The Giver Tradition and Customs Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

His mother replied, "Her, not his. It was a female. But we are never to speak the name, or use it again for a newchild."

Jonas was shocked. A name designated Not-to-Be-Spoken indicated the highest degree of disgrace. (9.25-26)

Tradition works against memory in The Giver. By removing Rosemary's name from use, the community is trying to forget about her. (Fittingly, "Rosemary" is an herb that's supposed to help with memory. Awesome.)

Quote #8

"Climate Control. Snow made growing food difficult, limited the agricultural periods. And unpredictable weather made transportation almost impossible at times. It wasn't a practical thing, so it became obsolete when we went to Sameness." (11.33)

Through practicality and reasoning, the community has justified all of their customs, even those that destroy human freedom and choice.