1. Jonas's training will alienate him from his friends and family since he will not be allowed to discuss it with them. He will be afraid that he might mistakenly do or say something that he is not supposed to, thus putting them in an uncomfortable predicament. Although Jonas will know that he may lie if such a situation does occur, he would apparently not feel comfortable with the idea of lying. Furthermore, since his position is such an esteemed one, he will be viewed in a different light by everyone else. They will not perceive him in the same manner they did when he was still just Jonas. This fact will create further division between him and others. Jonas will also feel different about himself because he will also be allowed certain privileges (such as the exemption from rudeness) that others do not have. This differentiation, in itself, will undoubtedly create a sense of separateness because Sameness requires that they are all equal.
Also, the Chief Elder emphasizes the fact that Jonas is to be treated differently because of his new status.
But the Receiver-in-training cannot be observed, cannot be modified. That is stated quite clearly in the rules. He is to be alone, apart, while he is prepared by the current Receiver for the job which is the most honored in our community.
Jonas will not only be physically isolated from his family, friends, and others, his training will also require that he cuts himself off emotionally and psychologically to prevent the sort of quandary mentioned earlier.
Jonas does not see his training as beneficial at first. He is overcome with dread and discomfort that he will be separated from those he cares about and that he has been weighed down with such a huge responsibility. His initial reaction is adverse.
For a moment he froze, consumed with despair. He didn't have it, the whatever-she-had-said. He didn't know what it was. Now was the moment when he would have to confess, to say, "No, I don't. I can't," and throw himself on their mercy, ask their forgiveness, to explain that he had been wrongly chosen, that he was not the right one at all.
Jonas's inceptive sentiments will, however, progressively change. He will become more comfortable in his role and will soon realize that he can do something to change his society for the better even if it should be at significant risk.
Jonas will be able to apply for a spouse and have a family, just as the Giver had had when he was the Receiver Of Memory. Jonas will, however, have to make different living arrangements because he and The Giver are the only ones allowed access to books. Jonas will, as a rule, be separated from his family for most of the time.
2. Most of the negative aspects of being The Receiver have been mentioned above. The positives are that The Receiver knows the history of the community and can share insights with the Elders and prepare them for any eventuality since he knows how an issue was resolved in the past. Furthermore, The Receiver can acquire information from other citizens without having to be courteous and respectful. Since they cannot lie, they will have to acquiesce to his requests. The Receiver also has access to all the records and may ask to view whatever recorded incident or event that piques his interest. Jonas's feelings of isolation are the result of his actual separation from his family and friends. Because he has to learn so much, he has very little time to socialize and cannot interact with Fiona or Asher. They have also been appointed duties, and there is not much time for leisure.
Jonas is dumbfounded by the fact that he can see color. He is fascinated by the fact that things have different, definitive hues. He thinks that the first color he sees—red—is beautiful. Jonas is upset that because of Sameness the ability to see color was removed. He believes that removing the ability was a mistake.
3. Giving Gabriel pleasant memories was a wise choice indeed. The memories helped the restless Gabriel calm down and fall into peaceful slumber. If Jonas had not given him these memories, Gabriel would have been released for being difficult and unmanageable. Jonas saved the infant's life in this way. This act also enables him to rescue Gabriel from certain death when he later escapes from the community, taking the doomed infant with him.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
1. How do you think the training as Receiver will affect Jonas’s relationships? How will it affect his future relationships, such as applying for a spouse and children? Do you think the honor that comes with this position is worth it to Jonas? 2. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of being The Receiver of Memory. Why does Jonas feel isolated? How does Jonas react to seeing in color? 3. Do you feel that Jonas giving Gabriel a pleasant memory was a wise choice? What was Jonas’s reason for doing this?
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