# data[].attributes.body
I believe the most significant theme in this novel is self discovery, which displays the liberty to make our own choices and to choose individualism over Sameness.
To begin, I strongly believe that self discovery connects to Elsewhere, a place where there are true feelings, emotions, and other non-existing things that Jonas longed to have in his society. Several times in previous chapters, this mysterious place was foreshadowed; for example, he dreams that there is something waiting for him in the distance that he can't quite reach- Elsewhere. It is the opportunity to rid Sameness and to be our own person instead of blindly following along in a dystopian society. This was a difficult choice for Jonas, who had once been an ordinary, unmoved citizen until he was changed with memories, realizations, and new, 'heightened' feelings that uncovered the truths.

With his changed outlook on his society, he decides that his community is not worth going back to, that his life is not worth living should he stay. Going off to follow his own path proves that others should question what is happening in their society and do what is right for the better.

# data[].attributes.body
In this final chapter, the journey to Elsewhere becomes more difficult than ever; Jonas struggles to continue as winter approaches, using the last of his memories to keep him and Gabe alive.
Jonas feels like his destination is closer, and he must persist in the rigorous conditions. When he bicycle fails to move, he carries on through the snow by foot until he reaches the top of a hill. He instantly recognizes the familiar surrounding, and settles down on the sled with Gabriel in his arms.
Plummeting down to Elsewhere, they can see lights, colours, and memories of love and joy coming to life. He even believes that he hears singing, what the Giver calls 'Hearing Beyond'.
The story ends on a cliffhanger with Jonas and Gabriel freezing in the cold, yet the feeling of joy and happiness of Elsewhere is strong within them.
Questions: What happens to Jonas and Gabe?
Will they be taken in by a family in Elsewhere?

# data[].attributes.body
Now that the searchers and planes have gone, Jonas' fear is the new and mysterious landscape, seemingly becoming more dangerous and risky. He also faces the fact that Gabe's safety depends on him, and finding food for them both is essential to survival, which he must learn to do now. Because of his unsuccessful attempts, him and Gabriel lay starving in the nights. This impending hunger causes Jonas to wonder about staying in the community. Though he would never have never starved, he would never live down the fact that Gabriel would been killed. Staying would have also meant yearning for feelings and colours, the things and qualities that the society had taken away to create a life of Sameness.
Despite the perils of the route, he and Gabe begin to see wildlife and animals emerging from their adventure, revealing more hidden secrets about Elsewhere.

Questions: Will they be able to survive?
What will happen in the last chapter?

# data[].attributes.body
I was distraught as I reluctantly ventured further into the eerie woods. Intricate shadows lingered all around, as the unendurable fear swelled up inside me. I desperately clutched my lantern, and silently asked myself how I let myself go ahead with this infraction. The trees reached out palpably as I ruefully shrieked in terror. I relinquished my plan of escape and threw myself to ground with my last shred of energy, keeping me alive.

# data[].attributes.body
Unfortunately, the plan doesn't work, and we discover why as we go back earlier that day...
Jonas learns from his father that Gabe is going to be released the next day, because of his restlessness at night. Now that Jonas recognizes the word as being kill, he decides to bring the child along -  weeks before the Ceremony.
Setting out on his father's bicycle, he leaves the community with Gabriel. He doesn't feel any 'fear' or 'regret' leaving and following his own path. In the early morning, they both eat their breakfast meal, and lay down to sleep until nighttime approaches again. He follows this routine of hiding and then traveling for several days.
Although search planes come looking for him, he continues to travel each day hoping to reach Elsewhere, fulfilling his destiny. As the journey becomes more and more difficult, he desperately thinks back to all the memories he still has, using them for strength and to keep Gabriel calm. (His memories are fading now that he is venturing further away from his community.)

Questions: Will they get to Elsewhere by the next chapter?
Will he see things that he has only seen in memories before along the way?

