The Giver Quartet, #1
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
Contents
7
Overview
At the Ceremony of Twelve, the Chief Elder praises differences and begins Assignments. Asher is named Assistant Director of Recreation, and Fiona becomes Caretaker of the Old. As the numbers proceed, the Chief Elder skips Jonas, leaving him publicly unassigned and humiliated. The unexplained omission heightens suspense about his future.
Summary
Jonas and his group take front seats for the Ceremony of Twelve, arranged by birth numbers. The Chief Elder’s speech shifts from conformity to honoring differences that determine Assignments, noting various aptitudes without naming individuals. Jonas tries to identify references among his peers but hears nothing that fits him.
Assignments begin: Madeline becomes Fish Hatchery Attendant; Inger is named Birthmother; and Isaac is assigned Instructor of Sixes. The Chief Elder recounts Asher’s childhood language struggles and precision training, then assigns him Assistant Director of Recreation, to broad approval.
As more Assignments follow, Jonas grows apprehensive. Fiona is named Caretaker of the Old, a role that suits her calm, gentle nature. Jonas prepares to hear his name next.
Instead, the Chief Elder calls Twenty—Pierre—skipping Jonas, Nineteen. The community falls silent, and Jonas realizes it is no mistake. He sits dazed as the numbers continue in order past him, unable to focus on other Assignments.
Feeling exposed and ashamed, Jonas hunches in his seat, avoiding looking for his parents. He searches his memory for wrongdoing, but finds no answer, ending the chapter in confusion and anxiety about why he was passed over.
Who Appears
- JonasProtagonist; anxiously awaits his Assignment but is publicly skipped, leaving him confused, ashamed, and fearful.
- Chief ElderLeads the Ceremony of Twelve, praises differences, assigns roles, and pointedly skips Jonas.
- AsherJonas’s friend; remembered for language lapses, assigned Assistant Director of Recreation.
- FionaCalm groupmate; receives Caretaker of the Old, matching her gentle, attentive nature.
- PierreSerious, rule-focused groupmate; called as Twenty immediately after Fiona, highlighting Jonas’s omission.
- MadelineNumber One; assigned Fish Hatchery Attendant and returns proudly with new badge.
- IngerNumber Two; assigned Birthmother, considered suitable due to strength and disposition.
- IsaacNumber Three; assigned Instructor of Sixes, a well-deserved educational role.
- Committee of EldersObserved the Elevens and determined Assignments acknowledged during the ceremony.
- Group leaderMaintains order among the Twelves; silently chastises Asher and shows concern when Jonas is skipped.