Response based on class discussion (2)

We discussed the features of Jonas’s society in class one day. It was a rather interesting and invigorating discussion, where all of us were actively engaged. It helped me understand and interpret The Giver more efficiently.






Jonas’s society is a rigid one. Their society is full of rules. Evey aspect of life in the community has guidelines. This is seen in a quotation from the book, ‘Two children – one male, one female – to each family unit. It was written very clearly in the rules.' I find this as an especially rigid rule. I feel that it is still pretty fine to say there should be two children in every family, because things might get out of control when there are too many, and the child may grow up lonely or pampered if there is only one. However, it is too much to say that there should be a male and a female. Another rigid rule is, precision of language, something they consider extremely important.
Not only are the rules rigid, they are also ‘very hard to change’. The book also states, ‘When something went to a committee, people always joked about it.’ Thus, change is not forthcoming in this society and it takes a long time for changes to occur. The strictness, rigidity and particularity of the rules reflect on how rigid the community is.


This is also seen from the plane incident at the very start of the book, where the pilot was about to be released for the unintentional mistake he made. This shows that there are protocols that must be adhered to in almost every setting; even for a minor offence. Hence, the society is very rigid and unforgiving, for it would not show mercy and spare the pilot for his minor and accidental mistake. The release of the pilot-in-training also shows that the community is harsh and unforgiving. No second chance is given. In strive for perfection, people deemed less perfect are meted out the worst punishment of being released.






In the same incident, the fact that the community is a very controlled one is portrayed when the people immediately stopped whatever they were doing, dropped their bicycles and did as instructed by the rasping voice. Though they were confused and bewildered, they followed instructions without any questions or protests. In our modern day society, people are always questioning and doubting, as human nature promotes such characteristics. The willingness and promptness of citizens in adhering to orders shows that there has been a learnt obedience of people cultivated by the government. Nobody questions why any order is made. This shows that the community has total control over the people.










There is also no privacy in the community. Evidence is that ‘it was against the rules’ to ‘keep (your) feelings hidden,’ during the evening telling of feelings and it was also compulsory to share your dreams every morning. This robs the community members of their privacy, but at the same time ensures that they do not have any negative feelings towards the community or any illegal schemes up their sleeves, for they are prohibited from hiding these, and will have to reveal it to their family members.










There is also immense uniformity in the community. There is no sense of individuality in their community. Everything is standardized and the people are given no choices.


For instance, everyone receives the equal possessions and turn the same age on the same day. At birth, they get comfort objects. Fours, fives and sixes receive jackets with buttons at the back. Sevens get front-buttoned jackets. Eights receive jackets with smaller buttons and pockets. Nines receive bicycles. Tens get a change of hairstyle. Elevens get new undergarments and longer trousers. Only at twelve do they get various assignments. Until that, their only differences are their names. This shows that there is little individuality, and everything is standardized.


Not only that, everyone gets the same food. This is seen in the book, ‘Food is delivered by the delivery crew everyday.’ It is so standardized they can not even choose the food they prefer to eat!


Colours have been relinquished to eliminate choices. Everybody has to dress identically. Moreover, everyone has the same features, and the community tries its very best to maintain it this way. This is seen when the Giver says, “I suppose the genetic scientists are still hard at work trying to work the kinks out. Hair like Fiona’s must drive them crazy.” Also, it is said in the book that ‘almost every citizen in the community (has) dark eyes.’ This shows that the community values uniformity and eliminates choices.


Not only all that, even the family units and jobs are assigned. Spouses and children are allocated. This shows that the people lack freedom of choice.


The family units also have a fixed number and type of children, and this portrays uniformity.


The community is also highly organized, in that they make sure every role is filled and everyone is satisfied after the allocation of assignments.














The society is also very ritualistic. There are ceremonies for every year of childhood, and during release. There are also the evening telling of feelings and the morning rituals, everyday.






The community is also unaware of the surroundings beyond it. They are enclosed and keep to themselves. This is seen because they do not know what animals are, they have never seen an aircraft fly over them, and are frightened to see the ‘needle-nosed single-pilot jet’ because they have only seen cargo planes. This shows that they are oblivious to things outside their community.






The community also dilutes human emotions. For instance, there is a standard apology phrase to be said and accepted: “I accept your apology.” There is also no birthday and personal identification, other than name, and occupation after you are a Twelve. The people also do not understand feelings and emotions. For instance, Jonas’ parents think love is vague and obsolete. This shows how diluted human emotions are in the community.










There is also dilution of human relationships. This is seen when children are given birth to by Birthmothers, not parents, and hence they are not biologically-related to their parents. The children and spouses are also allocated, not chosen. Thus there is no personal effort on their part to cultivate relationships.






These are the features of Jonas’s community. After taking one brief glance at them, I am pretty sure you can identify with me that our world is a much better place to live in!