Which passage from The Giver, Chapter 1, best illustrates the theme that a society cannot fully control
everyone?
The Giver. Chapter 1
Today a repeat offender had been brought before her, someone who had broken the rules before.
Someone who she hoped had been adequately and fairly punished, and who had been restored to
his place: to his job, his home, his family unit. To see him brought before her a second time caused
her overwhelming feelings of frustration and anger.
He and the other Nurturers were responsible for all the physical and emotional needs of every
O newchild during its earliest life. It was a very important job, Jonas knew, but it wasn't one that
interested him much.
Jonas grinned, remembering the morning that Asher had dashed into the classroom, late as usual,
arriving breathlessly in the middle of the chanting of the morning anthem. When the class took their
seats at the conclusion of the patriotic hymn, Asher remained standing to make his public apology
as was required.
It was one of the rituals, the evening telling of feelings. Sometimes Jonas and his sister, Lily, argued
over turns, over who would get to go first. Their parents, of course, were part of the ritual, they, too.
told their feelings each evening. But like all parents-all adults-they didn't fight and wheedle for their
turn.