# data[].attributes.body
Chapter 1 answers:
-The meaning of released is to be killed if the citizen has broken too many rules, is too old, or is too small/weak
-This world is appears to be a utopia, but is really a dystopia, as citizens lack true emotions, feelings, colours, have unjust ways (release) and are deprived of individualism to freely make their own choices or express themselves
Chapter 2 answers:
-The society has been hiding release and they have taken away memories of everyone
-The Elders have decided everything for the citizens so that they don't make the wrong choices
Chapter 3 answers:
-Jonas is seeing the colour red
-His ability is 'Seeing Beyond' and this means that he is able to receive memories from the Giver
Chapter 4 answers:
-While most people or youth don't know what release means, we know the Elders of the community tell the Nurturers and Caretakers. However, it does not affect them in any way because they have never experienced true pain or feelings.
-Although it does not tell us why children aren't permitted to come to release ceremonies, we can infer that when Larissa wondered that, it was foreshadowing something
Chapter 5 answers:
-There is no specific reason as to why they are called Stirrings
-Jonas' parents need to know when he is having Stirrings so that they know when he needs to take pills
Chapter 6 answers:
-Jonas' Assignment is Receiver of Memories
-This job is essential to the community because he must bear the memories for everyone else
Chapter 7 answers:
-The Giver also has the Capacity to See Beyond
-Being the Receiver of Memories is important so that Jonas can 'lift the burden' from others and to give the Committee advice
Chapter 8 answers:
-Jonas goes through pain that is internal, such as unhappiness and sorrow, but also physical pain, like a broken leg
-The memories which he experiences vary from pleasant memories to darker and painful ones
Chapter 9 answers:
-Jonas' parents and likely others also have the permission to lie, as they are not permitted to share aspects of their work
-The Receiver has the same pale eyes as Jonas because he has the power to receive memories, but also to give them
Chapter 10 answers:
-The hesitance Jonas currently feels continues as others are confused with how he feels and why he doesn't want to play the game (he is reminded of warfare)
-The Community is unaware of everything that Jonas is experiencing from memories, both good ones and bad
-Generations and generations before, these things still existed and seemed to be more like our world
Chapter 11 answers:
-He will go through much more painful memories that change his outlook on the society
-Jonas sees for himself what release means when he watches it on camera with the Giver. (He is able to feel extremely sad and upset because he has real feelings from memories.)
Chapter 12 answers:
-The way the community sees is described as 'colourless'
-Nobody but the Giver and Jonas know and can see colours
Chapter 13 answers:
-The people in this community have never experienced true happiness, sadness, or any other emotion besides pain
-Jonas does change his mind, because Jonas turns down the society's Sameness, and decides to follow his own path
Chapter 14 answers:
-It would have been possible for Gabe to become a Receiver, as he can receive memories
-Only those with pale eyes can receive memories
Chapter 15 answers:
-Jonas becomes very down carrying these memories, and he feels like others need to experience them as well
-Jonas goes against the community by realizing that he needs to follow his own path
Chapter 16 answers:
-Deciding that the community has gone too far with releases, he decides to leave the community
-When he discovers what the word release is, he knows that they have gone too far, and he refuses to go back
-Jonas' Stirrings do come back now that he has decided for himself to stop taking the pills
Chapter 17 answers:
-Elsewhere is a place unknown to the communities in Jonas' world, a place that I believe symbolizes new beginnings and that is much like our world
-Jonas does question release, as he is interested when his father was announcing the release of twins
Chapter 18 answers:
-Jonas eventually wants to leave the dystopian world he lives in because he simply can't go back to face life weighted with memories and new realizations
-Him (Jonas) and the Giver cannot change the society, but instead they are staying true to themselves by going their own ways (individualism)
Chapter 19 answers:
-Jonas must lie and not speak openly about what his father did to the baby
-The climax is when Jonas comes to an understanding of release, because with the society really killing people, he reaches the point of no return
Chapter 20 answers:
-Nobody catches Jonas along his journey
-Jonas and Gabe do eventually make it to Elsewhere in rough conditions, and barely alive
Chapter 21 answers:
-Jonas and Gabe reach Elsewhere by the end of chapter 23
-Along the way, he sees animals and nature that he has only seen in memories
Chapter 22 answers:
-Starving and extremely cold, the two barely survive, but Jonas uses all the strength he has to ensure they reach their destination
-(Chapter summary 23)

