The Giver

       While reading The Giver by Lois Lowry I have come across to what I believe is an important aha moment, which is when Jonas realizes that his childhood is ending (p.26 - Ch. 4). In chapter 4, while Jonas was about to start his volunteer hours for the day, "He didn't often do his volunteer hours with his friend because Asher frequently fooled around and made serious work...difficult. But now, with twelve coming so soon and the volunteer hours ending it didn't seem to matter" (p. 26). This moment might be important because once your childhood is gone you start your adult life, which comes with more responsibilities. Jonas realize that he is about to turn twelve and he wants to spend more time with Ashter before its to late. Once you turn twelve you get your assignment and start your adult life, which is more independent. Jonas is nervous to turn twelve because he is moving on to the unknown.



     While reading The Giver there has been multiple contrasts and contradictions, one being the Elders assign twelves to their assignments (p.15-Ch.2). In chapter 2, while Jonas's parents are talking to him about the ceremony and are reassuring him not to worry when, "There was no way, really, to know in advance. It was a secret selection, made by the leaders of the community, the Committee of Elders, who took the responsibility so serious that there were never even any jokes made about Assignments". This contract and contradiction might be important because in order for the people in the community to not as much mistakes as they would on their own the Elders pick their assignments (jobs). If the Elders would not pick the people in the community's assignments, the people would pick their assignments based on others influence. If the people would do an assignment that they are not the best at and didn't interest them it could effect others because they could be doing there assignment wrong.