Character Analysis: The Giver

Words: 808
Pages: 4

Hastily, Jonas moved forward, stood before me, bowed slightly, and said, “I’m Jonas.” “I know. Welcome, Receiver of Memory.” I said, professionally. I wonder if Jonas recognized me. Although I was wearing the same clothing as the other Elders wore, I may of seemed separate from the other Elders. “Sir, I apologize for my lack of understanding...” Then it was silent, as if Jonas was expecting a standard accepting-of-apology statement. Jonas continued, “...but I think you are the Receiver of Memory. I’m only assigned, I was only selected yesterday. I’m not anything at all...not yet.” I looked at Jonas questionably and thoughtfully. “Beginning today, you are the Receiver.I have been the Receiver for a long time. A very, very long time. You …show more content…
Memories of the past.” “Sir,” Jonas said, “I would be very interested in hearing your life story, and to listen to your memories - I apologize for interrupting” I waved my hand no. “No apologies in this room; we haven’t time.” “Well,” Jonas went on, “I am really interested, I don’t mean that I’m not. I don’t understand why it’s so important. I could do some adult job in the community, and in my recreation time, I could come and listen to the stories from your childhood.” He wasn’t understanding. I shook my head. “No, no, I’m not being clear. It’s not my past, nor my childhood I must transmit to you.” I sighed and leaned back. “It’s the memories of the whole world. Before you and me and many generations back.” Jonas frowned. “The whole world?”, he asked, “not just us? I’m sorry sir, maybe I just don’t understand. Maybe I’m not smart enough. I don’t know what you mean.” I was confusing him. “There’s much more. I received all of it when I was selected. And here in this room, all alone, I re-experience them again and again. It’s how wisdom comes. How we shape our future.” I took a deep breath. “I am so weighted with