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas watches the release of the twins on camera with the Giver. At first, everything seems normal, until Jonas' father injects one baby with the needle, and puts him in a chute from the door. Jonas comes to a realization that release really means being killed if a newchild or elder doesn't fit the standards for the community, and that his father lied to him.

Questions: Will Jonas confront his father about what he did?
Is this the climax of the story where there is no point of return?

At his new understanding and realization of release, Jonas is evidently enraged and extremely distraught. He refuses to go home because his feelings are changing the ways he views of the society.
The Giver and Jonas discuss a plan where Jonas will leave the community and never return, leaving the citizens with the memories. Although he begs the Giver to come with him, he learns that the Giver must help the community, or it will be 'utter chaos.' The Giver also explains that he is too weak for the dangerous trip, and that he can no longer see colours. He also wishes to be with his daughter, Rosemary, when his job is finished.

Questions: Will Jonas be caught?
Will he make it to Elsewhere?

# data[].attributes.body
The Giver and Jonas discuss release, and we learn about what happened with the old Receiver's failure: Rosemary had five weeks worth happy memories, but then she was given darker ones of 'poverty, hunger, and terror'. One day, she asked to be released because she couldn't bear the pain, which meant the memories came back to the community.
Since the community was suffering internally, the rules for Jonas clearly state that he is not permitted to apply for release.

Questions: Does Jonas want to escape the community?
Are him and the Giver going to decide something to change the society?

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas rides his bike to the playing field, where Asher and the others were engaged in a game of good guys v.s. bad guys. Unfortunately, after the memory of warfare, he doesn't take interest in this pastime. Instead, he becomes upset, and tries to explain to Asher, who interrupts him with an apology. Jonas, though, feels overwhelmed with sadness and emotions so deep that are indescribable to his friends. He wishes that they could understand, but he doesn't think he can make that happen.
Later, we find out that it is almost December again, and the Ceremonies will soon commence. Jonas' father must make a selection for release between two twins who are going to be born. The smaller one will be released and taken into Elsewhere by someone.

Questions: Where is Elsewhere?
Will Jonas question release to the Giver at his next training?

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas becomes very weighed down and miserable with his knowledge of pain and loneliness. However, one memory that he receives gives him hope and leads to him being curious: love. It was a feeling of warmth and caring for one another that that the citizens of the community don't possess. In the midst of being happy and well cared for, Jonas finds himself liking the sensation. He also wishes the Giver to be a grandparent to him to make his life more complete.
Although him and the Giver both share the same outlook on love, his parents do not. This is because when Jonas asked them if they loved him, he found out that they only 'enjoyed' him.
By the end of this chapter, he begins to realize that love and colours could be a part of the community, and that memories could be for everyone. I think the start of his new thinking will push him into deciding individualism instead of the established rules.

Questions: What will he do to achieve his goals?
Is there something upcoming that will push him further into deciding what to do?
Will Jonas' Stirrings come back now that he has stopped taking the pills?

# data[].attributes.body
At the beginning of his training, the Giver gives Jonas a memory to help relieve some of his pain. This particular awful one is Jonas experiencing 'warfare' and comprehending the word throughout this traumatic time.
I think the purpose of this chapter was to signify Jonas' unhappy emotions from the memory. It shows that not only have citizens never experienced true pain, but also that they lack real emotions.

Questions: Is Jonas going to become depressed with these experiences?
Will he take action soon and rebel against the ways of the society?

