Imagination and the Message of The Giver
This book envokes the imagination in an unusual way. Once I started
this book I could not put it down because it was so different from any
other children's book that I have ever read. I think this book sends
an excellent message to children. Jonas learns the importance of
feelings and why we all have to experience emotions, especially pain.
Since the beginning of time, people have asked why suffering exists in
the world. Experiences color and illustrate our lives, and Jonas
literally began to see color. Jonas learns how valuable a family and grandparents
can be, he learns to have fun and play, and most importantly he learns
to recognize the beauty in the world around him. Jonas learns to
love and through this love he also learns what pain is. Jonas not only
experiences physical pain but like Maniac, Jonas feels alienated and robbed
of love which should be given naturally. Only through feelings can changes
occur in the world. The Committee can never make changes in the lives of
the citizens because they have no feelings. This book teaches us
to be grateful for the gift of choice, the gift of love, and even the gift
of pain.
- Jill Schleder, November 19, 1999
Page designed and maintained by:
A. Waller Hastings
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Last updated: February 10, 2000