“The Giver,” Chapter 6
September 2, 2010 at 12:31 pm lucyknisley 2 comments
Book: The Giver, by Lois Lowry
Illustrated by: Lucy Knisley
This sixth chapter begins the two-day ceremony; an annual ritual that advances every age group within the community by presenting them with items that signify age status. Jonas, being twelve, will go last and receive his “assignment” that will be his job for the rest of his life.
The book doesn’t detail every year’s ceremonial gift, but goes into the psychology of it a little bit by explaining some of the reasoning behind the objects. The back-buttoned jacket is meant to teach interdependence, as you had to rely on your classmates and family to do up the buttons. The front-buttoned jacket begins to promote independence. It’s fascinating to imagine what the unmentioned years might receive.
I remember being especially disturbed by the finality of the “assignments” when I was twelve and read this for the first time, and thinking, “Twelve-years-old is nowhere near old enough to choose a profession.”
Now when I read it, I think, “These ceremonies must be so BORING for people my age– adults without children of their own to participate in the ceremonies!”
Sorry I was late this month!
Entry filed under: The Giver. Tags: .
1.
Kristy B. | September 2, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I’m so glad you’re doing this. It’s been years since I read The Giver, but after seeing your drawings I went back to the library to re-borrow the book. An enjoyable way to pass the time!
2.
keyana | October 26, 2011 at 2:54 pm
nice