Question

red response question: the power of perspective in the giver
in lois lowrys novel, the giver, the author develops and contrasts the perspectives of the main character, jonas, and his father the nurturer, particularly regarding the practice of
elease\. analyze how jonass new role as the receiver of memory influences his perspective with the course of the novel. then, contrast jonass perspective with the unchanging perspective of his father, the nurturer. finally, explain how the authors choice to reveal the true meaning of
elease\ through jonass perspective and the memory - based element of the story (rl 7.3) influences the readers understanding of the community and the novels central theme of knowledge versus ignorance.

Explanation:

• Influence on Jonas' perspective: As the Receiver of Memory, Jonas gains access to a wealth of memories, including those of pain, love, and loss. This exposure broadens his understanding of the world and challenges the simplistic, controlled perspective he had before. For example, memories of war (pain) or family love (an emotion not present in his community initially) make him question the “sameness” and the practice of release. He starts to see that there is more to life than the sterile, rule - bound existence of his community.
• Contrast with father's perspective: The Nurturer (father) has a very narrow, job - oriented perspective. His role is to care for infants in a clinical way. He views release as a necessary, almost routine procedure (like when he releases the twin). He lacks the emotional and historical context that Jonas now has. Jonas, with his new memories, realizes that release is actually killing (a concept unknown in the community's euphemistic language), while the father, without those memories, sees it as just following the rules of the community for population control and “care”.
• Author's choice and reader understanding: By revealing the true meaning of release through Jonas' perspective (with the memory - based element), the reader is led to question the facade of the community. The community presents itself as a utopia of sameness, safety, and no pain. But through Jonas' eyes (and memories), the reader sees that this sameness is achieved at the cost of human emotions, individuality, and even life (through release). The central theme of knowledge vs. ignorance is highlighted. The community thrives on ignorance (of real human experiences, history) to maintain control. Jonas' acquisition of knowledge (memories) makes him an outcast but also makes him the only one who can potentially change or at least understand the true horror of the community's practices.

Answer:

• Jonas' new role as Receiver of Memory broadens his perspective to question community norms like release.
• His father (the Nurturer) has a narrow, rule - bound view of release, contrasting with Jonas' memory - informed understanding.
• The author's choice helps the reader see the community's false utopia and emphasizes the theme of knowledge vs. ignorance.