The Giver Audiobook - Chapter 4

Summary

In 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry, Chapter 4, Jonas reflects on the freedom of choice in his community as he volunteers at different places, observing others' passions and skills. He admires Benjamin's dedication to rehabilitation work and encounters Fiona at the House of the Old. Jonas assists in bathing the elderly, finding comfort in their trust and the serene environment. He learns about the release of Roberto, sparking curiosity about the mysterious release process and the community's unspoken rules.

Takeaways

• 📘 The story is from 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry, focusing on the character Jonas and his experiences in a community with strict rules and structured life stages.
• 🚲 Jonas often volunteers with his friend Asher, who tends to be playful and less focused, but Jonas is now more serious due to his upcoming 12th year ceremony.
• 🕒 The community has a strict schedule for daily activities, with volunteer hours being an important part of the young citizens' lives, leading to their eventual job assignments.
• 🔍 Jonas is intrigued by the achievements of a peer, Benjamin, who has excelled in the rehabilitation field and is likely to bypass most of his training.
• 🤔 Jonas reflects on the importance of not discussing one's successes openly to avoid breaking the community's rule against bragging.
• 🏘 Jonas rides through various community areas, including the child care center and central plaza, observing the different aspects of community life.
• 👵 Jonas finds Asher and another volunteer, Fiona, at the house of the old, where they assist in the bathing room, caring for the elderly.
• 🛁 The bathing room scene emphasizes the care and trust between the volunteers and the elderly, as well as Jonas's comfort in this nurturing environment.
• 🎉 The script mentions a 'release' celebration for an elder named Roberto, indicating a significant event in the community, though the exact nature of the release is not fully explained.
• 🤔 Larissa, an elderly woman, shares her thoughts on the release ceremony and the varying levels of interest in the life stories shared during these events.
• 🚪 The 'special door' in the releasing room is hinted at as the place where the release occurs, but the details of what happens beyond the door remain a mystery to the community members.

Q & A

What is the significance of the number 12 in the community described in the script?

The number 12 signifies the coming of age in the community, where individuals receive their assignments, which are crucial roles they will undertake in society.

Why does Jonas often look at the bike ports beside the buildings during his volunteer hours?

Jonas looks at the bike ports to spot Asher's bicycle, indicating where his friend is volunteering, as they often work together during these hours.

What is the role of the volunteer hours in the community?

Volunteer hours are a way for the community's young members to explore different roles and responsibilities, helping them to discover their interests and skills before they receive their assignments.

What is the consequence of not completing the required number of volunteer hours before the ceremony of twelve?

Failure to complete the required volunteer hours results in a public announcement of the individual's incompletion, leading to an additional month to complete the hours and a private, less celebratory assignment ceremony.

What is the significance of the 'release' mentioned in the script?

The 'release' is a ceremony where an elder's life is recounted, and they are then allowed to leave the community, presumably to pass away, marking the end of their life cycle in the community.

Why is bragging considered a minor rule in the community?

Bragging is considered a minor rule because it goes against the community's values of humility and equality, and while it is punishable, it is not as severe as other offenses.

What is the role of the 'old' in the community, as depicted in the script?

The 'old' are cared for in the community, often residing in dwellings separate from the main community centers. They engage in quiet activities and are assisted by volunteers in their daily needs, such as bathing.

What does Jonas find impressive about Benjamin's achievements in the rehabilitation center?

Jonas is impressed by Benjamin's dedication and skill in the rehabilitation center, as he has developed machines and methods to hasten rehabilitation and is rumored to bypass most of the training for his future assignment.

What is the role of the nurturing center in the community?

The nurturing center is a place where children, like Lily, stay after school and engage in play and other activities, indicating it serves as a childcare and early education facility.

What is the significance of the bathing room in the script?

The bathing room is a place where volunteers assist the 'old' in bathing, symbolizing care and respect for the elderly. It also serves as a setting for Jonas to reflect on his own life and the community's practices.

What does Larissa's conversation with Jonas reveal about the community's views on the 'release'?

Larissa's conversation reveals that the 'release' is seen as a joyous occasion, with the community celebrating the life of the individual being released. However, it also hints at some skepticism about the ceremony's details and the lack of transparency about what happens after the release.

Outlines

00:00

🚴 Volunteer Hours and Jonas's Observations

In this paragraph, Jonas reflects on the freedom to choose where to spend his volunteer hours as he approaches his 12th birthday. The narrative describes how children in the community are initially assigned to recreational duties, then gradually move on to jobs that align with their interests and skills. Jonas admires a peer, Benjamin, who has excelled in the rehabilitation center. The paragraph also touches on the community's unspoken rule against bragging about one's achievements. Jonas's search for his friend Asher leads him to the House of the Old, where he encounters Fiona, another volunteer, and engages in the comforting routine of bathing the elderly.

