The Giver by Lois Lowry | Chapter 16

[0:10]In chapter 16 of The Giver, after receiving the memory of war, Jonas wishes he did not have to return to the Giver. He no longer wants the honor, the wisdom, or especially the pain of being the receiver. But the Giver gives Jonas happy memories for several days afterwards. Birthday parties teach him the joy of being an individual. Memories of paintings in museums teach him about beauty. Jonas knows animals really existed, and their bond with humans was incredible. The Giver shows Jonas his own favorite memory, a holiday gathering with a large family, a dog sleeping on the floor, candlelight and a glowing fireplace, and the opening of gifts. Afterwards, he's able to tell the Giver that he perceived warmth and happiness and a more complete family. The Giver provides the word for this feeling. Love. The Giver also explains the concept of grandparents. Jonas considers how older adults in his village are not part of families. Jonas tries to convince himself that the way the community is set up is much more practical and safe than the world he saw in the memory. Candlelight and fire could be dangerous, and there's risk associated with love. But he liked the light and the warmth of the candles and fire, and he wishes love still existed. That night, he asks his parents if they love him. They tell him the word is terribly imprecise and practically obsolete. They assure Jonas that they enjoy him and take pride in him. Jonas says he understands that he was wrong to use the word love, his first lie to his parents. Jonas has secretly been giving more and more beautiful memories to Gabriel each night. Jonas whispers to the child that things could change. There could be love. The next morning, Jonas does not take his pill. This is against the rules and even against the instructions he was given as the receiver, but something within him, something that had grown there through his memories, tells him to throw the pill away. Chapter 16 continues to reveal what the community has sacrificed in order to achieve its safe, predictable way of life. He also decides, on his own, to stop taking the pill that suppresses the stirrings. He wants the feelings of desire he vaguely remembers having. In fact, he seems determined to rediscover feelings and emotions of all kinds. Once again, he's demonstrating the ability to choose and make decisions on his own.