Question

Think about the text The Giver by Lois Lowry to answer question 6.

Read the excerpt and then answer the question that follows.

Almost every citizen in the community had dark eyes. His parents did, and Lily did, and so did all of his group members and friends. But there were a few exceptions: Jonas himself, and a female Five who he had noticed had the different, lighter eyes. No one mentioned such things; it was not a rule, but was considered rude to call attention to things that were unsettling or different about individuals.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Think about Jonas’ assignment as the new Receiver of Memory. Write a paragraph that explains how this assignment relates to the ideas mentioned in the excerpt and how the assignment makes Jonas feel. Be sure to use evidence from the text to support your response.

Answer 1

Jonas' assignment as the Receiver of Memory sets him apart in a society that discourages differences, causing him feelings of alienation and empowerment through the unique knowledge and emotions he gains.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jonas' assignment as the new Receiver of Memory in The Giver is profoundly connected to the societal practice of suppressing differences within the community. As an individual who already stands apart due to his eye color, Jonas is chosen for a role that embodies uniqueness and the bearing of truths that are kept from the rest of society. The assignment both isolates and enlightens him, making him feel alienated, yet also empowered by the knowledge he gains. Jonas experiences the heavy burden of carrying memories that others do not possess, which leads to a complex mix of emotions, including fear, confusion, and eventually, determination to change the homogeneity of his society. The weight of this assignment becomes especially clear as he begins to understand the significance of emotions, color, and the depth of human experience that his role encompasses.