How does Lowry present the character of Jonas in ‘The Giver?
In Lois Lowry’s ‘The Giver’ Jonas’ character is presented through different perspectives throughout the novel. In the beginning, Jonas is an ‘ideal’ character with an obedient mind. Throughout this text, he discovers wisdom which teaches him about individuality. As the novel evolves Jonas discovers emotions and gets the chance to change his and everyone else’s lives. Jonas’ world is a dystopia set in the future trying to control what can be controlled. It focuses on an ideal ‘perfect’ and ‘sameness’ although when Jonas gains wisdom he challenges this idea. Consequently, his character is presented in multiple ways which are accentuated as the novel develops. Jonas is presented as
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This is shown when Jonas is planning to escape from the world he lives in when he thinks this: “If he had stayed, he would have starved in other ways. He would have lived a life hungry for feelings, for colour, for love.” In this quotation, Jonas is explaining his reasons for leaving the community. He has experienced almost everything to have the experience of including feelings, colour and even love through his memories. When he explains his reasoning, he uses the metaphor of ‘hungry for feelings, colour, and love’. This adds a desperation to what he is saying which gets the point straight to the reader. His determination is mixed with thought and planning which references his maturity. When Jonas says this he begins to realise that he has no choice. His thinking process links back to how considerate he is thinking ahead and making wise decisions based on previous knowledge. A second quote that makes Jonas appear to be wise is ”He knew that there was no quick comfort for emotions like those. They were deeper and they did not need to be told. They were felt.” In the beginning of this novel Jonas barely knew what emotions are, which show how much he has experienced in the period of a year. His emotional intelligence is accentuated to the reader through this