the community that she will not dwell on the experience as it causes discomfort. The Chief Elder explains that the role of Receiver is the most honored job in the community. Jonas is informed that he will be prepared for this role by the current Receiver, who will train him. The Chief Elder acknowledges that the training involves physical pain beyond the community's comprehension, and even the current Receiver cannot describeit. The community cannot fully prepare Jonas for this pain. Hearing this news, Jonas does not feel courageous. The Chief Elder adds that Jonas will develop wisdom, an essential attribute for the Receiver, and possess a unique quality called "the Capacity to See Beyond." Jonas recalls the incident with the apple, and at that moment, he begins to believe that he is meant to be the Receiver. The crowd chants his name, showing their acceptance of him as the new Receiver.
Jonas feels a sense of separation from the rest of the community for the first time. His parents express their pride in him. Curious about the Committee of Elders' failure in selecting a Receiver a decade earlier, Jonas asks his parents about it. They admit that they don't know what became of the previous Receiver and that her name is never spoken in the community, indicating that it is a severe form of disgrace. They emphasize that being chosen as Receiver is a great honor.
In his room, Jonas opens his training folder to find out what he will be learning from the current Receiver. While most other Twelve's folders contain several materials, Jonas's folder only contains a single sheet of paper. It instructs him that he is no longer bound by the community's rules of rudeness, that he can ask any citizen any question and will receive answers. Jonas also learns that he cannot discuss his training with others, including his parents and other elders, except for the current
Receiver. He must attend his training at the Annex after school each day and immediately return to his dwelling afterward. Jonas is no longer allowed to talk about his dreams, apply for release, or take medication unless it is unrelated to his Receiver duties. The folder also grants him permission to lie.
Jonas is taken aback by some of the new rules, particularly those regarding rudeness and lying. He recalls never feeling tempted to lie before and wonders if others have been given permission to lie in their job instructions. However, he realizes that he wouldn't know if they were lying in their responses to his questions. Jonas also worries about the prohibition on medication, especially considering the Chief Elder's warning about the pain he will experience. He remembers a time when medication relieved his pain after crushing his finger in a door. Trying to imagine thepain he will face without medication, he finds it incomprehensible. The prohibition on applying for release doesn't evoke much of a reaction from Jonas, as the thought of doing so had never occurred to him before.
Jonas enters the Annex and is surprised to see the attendant stand up for him, as no one has ever done so before. He notices the unlocking of a door, which is a rare occurrence since no doors in the community are typically locked. The attendant explains that the locks are for the Receiver's privacy and concentration. The furnishings in the Receiver's home are similar to those in Jonas's dwelling and others but slightly fancier. However, the most notable difference is the large and varied collection of books, which Jonas has never seen before since he is only allowed to view the books in his own dwelling. He wonders if any of these books discuss the rules of other communities.
Jonas looks into the pale eyes of the outgoing Receiver and realizes that they resemble his own. The Receiver informs Jonas that he is now the new Receiver, and Jonas responds respectfully, as the community holds elderly individuals in high regard. The elder Receiver explains that the difficult and painful nature of the job has aged him, and he is also very tired. He invites Jonas to ask questions but admits that he doesn't have much experience describing the role since discussing it is forbidden. He emphasizes the importance and honor of the job but
admits his previous failure in training a successor.
The elder Receiver explains that the role involves holding the memories of the entire world, including those from the distant past and other places. He passes these memories on to Jonas, who will hold them until another Receiver is chosen in the future. The concept of generations and other communities baffles Jonas, who previously believed that only their community and the present existed. The outgoing Receiver shares that he experiences the memories repeatedly in his solitude, gaining wisdom for the future. However, carrying the memories is also a heavy burden. Before transmitting a memory to Jonas for the first time, the elder Receiver switches off the speaker, which astonishes Jonas, as it demonstrates a remarkable power.
As the memory of snow is transmitted, both the old Receiver's hands and Jonas's breath start to feel cold. Soon, Jonas nolonger feels the Receiver's touch but experiences the sensation of being on a sled in the snow. He is aware that his physical body is in the Receiver's dwelling, yet another part of him is on the sled, going down a hill. Even with his eyes closed, Jonas can vividly see and understand what is happening. He recognizes that he is on a sled, going down a hill, but there is no need for an explanation as the experience itself provides understanding. After a while, Jonas opens his eyes and finds himself back on the bed.
