The Giver

The Giver Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

In this chapter we are introduced to Jonas, who is in his "elevens." He is anticipating with fear the "ceremony of Twelve." We are not told what that ceremony is, only that all children face this and it changes their lives. Jonas recalls another time that he felt frightened. He remembers "that deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen." We participate in a memory last year when a jet over flew the community.

Jonas had ridden his bike to the landing field with other children to watch awkward round-bellied cargo planes unload supplies for the community. However, this was different. This was a sleek single-pilot jet. Jonas looked around to see that every one had stopped, confused, waiting for an explanation. The large speakers crackle to life. They order everyone to drop what they are doing and immediately go into the nearest building. Jonas obeys, running into his house where he looks out at the abandoned square. Relief comes as the speakers explain that a new pilot had lost his way. "Needless to say, he will be released," is the verdict. We learn that to be released was to be removed from the community. There were only three reasons to be released: the very old who could no longer contribute, the sickly very young who will not be able to contribute, and those who make mistakes or commit an act that is deemed serious enough for the ultimate punishment.

Jonas is part of a family two males, two females. There is father, mother and sister Lily, in her "sevens." We meet the family at the evening meal, where the ritual telling of feelings is shared. Each member describes an incident where they felt or displayed anger, frustration, or worry. Jonas explains feelings of apprehension for the "ceremony of Twelve."