# data[].attributes.body
The memory that the Giver gives Jonas is like his first one sledding, but much more painful. As his training continues, he receives more and more of these.
We also learn that with the wisdom that the Receivers gain, they can advise the Committee against or into making a decision. For example, the Giver retells a story where he used his experience from hunger to influence a decision.
Later, Jonas questions why everyone can't share these memories, and his reply is that this job frees others of this burden; they entrust Jonas with this responsibility to bear memories, no matter how awful they may be. However, Jonas feels like something should be done do change it, as it is not fair to give certain people feelings of pain and torture.
Finally, when Gabe is moved to Jonas' room for one night, Jonas accidentally transfers a pleasurable memory to him- something he didn't realize was possible. I strongly believe that this occurred because the newchild has the same pale eyes as Jonas and the Giver.

Questions: Will Gabe one day become a Receiver of Memories too?
Is it only people with these eyes that can receive memories?

# data[].attributes.body
-What the author is trying to say about people, society, etc
-Not to be confused with a theme topic like 'love', 'war', or 'family'
Topic-Self-Discovery
-People must be able to make choices to reach their own destiny/fulfillment
Topic: The Importance of Memory
-Lowry's personal inspiration-father with memory loss
-Without memory, human beings cannot reach true happiness or learn from their mistakes
Topic: Pleasure and Pain
-Without pain, people cannot understand pleasure. We must embrace and learn from pain.
Topic-Blind Obedience
-It is important for people to question their society instead of following blindly

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas finally masters all the colors, although he is frustrated that he can't see them very long. He says that it is 'unfair', but he soon realizes that there are 'dangers' of the citizens making their own choices. In this society, they feel that it would be much safer if decisions were made for them.
He also doesn't ask permission to try and transmit memories and colors to others, as he is angry that they don't have this depth to their lives. After receiving a memory involving an elephant, he tries to give it to Lily. Unfortunately, this doesn't work and she refuses to believe that these creatures did really exist.
He also learns that the Receivers must bear the pain from memories and that everyone else doesn't have any sort of understanding of them.
By the end of the chapter, Jonas is about to receive a painful memory that the Giver must give him.

Questions: If none of the citizens have really experienced true pain, have they ever experienced real feelings?
Will Jonas change his mind about choices being made for others?

# data[].attributes.body
At the morning meal, Jonas doesn't participate in dream telling as one of his rules states. However, he had dreamed about his first memory sledding down the hill. The author explains that there is something Jonas feels that he can't reach- something waiting in the distance. This definitely portrays an important private thought that signifies what will become of Jonas.
In his training that day, he explains his experiences of 'Seeing Beyond'; what had happened before, and now, with Fiona's hair. The Giver (The Receiver) tells Jonas that what he is seeing is the colour red, a quality to objects and things that the society doesn't have. We figure out that it is the result of Sameness that citizens are unable to see it, and that flesh was once different colours as well.
Jonas feels strongly like they shouldn't have made the decision to take away this quality. He is also gaining wisdom by disagreeing with these rules, however, he is frustrated that he is can't discuss his training, and talk about memories and colours.

Questions:
Does the citizens' lack of seeing colour mean they can only see in black and white?
Does everyone in the community know about colours?

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas receives his first memory of snow. His consciousness tells him new words in this winter wonderland as he sleds down a hill. When he finally opens his eyes and returns back to the Annex, he question why these things didn't exist anymore. We discover that climate control had unreasonable affects on this society, hence they converted to 'Sameness'.
Two other memories are transmitted to Jonas, one being sunshine, something that isn't present in their community, and the other being a sunburn.
Although Jonas thinks he understands what kind of pain he will be experiencing, the Receiver stays quiet and doesn't speak back. My take on this is that there is pain so indescribable to his trainee, much worse than a sunburn.
I also think that the word 'Sameness' was established since the leaders of the community wanted choices to be made for others. They want to lead a perfect life, and by depriving citizens of their individualism, the society takes on a safer and more ordered approach to life.