Curious about why their community lacks snow, sleds, and hills, Jonas asks the outgoing Receiver. He explains that these things became obsolete when the community implemented Climate Control. Snow made it difficult to grow food, and adverse weather conditions could hamper transportation. Although both Jonas and the elder Receiver wish that snow and its wonders still existed, they acknowledge that they lack the power to bring them back. The elder Receiver emphasizes that despite the great honor they hold, it is not the same as having power.
The elder Receiver informs Jonas that he has only transmitted pleasant memories so far but will soon share painful ones. He delayed this to gain wisdom from his previous failure. Jonas receives his first painful memory, involving the sensation of being sunburned. Jonas describes the intense pain he felt and how it provides him with a better understanding of pain. Before concluding the training for the day, the old Receiver instructs
Jonas to refer to him as "The Giver."
Jonas sleeps soundly during the night, unlike baby Gabriel. He has a dream in which he slides down a snow-covered hill, aiming for a welcoming and significant place in the distance. Upon waking, Jonas feels the urge to reach that place but is uncertain of how to get there. He decides not to share this dream with his family since they wouldn't understand, as they have no knowledge of concepts like snow and hills.
Jonas meets Fiona at the House of the Old, where she explains that even the elderly receive punishment for disobedience, similar to small children who are disciplined with the wand. Jonas experiences moments of seeing beyond more frequently. While talking with Fiona, he has another such experience, where he perceives only her hair for a flickering instant. He later asks The Giver aboutit, and The Giver explains that Jonas perceived the color of Fiona's hair, which is red. He reveals that people used to see a variety of colors, and flesh came in different shades before the community adopted Sameness. By choosing Sameness, people gave up the ability to see colors, gaining control over other aspects of their lives. Jonas believes this was a mistake, surprising The Giver with the strength and certainty of his response.
Unlike others, The Giver sees the full range of colors all the time and tells Jonas that he will eventually do the same. Currently, Jonas can only see red for brief moments. The Giver reflects that Sameness has never been fully mastered, as evident in the unusual hair color of Fiona. The Giver then transmits a memory of a rainbow to Jonas.
Jonas begins to see flashes of color in his everyday life, but they quickly fade back to a flat and hueless shade. He finds this unfair and expresses his disappointment in the lack of choices that come with Sameness. Jonas believes that having more choices is important and discusses his frustration with the Giver. He mentions how Gabriel should be able to choose between a red toy or a yellow one, highlighting the importance of personal choice. The Giver raises the concern that the
baby might make a poor choice, making Jonas realize that decision-making can be risky. He ponders the consequences of choosing the wrong spouse or job. Although protecting people from poor choices increases safety, Jonas continues to feel frustrated.
Jonas experiences anger more frequently, sometimes irrationally directed towards classmates who seem content with their colorless lives. He also feels anger towards his inability to share the vibrance he is experiencing with others. Despite being aware of the rules against sharing his newfound awareness, Jonas attempts to transmit this knowledge to his loved ones. He touches Asher to transmit the awareness of vibrant flower colors, but Asher is bothered by the physical contact, considering it extremely rude. Jonas also tries to share knowledge of elephants with Lily, who lacks understanding of animals. Both attempts are met with displeasure. Jonas acquired the knowledge of elephants through a troubling memory he recently received, witnessing the slaughter of an elephant by a group of men while another elephant looked on in rage and grief.
The Giver reveals that he used to have a spouse,who now resides with the Childless Adults, similar to what will happen to Jonas's parents when he and Lily are grown up. The Giver mentions that Jonas can apply for a spouse in the future but warns that maintaining the relationship will be challenging due to the need for secrecy. Jonas won't be able to show his books or discuss his work as the Receiver with his spouse. The Giver explains that once Jonas becomes the official Receiver, he will be tasked with advising the Committee of Elders on matters they haven't experienced. Jonas will use his memories as a guide to make recommendations. The Giver admits that he wishes the elders sought his wisdom more often, but the community values order, predictability, and a painless existence.
Jonas wonders if a Receiver is truly necessary, questioning the Giver about his constant suffering. The Giver explains that without the memories, there would be no meaning, but carrying all the memories of history is an impossible burden. Jonas starts to grasp the irony of the honor associated with being the Receiver. He worries about the Giver's well-being and ponders what lies beyond their community. Eventually, he musters the courage to ask the Giver about the cause of his terrible pain, prompting the Giver to decide to share one of the memories that causes him such anguish.