05:00

🛁 Bathing the Elderly and Life Reflections

Jonas assists Larissa, an elderly woman, during her bathing routine, which is a familiar task for him. The warm, moist atmosphere of the bathing room provides a sense of safety and trust. Larissa shares her thoughts on the recent 'release' of Roberto, a fellow elder, and the life celebration that precedes such an event. She also expresses her opinion on the varying levels of interest in the life stories shared during these ceremonies. Jonas and Larissa engage in a light-hearted discussion about the community's practices, including the exclusion of children from the release ceremonies, hinting at a desire for change.

10:01

😂 Humor and the Elderly's Perspective on Community Traditions

In this final paragraph, Larissa humorously suggests enlarging the releasing room to accommodate children, showing a playful critique of community customs. Jonas playfully agrees, hinting at the possibility of suggesting this to the committee. The conversation between Jonas and Larissa is filled with laughter and camaraderie, illustrating the bond formed between the volunteers and the elderly, and the shared understanding of the community's unique traditions.

Keywords

💡Volunteer Hours

Volunteer hours in the script refer to the mandatory community service that young individuals must complete in the society depicted in 'The Giver'. This concept is central to the theme of societal structure and individual contribution. Jonas, the protagonist, is nearing the end of his volunteer hours, which is a significant milestone leading up to his assignment at the age of twelve. The script mentions Jonas' past volunteer experiences and the societal expectations tied to this practice.

💡Assignment

In the context of the video, 'assignment' signifies the career or role that an individual is given in their society once they reach the age of twelve. It is a pivotal event that determines their future and societal contribution. The script illustrates the anticipation and uncertainty Jonas feels about his upcoming assignment, as well as the societal importance placed on this event.

💡Rehabilitation Center

The Rehabilitation Center is a place where citizens who have been injured are treated and rehabilitated. The script introduces Benjamin, a character who has spent his volunteer hours at this center, developing skills that are rumored to be so advanced that he may bypass most of the training for his future role. This keyword is important as it reflects the society's focus on efficiency and specialization.

💡Bravado

Bravado, as used in the script, refers to the act of boasting or showing off one's achievements, which is considered a minor infraction in the society. The script mentions that discussing one's successes could be seen as bragging, which is awkward and against societal norms. This concept ties into the theme of modesty and the avoidance of individualism in the community.

💡Release

The term 'release' in the script is associated with the end of life for the elderly in the society. It is a significant event that is celebrated with a recounting of the individual's life, toasts, and a public farewell. The script describes the release of Roberto, which is a key part of the narrative showing the society's approach to aging and the end of life.

💡Old

The keyword 'old' is used to describe the elderly in the society, who live in a specific area and are cared for by volunteers. The script shows Jonas interacting with the old, such as Larissa, in a bathing room, which is part of his volunteer work. This concept is integral to understanding the societal structure and the treatment of its oldest members.

💡Nurturing Center

The Nurturing Center is a place where the young, including Lily, are cared for after school. It represents the societal institution responsible for the upbringing and education of children. The script mentions Jonas passing by the Nurturing Center, indicating the role such institutions play in the daily lives of the community members.

💡Central Plaza

The Central Plaza is a public space where community gatherings and meetings are held. It is mentioned in the script as a place that Roberto, one of the elderly, designed the landscaping for. This keyword is important as it shows the contribution of individuals to the community's shared spaces and the recognition of such contributions.

💡Bragging

Bragging in the script is depicted as a societal faux pas, a minor rule violation that is to be avoided. It is related to the concept of individualism and self-promotion, which are discouraged in the community. The script illustrates this through the characters' reluctance to discuss their achievements openly, as seen with Benjamin's accomplishments.

💡Ceremony of Twelve

The Ceremony of Twelve is a significant event in the society where individuals receive their life assignments upon turning twelve. The script hints at the importance and anticipation surrounding this event, as well as the potential consequences of not meeting the requirements, such as not completing the necessary volunteer hours.

Highlights

Jonas finds the freedom to choose where to spend his volunteer hours a wonderful luxury, contrasting with the regulated life in their community.

Asha's playful nature during volunteer hours sometimes makes serious work difficult, but Jonas doesn't mind as his own Assignment is approaching.

The process of choosing volunteer work reflects the community's transition from childhood to adulthood, with the freedom of choice being a significant step.

Benjamin's dedication to rehabilitation work is highlighted, suggesting a possible future in that field.

Jonas admires Benjamin's achievements but is aware of the community's unspoken rule against discussing one's successes to avoid bragging.

Jonas's journey through different volunteer roles allows him to experience the diverse aspects of community life.

The strict rules about nudity, especially for new children and the old, reflect the community's unique social norms.

Jonas finds comfort in the serene environment of the bathing room, contrasting with the busy centers of manufacture and distribution.

