Jonas receives a Christmas memory in chapter 16 of The Giver (In the Dell Laurel-Leaf paperback edition published by Random House, this is on pages 122-123).
After suffering through the horrors of war in memory, Jonas is left shaken and ready to welcome death. The Giver seems shaken himself as he cannot bear having given Jonas this painful memory. Looking away in his shame of having made Jonas suffer, he says, "Forgive me." After this...
Jonas receives a Christmas memory in chapter 16 of The Giver (In the Dell Laurel-Leaf paperback edition published by Random House, this is on pages 122-123).
After suffering through the horrors of war in memory, Jonas is left shaken and ready to welcome death. The Giver seems shaken himself as he cannot bear having given Jonas this painful memory. Looking away in his shame of having made Jonas suffer, he says, "Forgive me." After this experience, Jonas decides that he does not want memories; he just wants to return to his childhood. But he must accept his assignment, so he comes each day. The Giver shares "countless bits of happiness:" birthday parties, visits to museums where rooms are filled with color, peaceful walks through the woods, horseback rides, and more.
Finally, Jonas asks the Giver what memory is his favorite, and the man shares the memory of Christmas with Jonas. Jonas watches a family untying ribbons on packages, opening the boxes that contain toys, clothes, and books. With cries of delight, the family hugs one another. A small child sits on the laps of an older man and woman. Jonas asks who they are and is told they are grandparents, the parents of the parents. The Christmas memory is one that fills Jonas with happiness and delight. He asks the Giver what the word is that he felt, and the Giver tells him, "Love."
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