The painful memory the Giver shares with Jonas begins with a sled going downhill. As Jonas loses control of the sled, he becomes terrified and at the mercy of the wild acceleration. He is thrown from the sled, breaking his leg upon impact with the ground. The pain is intense, and Jonas screams, but there is no response. He experiences bleeding and vomiting. When he returns to the Giver's home, Jonas, despite knowing it is not allowed, asks for pain relief, longing for the instantaneous deliverance of medication. However, he must endure the lingering pain and try to be brave. As he listens to his family laughing while bathing Gabriel, Jonas realizes that they have never experienced pain, and he feels very isolated.
Each day of training now consists of a horrible memory followed by a pleasant one. The agony of the broken leg pales in comparison to the deep and terrible suffering of the past. Jonas experiences memories of torture, neglect, and hunger, which lead him to question why they must hold such memories. The Giverreminds Jonas that they serve as a source of wisdom, enabling him to fulfill his function of advising the Committee of Elders when called upon. The Giver recounts an incident from the past when the elders sought his advice on increasing the number of babies delivered by Birthmothers. He used his memories of starvation and resulting warfare to advise against it. The elders also sought his guidance when an airplane flew over the community, and the Giver cautioned against hasty actions that could lead to destruction.
Jonas asks why the rest of the community cannot have these terrible memories, suggesting that the burden would be shared. The Giver agrees but explains that everyone would then experience pain and burden, revealing that the Receiver's role is vital to the community. The Receiver, along with Jonas, is selected to lift that burden from others. The unfairness of this arrangement angers Jonas, and he insists that they change it. The Giver admits that despite his wisdom, he hasn't figured out how to change it, and this decision was made long ago.
At home, Gabriel is growing well but still cries during the night, requiring attention. Jonas's father mentions that a Birthmother is preparing to have twins, and as usual, one will be kept while the other is released. Jonas wonders if someone in Elsewhere is waiting to receive the released newborn, who would grow up unaware of having a twin
sibling. Jonas asks for Gabriel's crib to be placed in his room, and when Gabriel fusses, he pats his back, recalling a lovely memory of sailing. As he touches Gabriel, Jonas feels the memory slipping away, but he manages to transmit the rest of it when Gabriel becomes calm again. Jonas is frightened by this newfound power and decides to keep it to himself.
When Jonas arrives at the Annex, he finds the Giver in a bad state and pleads with Jonas to relieve some of his pain. The painful memory that torments the Giver unfolds in a confused, noisy, and foul-smelling place. The air is thick with smoke, and injured men lie in a field. A panicked horse falls down, and Jonas encounters a uniformed boy around his age who begs for water, covered in blood. Jonas notices the vivid red color of the blood and realizes his own arm is badly wounded. He offers the boy a drink, and he witnesses theinjured men begging for water, for their mothers, and even for death. Jonas watches the boy die and lies in the field, listening to the sounds of people and animals dying as cannons fire in the distance. Jonas gains a firsthand understanding of warfare. As his consciousness returns to the present, the Giver asks Jonas for forgiveness.
Jonas is reluctant to return to the Annex for his training. He yearns for the simplicity of childhood and an ordinary life free from anguish. However, he doesn't have the choice to opt out, so he goes back to the Annex. The Giver reminds him of the many wonderful memories he has yet to experience. Jonas recalls the joy of a birthday party that celebrated a single child, making them feel special. He has also gained an understanding of solitude and joy from sitting beside a campfire. Sensing Jonas's troubled state, the Giver transmits more pleasant memories to him for some time.
The Giver shares his favorite memory with Jonas, set in a warm, firelit room filled with people. It appears to be a Christmas memory, complete with cooking food, colorful lights, presents, and children's delighted cries. The scene exudes a sense of family. Jonas wonders about the older
people in the room since the elderly in his community are confined to the House of the Old and never leave. The Giver explains that they are grandparents, an important part of family life long ago. Jonas expresses curiosity about his own parents' parents, but the Giver reminds him that once he and Lily complete their job training and receive their own dwellings, their parents will live with the other Childless Adults, as long as they continue to contribute to the community. Eventually, they will go to the House of the Old, where they will be released. Jonas won't witness their release, and he won't even be aware when it happens, as he didn't realize there was any other way until he received that memory.
