Memory's Impact: Analysis of 'The Giver'

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Importance of Memory
In the novel The Giver by Lois Lowry, a pronounced theme is truth drives determination.
One example of this theme is when the Giver transfers the memory of war to Jonas. He receives pain. After he receives the memory, “Jonas did not want to go back. He didn’t want the memories, didn't want the horror, didn’t want the wisdom, didn’t want the pain. He wanted his childhood again, his scraped knees and ball games”(121). In this quote, Jonas has been given an unpleasant memory. He is on the battlefield and there are dead horses and men; he is in tremendous pain. Jonas wants to go back to his life before they choose him to be the receiver of memory. At the same time, Jonas knows about the goodness of memories, and wants to spread that with everybody. The only way …show more content…

He is determined. He has made it so far to spread the truth and greatness of memories, he cannot stop now. “For a moment he thought how easy it would be to drop beside it himself, to let himself and Gabriel slide into the softness of snow, the darkness of night, the warm comfort of sleep. But he had come this far. He must try to go on” (175). This shows that Jonas is determined to get the memories out that he will not stop at any cost. Jonas draws his strength from the memories that the Giver transmits to him during his training. He leaves the comfort of his own community and family to bring back life before sameness. He knows that if he would be caught, he would be released or as Jonas learns that release is killing someone. He decides to save Gabe, who is at risk of release. In this quote Jonas and Gabe are traveling to the border or Elsewhere, with little supplies, and warmth. They are walking through cold snow, and are struggling to stay warm. Jonas thinks how easy it would be to just drop into the snow, but they have made it so far to release the memories, they can’t quit

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