The Giver Choices Quotes Page 1

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Quote #1

Like the Matching of Spouses and the Naming and Placement of newchildren, the Assignments were scrupulously thought through by the Committee of Elders.

He was certain that his Assignment, whatever it was to be, and Asher's too, would be the right one for them. He only wished that the midday break would conclude, that the audience would reenter the Auditorium, and the suspense would end. (6.52-53)

There's a certain innocence and faith in Jonas's blind trust in the Elders to make the right decision for him. This is probably because he has no conception that things could ever be otherwise.

Quote #2

"Oh." Jonas was silent for a minute. "Oh, I see what you mean. It wouldn't matter for a newchild's toy. But later it does matter, doesn't it? We don't dare to let people make choices of their own."

"Not safe?" The Giver suggested.

"Definitely not safe," Jonas said with certainty. "What if they were allowed to choose their own mate? And chose wrong?" (13.15-17)

Well that didn't take long. Jonas pulls a 180 faster than you can say "sheep!" Why? Probably because he's not ready to take the leap from static, safe contentment to dynamic, risky freedom…yet.

Quote #3

"So there will be a whole part of your life which you won't be able to share with a family. It's hard, Jonas. It was hard for me." (13.50-51)

Is this sort of sacrifice on the part of The Giver a choice, or was he forced into this sort of solitary life because of his job? If he didn't have a choice about it, does that make it any less of a sacrifice?

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