Curious about the feeling that filled the Christmas scene, Jonas asks the Giver what it is called. The Giver tells him it was love. Jonas expresses his wish for the Giver to be his grandparent, appreciating the feeling of love and the sense of completeness that the family in the memory provided. He also mentions his liking for the warmth and light of candles and fire, despitethe inherent dangers they pose. When Jonas returns home, he asks his parents if they love him, and they respond that they enjoy him and take pride in his accomplishments. They criticize him for imprecise language use, highlighting the need for precise language to maintain smooth functioning in the community. Jonas lies for the first time to his parents, claiming to understand why he shouldn't use the word "love."
Later that evening, when Jonas visits Gabriel, he tells the baby that life could be different, filled with colors, grandparents, and love. He begins transmitting pleasant memories to Gabriel each night and decides to stop taking his daily pill.
The announcement is made that there is an unscheduled holiday, a rare treat for the citizens. It means a break from work, training, school, and volunteering. Substitute laborers handle the essential tasks for the day. Although school has become less important to Jonas, it still serves the purpose of encouraging memorization of rules and mastery of new technologies. Jonas gazes into the river and ponders its origin from Elsewhere and its destination.
Having skipped his daily medication for four weeks, Jonas experiences Stirrings and intensified emotions more than ever before. He realizes
that he can't go back to the world of dulled emotions he once knew. Colors are now consistently visible to him. Jonas recognizes a new depth of feelings in both his own life and the memories he receives. He reflects on times when his family members described emotions like sadness and anger, realizing that they were actually experiencing milder feelings such as disappointment and impatience that faded quickly. Now, Jonas has experienced true sadness and grief, understanding that there is no quick comfort for such emotions.
Jonas encounters Asher playing a game with other children, and it feels different to him. He realizes that it is a reenactment of war, and he becomes overwhelmed by his feelings. Struggling to breathe, Jonas frustrates the other children. One of them pretends to shoot him, causing the crowd to disperse nervously. Fiona approaches Jonas and asks what is bothering him. Jonas asks Asher to stop playing the game, but he knows that Asher cannot understand why it is cruel. Jonas senses his childhood, friendships, and carefree sense of security slipping away, and he feels deeply saddened. He understands that no one except the Giver will truly comprehend what he is going through without access tomemories, and he acknowledges that he cannot change the status quo.
Meanwhile, Gabriel has begun to walk, which is celebrated at the Nurturing Center but also marks the introduction of the discipline wand. The twin babies are about to be born, and Jonas wonders if his father takes one of the babies elsewhere. His father explains that he only chooses which twin goes there, while the other is made clean and comfortable before a Ceremony of Release takes place. Lily remarks on the confusion that would arise if everyone in the community had a twin living elsewhere and if each pair of twins had the same name. Jonas and Lily's mother suggests that Lily should receive the assignment of Storyteller.
The Giver admits to contemplating his own release when he is in great pain. There are times when he wishes for release but knows that he can only request it once a new Receiver has been trained. Jonas dreads the end of his training because he realizes how difficult and lonely his future life will be, despite the honor that accompanies his position. He asks the
Giver for more details about the failed Receiver-in-training. The Giver describes her as a smart and interested girl named Rosemary who possessed serenity and self-possession. He admits that he loved her and found it painful to transfer the painful memories to her. After sharing pleasant memories with her for five weeks, he gave her a memory of a child being taken from its parents. This experience changed her profoundly, evident in her eyes.
Jonas questions whether Rosemary lacked the bravery to handle the difficult memories, but the Giver doesn't respond directly. He explains that he gave her memories of various painful experiences, including terror and hunger, because it was part of his job. One day, after receiving a happy memory, Rosemary kissed his cheek and left the room. She later went to the Chief Elder and requested release, which was not against the rules at the time. Jonas asks what would happen to the memories if he were to die in an accident like Caleb falling into the river. The Giver explains that the memories would return to the community, but since the other citizens are not accustomed to strong feelings, they wouldn't know how to handle them, particularly the unpleasant ones. Additionally, when Rosemary was released, the Giver was consumed by grief and unableto assist them. Jonas realizes that the Giver's guidance is the only reason he has been able to cope with the difficult memories. The Giver recognizes that he could help others in the same way if the memories were shared with the whole community. Nonetheless, he cautions Jonas to stay away from the river.
