A World far from Choice

When I first heard of the introduction of The Giver in class, I thought to myself, and I knew I would enjoy reading this book. In the book, there is no pain, no freedom, no choice, and everything is under control. The Ceremony is the very activity of importance. Everyone was assigned a career by the Committee—the most powerful institution in the Community. At the age of twelve, every person would receive the training. The moment I read that, I was completely flabbergasted! Are people suitable for their careers? Much to my surprise, the answer is yes! Children were thoroughly observed by the Committee. All these was based on the fact that they knew nothing from the past, and all the painful events were totally wiped out from people's memories, except for the Giver and the Receiver. There should be someone remembering those memories, so the Committee could counsel with him or her in case they encounter something they had never experienced.

The Receiver would be selected at the Ceremony on condition when the Giver needed it and there was a proper one. Jonas, the protagonist, was gifted—he could see color, which was an indication. As a normal boy, Jonas was apprehensive when his twelfth Ceremony was approaching and he had no idea what career he would be assigned. Jonas became a Receiver with the ancient memories coming to him. The Giver had to transmit all the memories to Jonas's whether they were pleasant or torturing. The previous Receiver, Rosemary, failed. The Giver told Jonas the incident, which is my favorite part of the book. She was resourceful and eager to experience more memories until she began to receive cruel ones. Eventually, she applied for "release," which meant the Committee employed to control the population and people. In the beginning, I assumed that she was merely afraid of those bad memories. Realizing that she would do this until she become an old, wise woman, she applied for release.

After I knew that she ended her life herself (she injected herself), my thought completely changed. I’m thinking to myself that Rosemary was an affectionate girl. I can tell that she also liked the world full of gleeful things from the description the Giver gave. Those memories were the most invaluable treasure. But there were also some unhappy things. The world was very complicated, and she experienced the extreme situation once existed. She applied for release not for painful memories but for appealing ones. Her life suddenly became very empty and blurry. There was no color, no music, and no love. Rosemary thought the present world would never change. Grieved, she quit the world where she had ever lived. If she were not brave, she would not end her life without any help. If I were Rosemary, maybe I would do likewise.

As Jonas gradually realized what the world looked like before, memories were a big burden. Instead of feeling frustrated, he became braver and he always believed things would change. Nevertheless, the last gleam of hope was covered. One day, Jonas was so curious about "release" that he asked the Giver to show it to him. As I expected, Jonas broke down on the spot, disappointed about the fact that "release" is actually euthanasia!

"Having you here with me over the past year has made me realize that things must change. For years I've felt that they should, but it seemed so hopeless. Now for the first time I think there might be a way, and you brought it to my attention, barely two hours ago." said the Giver. This world is not perfect, but we can look at the bright side of life; the Community couldn't change, but they could. Sometimes we may forget, but the world is still filled with wonderful things. Jonas and the Giver had a plan to escape from the Community.

After I finished the book, I appreciate that I can make a choice. Ii can choose what kind of life I want to live. Jonas and the Giver had the memories full of love and happiness, but they didn't have those of their own since they were still in the Community. How lucky I am!