Final answer:
Jonas's father is concerned for Gabriel in 'The Giver' because the infant is not developing at the expected rate and may face euthanasia, highlighting deeper themes of empathy and individuality in a controlled society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Why was Jonas' Dad so concerned for Gabriel?' refers to the character dynamics in 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. In this dystopian novel, Jonas's father is concerned for Gabriel because the infant is struggling to meet the developmental milestones required for acceptance in their strictly regulated society. As a nurturer, his father becomes emotionally attached to Gabriel and worries about his potential release, a sanitized term for euthanasia in their community.
His father's concern is amplified due to the emotional suppression that community members endure, making this act of care a significant deviation from the norm. This storyline reflects broader themes in the novel about the value of individual life, the impact of societal standards, and the importance of empathy and love. The father's character is written to showcase the often-unseen humanity that exists beneath the surface of the community's imposed conformity and the protagonist Jonas's evolving perception of it.