Jonas informs the Giver that his father must select a newchild to release that day. The Giver expresses his wish that the community wouldn't release twins. However, Jonas takes comfort in imagining his father's gentle and sensitive nature as he prepares a small baby for release. Jonas expresses his desire to watch his father in this process. The Giver informs him that he can do so by requesting a recording of the baby's release ceremony, which had taken place earlier that day. The ceremony occurs in a plain room where Jonas observes his father filling a syringe with liquid and injecting it into the baby's forehead.
Overwhelmed by what he witnesses, Jonas doesn't fully comprehend the gravity of the situation in the moment. It takes him a few minutes to
piece it together. He realizes that his father didn't clean or comfort the baby but disposed of the child as if it were garbage. The Giver explains that this is what happens during all releases. The Giver himself watched the recording of Rosemary's release, feeling numb with horror. He shares that he is unsure of the meaning of bravery, but Rosemary chose to perform her own release, and he couldn't bear to watch her inject herself. Jonas is appalled by this revelation about releases and his father's involvement. He experiences a ripping sensation of pain and lets out a cry.
Jonas has a fit and refuses to go home. The Giver contacts the appropriate authorities through his speaker and requests that they inform Jonas's family that he will be staying overnight for extra training. The voice on the speaker assures the Giver that they will take care of it, to which Jonas mocks the voice, expressing a willingness to kill people, particularly the elderly and newborns. The Giver explains that neither Jonas's father nor the person on the speaker can be held accountable for their actions because they don't know or understand what is truly happening. He states that their actions are a result of the life that was created for them, a life thatJonas would have led if he hadn't been chosen as the Giver's successor.
Devastated by his father's deception, Jonas questions whether the Giver has been lying to him as well. The Giver assures him that he hasn't. Jonas wonders if Fiona possesses the same callousness as his father, to which the Giver responds that feelings aren't part of her existence. He emphasizes that only he and Jonas truly have feelings and comprehend their significance. Jonas realizes that he cannot go back to his life with his family. The Giver proposes that they make a plan together, which confuses Jonas as the Giver had previously stated that nothing could be done. However, the Giver now realizes that life hasn't always been as it is currently. In the past, there were feelings and love. The loneliness associated with being a Receiver is the worst part, not the pain. Sharing memories can alleviate loneliness and help people cope with pain.
Jonas and the Giver devise a plan for Jonas to leave the community on the day of the December ceremonies, just after midnight when he is
least likely to be noticed. They must be cautious because if Jonas is caught, he will likely be killed. Jonas will leave a note for his parents stating that he's going for a bike ride by the river before the day's ceremonies. In reality, he will go to the Annex to meet the Giver. When Jonas doesn't appear before it's time to leave for the ceremonies, his parents won't mention it to avoid reflecting poorly on their parenting. They will assume he's going to the ceremonies with Asher or the Giver. Since the Giver visits other communities, he has access to a car and driver. He will arrange for the car to take him on one of his visits early in the day. Before departing, the Giver will send the driver on an errand and hide Jonas in the car's storage area along with a supply of food. The Giver will inform the community that Jonas was lost in the river and initiate a Ceremony of Loss.
Jonas expresses a desire for the Giver to accompany him, but the Giver explains that he needs to stay and help the community change for the better. If Jonas escapes and reaches Elsewhere, it will force the community to bear the burden of the memories he had held for them, and he believesthey can acquire wisdom as a result. Jonas suggests that he and the Giver could simply leave without caring about the rest of the community, but the Giver states that caring is the meaning of everything.
The Giver assures Jonas that he has the courage for this difficult escape and promises to provide him with the strength he needs. The Giver expresses his gratitude to Jonas, as he wouldn't have figured out how to initiate change without him. Before Jonas departs to execute the plan, the Giver decides to share a special memory with him. The Giver reveals that his first experience of seeing beyond was actually hearing beyond, specifically hearing music. Jonas insists that the Giver keep this cherished memory but agrees to receive the Giver's memories of strength and courage in the time they have left together. The Giver expresses his intention to be with his daughter, Rosemary, once his healing work is complete.
The escape plan faces complications, and Jonas must leave earlier than originally planned. He doesn't have time to stop at the Annex and hide in the Giver's car because of an unforeseen variable, Gabriel.