Questions:
What other memories will Jonas have?
Will these memories allow him to understand what 'release' is?

# data[].attributes.body
Definition: How the author reveals information from the perspective of the narrator.
First person: Perspective of one character and inner thoughts of character. Ex. I, me, mine, myself...
Third person: Narrator can 'see' many characters but not everything and can still create suspense. Ex: he, she, it, they, them...
Third Person- Omniscient: Narrator knows all and creates full picture for reader. Ex: he, she, it, they...

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas begins to feel different and that others are hesitant towards him. Although his parents tell him that he has been 'greatly honored', there is something about this role that is impossible to ignore: the last selection for the Receiver of Memories was a failure and a 'disgrace.' I think this could be foreshadowing something grave, that in turn will happen to Jonas.
In addition, inside Jonas' folder was a list that contained instructions for his role. Many of these rules Jonas questioned, especially rule #8, which stated that he had the power to lie.
Later, as he begins training, Jonas meets with the Receiver, who explains that transferred memories date back to generations before. We are also reminded that this is 'hard and painful work', much of which Jonas is puzzled about.
We also learn that nobody in the community knows words such as 'sled, snow, runners, downhill,' or that books besides dictionaries and rulebooks exist.

Questions:
Do Jonas' parents and the everyone else with an Assignment also have the ability to lie?
Does the Receiver have the same eyes as Jonas because of his ability to 'see beyond'?
Will this hesitance continue around Jonas after his selection?
What other things is this community unaware of?
Generations before, did the citizens know of these unfamiliar words to the community?

# data[].attributes.body
In this chapter, the Ceremony of Twelves commences, and each new Twelve is being called to the stage to receive their assignment. However, Jonas' number (nineteen) was not called, and it appears that the Chief Elder had skipped him. When he is finally called upon, we learn that he has not been assigned, but rather selected as the 'Receiver of Memories.' This is because the Elders believe that he has the characteristics for this extremely important role, and Jonas has the 'Capacity to See Beyond.'
This explains why Jonas saw the apple and the crowd at the Ceremony change. His ability could also have something to do with his lighter eyes, something that makes him stand apart from most of the citizens.
Moreover, I think that what Jonas is seeing is connected to our world and the way we see things.
Unfortunately, the Chief Elder made it clear that Jonas must be 'alone', 'apart', and that the rest of the community has no knowledge of the experiences he will face. Being an important but treacherous job, we learn that Jonas has mixed emotions of pride and fear.

Questions:
Does the Receiver, the one who trains Jonas, also have this Capacity to See Beyond?
How does being the Receiver of Memories help the society?
What kind of 'pain' will Jonas go through in the training?
What memories will Jonas experience while being the Receiver of Memories?

# data[].attributes.body
The ceremonies of all ages begin, and while Jonas waits patiently for the Ceremony of Twelves, we are caught up with new information in this strange community. For example, we learn that a 'replacement child' was necessary for the loss of another child who had drowned, a rare thing to occur.
The author also describes new items and rituals they perform for each age group. Other than the Nines receiving bikes, the female tens lose their braids and the male tens received new hair cuts.
(There is also the appearances of the Laborers, or the Birthmothers after giving birth sweeping away the hair on the stage.)
Moreover, the author gives us further detail about the Matching of Spouses, and more importantly, joining a new community or applying for release.
At this point in the novel, the overall plot is directed at this 'utopian' society, and with the Ceremony of Twelves coming up, I think there will be some intended purpose for Jonas that has to do with it.

Questions: What will Jonas' assignment be?
What importance will his assignment have on the society?

# data[].attributes.body
The morning when this chapter begins, we are introduced to another ritual: dream telling. Although Jonas didn't usually dream, his dream makes him feel 'slightly embarrassed' to share the beginning to end with his family unit; it took place where he had been volunteering the day before, except this time, he and Fiona were alone. After further discussing this, Jonas discovers that this is called a 'stirring' and that it is a common thing for people his age to also have, but to get rid of them, you must take pills.
I believe that this is a part of maturity and preparation into adulthood in a different perspective. I feel like the author did this purposely to see how the community deals with the youth growing up, and so that we readers can fully comprehend each difference.

