The Giver: Summary and Analysis

Chapters 1 and 2: Summary

We are introduced to Jonas, the protagonist. The novel is set in an unknown future year in “almost December.” Jonas, who has a keen understanding of language, tells the reader that, though he is apprehensive, he is not frightened about an approaching milestone.

Jonas recalls an incident earlier in the year that scared him. It involved a pilot mistakenly flying over the community, which, notably, does not allow planes to fly over its town. The residents are given orders through loudspeakers placed at different spots around town. They are informed that the pilot was “released,” which to the residents is the worst possible fate.

The reader is introduced to Jonas’ family. His father is a Nurturer, a caretaker of infants, and his mother has an important job with the Department of Justice. Jonas and his seven-year-old sister, Lily, attend school. Lily goes to the Childcare Center after school. Each evening at dinner, the family members discuss the events of the day and their feelings about the events. Dinner also serves as an occasion for them to comfort and support each other.

Jonas shares his apprehension about the December Ceremony, which is especially important because he is eleven years old and will be participating in the Ceremony of Twelves, in which he will be assigned his lifelong career. The “Assignments” are secretly decided by the Committee of Elders after much observation and discussion. Jonas is apprehensive because he has no idea what his Assignment will be. Jonas’ parents comfort him, assuring him that his Assignment will be the right one for him.

Chapters 1 and 2: Analysis

These chapters introduce us to Jonas and the community he resides in. Everyone in the community lives by rules laid down in the “Book of Rules.” Adults do not choose their own spouses; instead, they are matched according to their personalities. Each family is called a family unit and is made up of a mother, a father, and two children (a boy and a girl).

The community members choose “sameness” over individuality and security over freedom, both major themes in the novel. Until the age of twelve, each peer group is called by its age and must live by the rules prescribed for each respective age group. Although initially Jonas’ society appears to be a utopia, it is in fact a dystopia, a place that appears to be perfect, but is rather imperfect in reality.

These chapters also explain the importance of the December Ceremony. Readers learn that the different age ceremonies determine the residents’ futures, who lead streamlined lives and have no say in important life decisions.