Gabriel was taken to the Nurturing Center to sleep overnight but cried and caused disruption. The night crew was unable to handle it, and everyone involved in decisions about newchildren, including Jonas's father, agrees that Gabriel should be released the next morning. Jonas decides to steal his father's bicycle, which has a child seat on the back for Gabriel to ride on. He gives Gabriel a memory of a swaying hammock among palm trees. Jonas hopes he has enough strength for the journey ahead, even though he wasn't able to receive the last few memories the Giver had saved for him. He understands that his life will never be the same, lacking the order and discipline he's accustomed to, but he doesn't feel scared or regretful. He simply hopes that the Giver knows he will miss him.
As Jonas pedals, his legs ache and become numb. He and Gabriel stop by a stream to rest, eat, and play during the daylight when it's unsafe to continue traveling. To get Gabriel to sleep in the daytime, Jonas transmits a memory of deep, contented exhaustion. While Jonas has committed various crimes such as going out at night, stealing food and a bike, and abducting a child, the most ominous threat comes from theoverhead airplanes. Jonas knows that the pilots can't perceive colors, but their aircraft can detect heat on the landscape below. Whenever the planes fly by, he gives Gabriel memories of snow, and they both feel the cold. Eventually, the planes stop coming, and over time, Jonas's muscles grow stronger. He gains confidence in his own strength, believing that he possesses enough for the journey ahead.
The landscape undergoes changes as the road narrows and becomes rough, causing Jonas to fall off his bike and twist his ankle. The pain is constant, and Jonas becomes acutely aware that Gabriel's safety relies entirely on his own strength. Worried that his injury will hinder their journey, Jonas and Gabriel encounter animals for the first time. Gabriel mistakes a bird for an airplane, which initially causes Jonas to panic before finding amusement in the situation. Jonas starts fearing that they will starve as food becomes scarce. He recalls how meals were provided in the community and tries to alleviate his hunger with memories of feasts. However, he reflects on his decision to leave the community and acknowledges that he and Gabriel are now hungry and suffering. Despite
momentarily questioning his choice, Jonas believes that staying in his old life would have led to starvation in different, less tangible ways, and Gabriel would not have survived.
As the landscape becomes hilly, Jonas grows weaker and struggles to pedal the bike. They endure several days of rain, and both Jonas and Gabriel cry. Gabriel cries due to hunger, cold, and weakness, while Jonas sheds tears for the same reasons and also out of fear that he may not be able to save Gabriel. He becomes solely focused on Gabriel's well-being, caring less about himself.
Jonas is at his weakest point but remains certain that their destination is not far ahead. He doesn't have any sensory evidence suggesting its proximity but relies on a feeling. His heart breaks when he sees Gabriel shivering, prompting him to hold the baby against his chest and wrap his tunic around them both. Snow begins to fall, and Jonas tries to show Gabriel the beauty of the snowflakes, but the child no longer responds with curiosity and alertness. Tear stains mark Gabriel's dirty cheeks. Unable to pedal the bike any longer, Jonas starts walking down the road with Gabriel, allowing the bike to fall to the side. He contemplates theidea of allowing themselves to surrender to the comfort of snow, darkness, and sleep.
Realizing that he has mostly let go of the memories received from the Giver, Jonas wonders if he can still transmit memories to Gabriel to help him survive. With effort, he manages to give the child a memory of sunshine. Although he briefly considers keeping this memory for himself, free from any burdens, he is overcome by the desire to share warmth with the one person he still loves. These fleeting memories of warmth provide them with the strength to take a few steps at a time, despite the challenges they face. Jonas's focus shifts entirely to moving their feet, keeping Gabriel and himself warm, and pressing forward. The summit of the hill appears distant, and Jonas is uncertain about what lies beyond it. Nevertheless, they have no choice but to continue, even though Jonas can barely move his legs.
As Jonas and Gabriel struggle up the hill, Jonas experiences a surge of joyful memories. They involve his parents, sister, Asher, Fiona, and the Giver. These are his personal memories, not borrowed from the Giver,
and they fuel his strength. The ground begins to level, and Jonas discovers a sled that points toward the bottom of the other side of the hill. Holding onto each other tightly, Jonas and Gabriel sled down the hill, heading toward the place Jonas has always felt was waiting for them - the Elsewhere that holds their future and past. Jonas sees lights in the distance, reminiscent of the colorful lights from the memory of a love-filled Christmas. He becomes certain that someone is waiting for both him and Gabriel below. He hears people singing for the first time and senses that music is coming from behind him, wondering if it is real or merely an echo.