QQuestionEnglish
QuestionEnglish
The ending of The Giver may be interpreted in two very different ways. Perhaps Jonas is remembering his Christmas memory—one of the most beautiful that The Giver transmitted to him—as he and Gabriel are freezing to death, falling into a dreamlike coma in the snow. Or perhaps Jonas does hear music and, with his special vision, is able to perceive the warm house where people are waiting to greet him. In her acceptance speech for the Newbery Medal, Lois Lowry mentioned both possibilities but would not choose one as correct.
Which side do you agree with? What evidence supports each interpretation?
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Answer
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Step 1:: Introduction
In the ending of The Giver, there are two main interpretations regarding Jonas and Gabriel's fate. The first interpretation suggests that Jonas is recalling his most beautiful memory, a Christmas scene, as he and Gabriel are freezing to death. The second interpretation proposes that Jonas does hear music and perceives a warm house with people waiting to greet him. This response will analyze each interpretation and provide evidence supporting both perspectives.
Step 2:: Interpretation 1 - The Christmas Memory
Evidence supporting this interpretation includes Jonas's thoughts and feelings as he releases the sled and prepares for the cold journey. He realizes that "he would be all alone" and that "there hadn't been time to say goodbye" (Lowry, 1993, p. 198). These emotions suggest that Jonas is aware of his impending death and is reminiscing about his past experiences, such as the Christmas memory, as a way to cope with the situation.
Step 3:: Interpretation 2 - The Warm House
On the other hand, supporters of the second interpretation point to Jonas's heightened senses and abilities, which may allow him to perceive things that others cannot. As Jonas and Gabriel travel towards Elsewhere, Jonas notices that "the ground was hard and cold" but also "heard music" (Lowry, 1993, p. 200). This sensory input could suggest that Jonas is not only feeling the cold but also hearing music, which may indicate the presence of a warm and welcoming environment.
Step 4:: Lois Lowry's Perspective
In her Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Lois Lowry acknowledged both interpretations but did not explicitly choose one as correct. This ambiguity allows readers to form their opinions and interpretations based on their understanding of the story and its characters.
Step 5:: Conclusion
Both interpretations have merit and are supported by various pieces of evidence within the text. Ultimately, the reader's interpretation will depend on their understanding of Jonas's character and the story's themes. Regardless of the interpretation, Lowry's intention was to encourage readers to think critically and engage with the story on a deeper level.
Final Answer
The ending of The Giver can be interpreted in two ways: Jonas recalling his Christmas memory as he and Gabriel are freezing to death or Jonas perceiving a warm house with people waiting to greet him through his heightened senses. Both interpretations have supporting evidence, and the reader's understanding of the story will influence their perspective.
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