Questions: Why is this called 'Stirrings'?
Why it is so important to have these rituals of communication?

# data[].attributes.body
In this chapter, we find out that Jonas' apprehensiveness is about the Ceremony of Twelves. This specific ceremony in December is when youth aged twelve learn their future Assignment. Every job is selected by the Elders of the community, who note where the children spend their volunteer hours. After this ceremony, there is training to be completed with new groups, as well as new changes being brought along with it. Example: No more recreation hours and less time with friends. Additionally, after turning twelve, age 'isn't important', and many citizens aren't aware of how old they are.
We also learn that there is a ceremony for each age category, where youth receives new items, or is given a name at age one.
These ways are extremely different from ours, where parents provide necessities and decide upon names for their children. However, the biggest, most intriguing difference compared to out society is the fact that jobs have been selected for children at a very young age.

Questions: Is there something dark that the community is hiding?
Is there a specific reason why the Elders have everything decided for the community members?

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas volunteers at the House of the Old as well as his friend, Asher, and an Eleven called Fiona. He helps bathe an elder woman, and they discuss two releases- one of a successful man, and the other of a birthmother, an Assignment looked down upon by these citizens. We learn more about these types of celebrations for the Old throughout their conversation, such as the telling of this person's life and the fact that children aren't permitted to come.
By the end of this chapter, not only has the author continued to explain more about this different society, but they have also made it clear that the majority of these people have no comprehension of what 'release' really means. I think the author is trying to explain that amidst the structure and maintenance in this so called 'Utopia', there are much darker secrets yet to be discovered.

Questions: Why doesn't the head of the community explain what release means?
Why aren't children allowed to come to the Ceremony of Release?

# data[].attributes.body
Jonas' father brings a newchild home named Gabe, who he has been caring for at work. This child's comfort object is a hippo, an unfamiliar word to anyone in the community. This definitely questions the strangeness to their society and poses a belief that they may not have certain things that we possess here.
Jonas thinks back to when he had been playing catch with an apple, and he saw it change for a moment, although his friend hadn't seen anything. I think this part in the chapter goes to show that Jonas may have some special ability, or something rare that explains his 'feeling of bewilderment'. He also has a lighter pair of eyes like Gabe's that are much different than most community citizens, who have darker eyes. Especially with something unknown arising in December, there could be a climax leading to the point where this main character finds out his true self, and more about this puzzling society.

Questions: What exactly is Jonas seeing and what does it mean?
Does this ability connect to the society?

# data[].attributes.body
A community or society that is undesirable or frightening. Example: Hell

# data[].attributes.body
A community or society possessing desirable or perfect qualities. Examples: Garden of Eden, Heaven, Nirvana. In order to have these perfect societies, we often have to modify or change the rules.

# data[].attributes.body
At the beginning of this book, we are introduced to the main character, Jonas, and we learn that he is feeling apprehensive for something in December. As well, we learn about a ritual at dinnertime where each member of the family shares their feelings. Lily, Jonas' sister, and Jonas' parents speak deeply about their emotions of the day. From their responses and this different ritual, we begin to realize that something seems a little off about this society compared to ours. For example, they mention other communities where 'their methods were different' and they call themselves 'sixes' or a certain age group. Moreover, there are different jobs in this community with titles such as 'Nurturers' and words new to us like 'release of the elderly' or 'release of a newchild'. A rule that has been established in the book is only two children (male and female), per 'family unit.' This chapter opens up a community that is entirely different for us, one that seems generations away.

Questions: What does it mean to be released?
Is this society a perfect world or a dystopia?

Main characters: Jonas, Asher, Lily, Jonas' mom and dad, Fiona, Gabe.

# data[].attributes.body
@lianashala03