The Giver Conflicts

In The Giver by Lois Lowry, Jonas, a 12-year old boy, lives in a world where everything is the same. Although the book demonstrate many themes including individuality, importance of memory, and internal conflict, the most powerful theme is internal conflict. When a child turn 12 you they given a job, Jonas obtained the job receiver of memory. The receiver of memory is the only person in the community who can be different, see color, and have amazing memories. However, great memories also come with dreadful ones. Jonas is faced with horrible images and the curse to not tell anyone about his struggles. The first theme in the story is internal conflict.

Since Jonas was granted with the job, receiver of memory, he is faced with a lot of internal conflict. One example of this is when he can’t tell his parents about each day at his new job. While some people may believe that internal conflict isn’t a theme, Jonas is having a really difficult time dealing with all of the suffering. He receives so many horrible memories that attack his emotional state. On page 189, it says, “Jonas felt a ripping sensation inside himself, the feeling of terrible pain clawing its way forward to emerge in a cry.” This quote shows how much pressure and suffering Jonas was put through. He doesn’t know how to handle all of the pressure that the receiver of memory has on

You are allowed to have 2 kids (one boy and one girl) and the Council of Elders decides your job once you turn 12. Everyone is the same, except for Jonas. He has access to memories such as sledding, Christmas, and happy family gathering. Unfortunately everyone in the community doesn’t have access to all of these happy memories. Everyone in the community has the same, boring, memories. This is a main part of the story because to Jonas it feels like the community is missing a part of their life. Despite the first two themes of the story, importance of memory is also a huge