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In Lowry's The Giver, what page(s) show Jonas demonstrating integrity, wisdom, intelligence, courage, and the capacity to see beyond?

When Jonas is assigned as the next Receiver, the Chief Elder says that he has either demonstrated or will demonstrate integrity, wisdom, intelligence, courage, and the capacity to see beyond. Provided below are examples of each trait as found throughout the book.


One character trait of integrity is taking responsibility for one's actions. Jonas demonstrates integrity after he takes an apple home from the recreation area. A public announcement is made to remind him of the rule not to take food home. In chapter three, Jonas takes responsibility for breaking a rule by going to the Recreation Director the next day and apologizing for what he did (23).


Jonas took the apple because he was beginning to see beyond. Seeing beyond means that he can see colors and eventually gain wisdom from the memories. While using the apple to play catch with his friend Asher in chapter three, Jonas sees the apple change before his eyes. He doesn't know that he is seeing the color red. He asks the Giver about it later when he continues to see the phenomenon. For example, he notices that Fiona's hair is red. Jonas asks in chapter 12 if he will be able to see all of the colors eventually. The Giver says the following:



"Of course. When you receive the memories. You have the capacity to see beyond. You'll gain wisdom, then along with colors. And lots more" (95).



The Giver's answer also shows that wisdom is gained through the access and receipt of the memories as well as through the gift of seeing beyond. The memories give him knowledge about causes and effects. If Jonas has the knowledge and experiences of all the world in his memory, then he can access wisdom that the community doesn't have.


While receiving the knowledge and wisdom that the memories provide, Jonas uses his intelligence to put the puzzle pieces of the history of his community together. For example, he discovers that the freedom to make choices based on personal preference has been sacrificed for equality. This example is best shown in chapter 13 when Jonas says the following:



"If everything's the same, then there aren't any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! A blue tunic, or a red one?" (97).



This is an intelligent observation that shows that Jonas can use his brain when given new information. He was able to take the fact that the community isn't allowed to see colors and applies it to his daily life. Not many people can do this. As a result of all these character traits and experiences with the memories, Jonas develops courage.


Jonas demonstrates courage by choosing to overthrow the community's way of life. He believes that it is better to have freedom of choice, families, and love, rather than sacrifice these things for safety and equality. Therefore, Jonas courageously leaves the community in chapter 21. He was supposed to get a memory that would teach him courage before he left the community, but because Jonas finds out the baby Gabriel's life is in danger, so he leaves without it.



"So he had enough strength of his own, and had not needed what The Giver might have provided, had there been time. But when the planes came, he wished that he could have received the courage" (168).


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