Larissa's conversation with Jonas about the release of Roberto reveals the community's practice of celebrating an individual's life before their release.

The description of the release ceremony provides insight into the community's rituals and the emotional impact on its members.

Larissa's candid opinion about some life tellings being boring and elders falling asleep during them adds a touch of humor to the narrative.

Jonas's gentle care for Larissa during her bath reflects the community's values of respect and care for the elderly.

The community's strict enforcement of volunteer hours is underscored by the story of an eleven who missed his Assignment due to incomplete hours.

Jonas's interaction with Fiona shows a sense of camaraderie among the volunteers and a shared understanding of their roles.

The concept of 'release' is introduced as a mysterious and significant event in the community, with details kept from the general population.

Larissa's suggestion to enlarge the releasing room and Jonas's sly remark about suggesting it to the committee adds a layer of subversion to their conversation.

Transcripts

The Giver by Lois Lowry chapter 4

Jonas wrote at a leisurely pace glancing

at the bike ports beside the buildings

to see if he could spot ashes he didn't

often do his volunteer hours with his

friend because Asha frequently fooled

around and made serious work a little

difficult but now with 12 coming so soon

in the volunteer hours ending it didn't

seem to matter the freedom to choose

where to spend those hours had always

seemed a wonderful luxury to Jonas other

hours of the day were so carefully

regulated he remembered when he had

become an 8 as lily would do shortly and

had been faced with that freedom of

choice the eights always set out on

their first volunteer hour and little

nervously giggling and staying in groups

of friends they almost invariably did

their hours on recreation duty first

helping with the younger ones in a place

where they still felt comfortable but

with guidance as they developed

self-confidence in maturity they moved

on to other jobs gravitating towards

those that would suit their own

interests and skills a male 11 named

Benjamin had done his entire nearly four

years in the rehabilitation center

working with citizens who had been

injured it was rumoured that he was a

skilled now as a rehabilitation

directors themselves and that he had

even developed some machines and methods

to hasten rehabilitation there was no

doubt that Benjamin would receive his

assignment to that field and would

probably be permitted to bypass most of

the training Jonas was impressed by the

things Benjamin had achieved he knew him

of course since they had always been

group mates but they had never talked

about the boy's accomplishments because

such a conversation would have been

awkward for Benjamin there was never any

comfortable way to mention or discuss

one successes without breaking the rule

against bragging even if one didn't mean

to it was a minor role rather like

rudeness punishable only by gentle

chastisement but still better to steer

clear of an occasion governed by a role

which would be so easy to break the area

of dwellings behind him Jonas rode past

the community structures hoping to spot

a sure's bicycle parked beside one of

the small factories or built office

buildings he passed the child care

center where Lily stayed after school in

the playing area surrounding it he rode

through the central plaza and Lara

Torian where public meetings were held

Jonas slowed and looked at the nametags

on the bicycles lined up outside the

nurturing Center then he checked those

outside food distribution it was always

fun to help with the deliveries and he

hoped he would find his friend there so

that they could go together on the daily

rounds carrying the cartons supplies

into the drones of the community but he

finally found Ash's bicycle leaning as

usual instead of upright in its port as

it should have been at the house of the

old there was only one other child's

bicycle there that of a female 11 named

Fiona

Jonas liked Fiona she was a good student

quiet and polite but she had a sense of

fun as well and it didn't surprise him

that she was working with Asher today he

parked his bicycle neatly in the port

beside theirs and entered the building

hello Jonas the attendant at the front

desk said she handed him the signup

sheet and stamped her own official seal

beside his name all of his volunteer

hours would be carefully tabulated at

the Hall of Open Records once long ago

it was whispered among the children and

eleven had arrived at the ceremony of

twelve only to hear public announcement

that he had not completed the required

number of volunteer hours and would not

therefore be given his assignment he had

been permanent and an additional month

in which to complete the hours and then

given his assignment privately with no

applause no celebration a disgrace that

had clouded his entire future it's good

to have some volunteers here today the

attendant told him we celebrated a

release this morning and that always

throws the schedule off a little so

things get backed up she looked at a

printed sheet let's see yeah Asher and

Fiona are helping in the bathing room

why don't you join them there you know

where it is don't you

Jonas nodded thanked her and walked down

the hammam hallway he glanced into the

rooms on either side the old were

sitting quietly some visiting and

talking with one another others doing

handwork in simple crafts if you were

asleep each room was comfortably

furnished the floor is covered with

thick carpet it was a serene and slope

paced place unlike the busy centres of

manufacture and distribution where their

daily work of the community occurred

Jonas was glad that he had over the

years chosen to do his hours in a

variety of places so that he could

experience the differences you realized

though they're not focusing on one area

meant he was left with not the slightest

