Control and Isolation in The Giver and The Village
The Giver: Chapter Summaries
Chapter 5
Jonas dreams of a strange, emotional experience involving a sled and snow. At breakfast, he tells his parents about the dream. They suggest he might be experiencing “stirrings,” early feelings of desire, and instruct him to take a pill to suppress them—a normal part of life in his society.
Chapter 6
During the Assignment Ceremony for the Twelve-Year-Olds, Jonas and his peers receive their career assignments. Jonas worries he will not get a fitting role. The chapter focuses on the society’s strict structure and the preparation of children for their future roles.
Chapter 7
Jonas feels nervous about his upcoming Assignment. He discusses his feelings with his parents, who reassure him that the Committee of Elders knows each child well and will make the right decision. This chapter emphasizes the community’s control over individual choices.
Chapter 8
At the Ceremony, each child is assigned their career. Jonas is skipped at first, causing fear and embarrassment. Finally, he is called and given the rare and honorable assignment of Receiver of Memory, a prestigious and solitary role. This marks the start of Jonas’s unique journey.
Chapter 9
Jonas meets The Giver, the current Receiver of Memory, who will train him. He begins learning about memories of the past, which are unknown to the rest of the community. The Giver warns Jonas that the memories can be painful, not just pleasurable.
Chapter 10
Jonas starts his training and experiences memories of snow, sledding, and cold, which are completely new sensations to him. He realizes that his world, though orderly and safe, lacks depth, color, and true feelings.
Chapter 11
The Giver gives Jonas memories of sunlight, sunburn, and a rainbow. Jonas begins to understand color and experiences emotions and sensations previously unknown. He starts noticing things in the real world that are different, like the lack of color in people and objects.
Chapter 12
Jonas shares some of his new knowledge with his friends, Asher and Fiona. They do not fully understand, but Jonas realizes he is beginning to feel isolated. He begins questioning the rules and limitations of his community.
The Village: Plot Summary
The Village is set in a small, isolated 19th-century village surrounded by woods that are rumored to be inhabited by mysterious, deadly creatures called “Those We Don’t Speak Of.” The villagers live by strict rules to avoid venturing into the forest, maintaining peace and safety.
The story follows Ivy Walker, a blind young woman, and Lucius Hunt, a young man chosen by the village elders to travel outside for medicine. When a serious illness threatens her father, Lucius decides to risk entering the dangerous woods to obtain help.
As the story unfolds, Ivy becomes determined to protect Lucius and confront the fear surrounding the forest. Eventually, it is revealed that the village is a modern-day, isolated community, and the elders have created the myth of the creatures to keep the inhabitants from leaving due to the dangers of the outside world. The “monsters” are a fabrication to control the villagers, illustrating themes of fear, control, and the consequences of isolation.