Chapters 14 and 16: Summary

The Giver grants Jonas another memory of a sled ride. However, this memory is painful since it involves a sled going out of control. Jonas is thus able to experience what it feels like to break one’s leg, which in turn enables him to learn about physical pain. The Giver now includes pain in Jonas’ everyday training. Finally, Jonas receives the worst memory of all: the memory of warfare and death. These memories make Jonas realize that people in the community don’t know what real pain and suffering entail. When Jonas questions why he must receive the painful memories, the Giver tells him that the horrible memories will make him wise. The community, however, cannot be made privy to these memories because they will not be able to endure them. Jonas expresses his desire to change the community, but the Giver reminds him that change is very difficult to achieve in a community such as theirs.

While Jonas undergoes his training, Gabriel continues to live with the family. Gabriel is still unable to sleep through the night, and Jonas thus decides to sleep with him and take on some childcare responsibilities. The first night Gabe sleeps in Jonas’ room, Gabe wakes up crying. To quieten Gabe, Jonas transmits a calming memory to him, something Jonas was unable to do to Lily and his father.

After receiving the painful warfare memory in Chapter 15, Jonas is reluctant to see the Giver again. Though Jonas is scared that he might have done something wrong, he immediately falls back to sleep. To ease Jonas’ pain, the Giver concentrates on transmitting good, happy memories to him. For example, Jonas experiences a birthday party and understands “the joy of being an individual, special and unique and proud.” One day, the Giver transmits his own favorite memory to Jonas. In the memory, Jonas is inside a house, and it is snowing outside. A fire is burning in the fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere, and colored lights decorate a Christmas tree. People open presents and hug each other. They appear to be very happy. From this memory, Jonas learns about a traditional Christmas celebration and about the concept of grandparents. Most importantly, he learns about love, which, sadly, “was a word or concept new to him.”

At home, Jonas asks his parents if they love him. Unsure of what he means, they say they are proud of him, but do not know if pride is the same as love. Once again, Jonas transmits memories to Gabriel so he can sleep through the night. Jonas tells him that if the community were willing to change, they could experience wonderful things like grandparents and love.

Chapters 14 and 16: Analysis

In these chapters, Jonas receives many painful memories. He learns about war and suffering, aspects of the world he had been oblivious to until now. The memories infuriate him, but also make him realize the significance of his position. At the same time, he also experiences immense joy in receiving memories of Christmas and birthdays. Both kinds of memories make Jonas understand that there can be no true joy and happiness without pain. He also understands that, although the community is protected and shielded from pain, they are unfortunate because they will never experience true love.

The situation with Jonas’ family is heartbreaking to him. Though his parents care for him, Jonas realizes that they will never truly love him in the way he desires to be loved. Jonas’ experiences and learning new words and concepts give his life more meaning. His family and the community as a whole remain ignorant. Gabriel is an exception since Jonas is able to provide him the kind of love a child should receive.