idea

not even a guess of what his assignment

would be he laughed softly thinking

about the ceremony again Jonas he teased

himself but he suspected that with a

date so near probably all of his friends

were too he passed a caretaker walking

slowly with one of the old in the hall

hello Jonas the young uninformed man

said smiling pleasantly the woman beside

him whose arm he held was hunched over

as she shuffled along in her soft

slippers she looked towards Jonas and

smiled but her dark eyes were clouded in

blank he realized she was blind he

entered the bathing room with with its

warm moist air and scent of cleaning

lotions he removed his tunic hung it

carefully on a wall hook and put on the

volunteer smock that was folded on a

shelf hi Jonas Asher called from the

corner where he was kneeling beside a

tub

Jonas saw he owned and nearby at a

different tub she looked up and smiled

at him but she was busy gently washing a

man who lay in the warm water

Jonas greeted them in the care taking

attendance at work nearby then he went

to the row of Patton lounging chairs

where other of the old were waiting he

had worked here before he knew what to

do your turn Larissa

he said reading the name tag on the

woman's robe I'll just start the water

and then help you up he pressed the

button on a nearby empty tub and watched

as the warm water flowed in through the

many small openings on the sides the top

would be filled in a minute and the

water flow would stop automatically he

helped the woman from the chair led her

to the tub removed her robe and steadied

her with his hand on her arm as she

stepped in and lowered herself she

leaned back and side with pleasure her

head on a soft cushion headrest

comfortable he asked and she nodded her

eyes closed

Jonas squeezed cleansing lotion on to

the cleaning sponge at the edge of the

tub and began to wash her frail body

last night he had watched as his father

bade the new child this was much the

same the fragile skin the soothing water

the gentle motion of his hand slippery

with soap the relaxed peaceful smile on

the woman's face reminded him of Gabriel

being bathed and the nakedness - it

wasn't against the rules for

children or adults to look at another's

nakedness but the rule did not apply to

new children or the old Jonas was glad

it was a nuisance to keep oneself

covered while changing for games and the

required apology if one had by mistake

glimpse to another's body was always

awkward you couldn't see why it was

necessary he liked the feeling of safety

here in this warm and quiet room he

liked the expression of trust on a

woman's face as she lay in the water

unprotected exposed and free from the

corner of his eye he could see his

friend Fiona helped the old man from the

tub and tenderly Pat his thin naked body

dry with an absorbent cloth she helped

him into his robe Jonas thought Larissa

had drifted into sleep as the old often

did and he was careful to keep his

emotions steady and gentle so he

wouldn't wake her he was surprised when

she spoke her eyes still closed this

morning we celebrated the release of

roberto she told him it was wonderful I

knew Roberto Dona said I helped with his

feeding the last time I was here just a

few weeks ago he was a very interesting

man Larissa opened her eyes happily they

told his whole life before they released

him she said they always do but to be

honest she whispered with a mischievous

look some of the tellings are a little

boring I've even seen some of the old

fall asleep during tellings when they

released Edna recently did you know Edna

Jonas shook his head he couldn't recall

anyone named Edna well they tried to

make her life sound meaningful and of

course she added primly all lives are

meaningful I don't mean that they aren't

but Edna my goodness she was a birth

mother and then she worked in food

production for years until she came here

she never even had a family unit Larissa

lifted her head and looked around to

make sure no one else was listening then

she confided I don't think Emma was very

smart

Jonas laughed he winced her left arm

laid it back into the water and began to

wash her feet she murmured with pleasure

as he massaged her feet with sponge but

Roberto's life was wonderful Louis her

went on after a moment he had been an

instructor of eleven so you know how

important that is and he had been on the

planning committee and goodness I don't

know how he found the time

he also raised two very successful

children and he was also the one who did

the landscaping design for the central

plaza he didn't do the actual labor of

course now you're back lean forward and

help you sit up

Jonas put his arm around her and

supported her as she sat he squeezed the

sponge against her back and began to rub

her sharp bones shoulders tell me about

the celebration well there was the

telling of his life that is always first

than the toast we all raised our glasses

and cheered we chanted the anthem he

made a lovely goodbye speech and several

of us made little speeches wishing him

well I didn't though I've never been

fond of speaking publicly he was

thrilled you should have seen the look

on his face when they let him go Jonas

slowed the strokes of his hand on her

back thoughtfully Larissa he asked what

happens when they make the actual

release where exactly did Roberta go she

lifted her bare wet shoulders in a small

shrug I don't know I don't think anybody

does except the committee he just bowed

to all of us and then walked like they

all do through the special door in the

releasing room but you should have seen

his look pure happiness I'd call it

Jonas grinned I wish I had been there to

see it

Larissa frowned I don't know why they

don't let children come not enough room

I guess they should enlarge the

releasing room we'll have to suggest

that to the committee maybe they'd study

it Jonas said slyly and Larissa chortled

with laughter right she hooted and Jonas

helped her from the tub