Cameron Miranda
In 'The Giver', Jonas lives in a community with a strict set of rules. The community is extremely orderly and peaceful, and everyone has a job they enjoy and can do well. However, Jonas and other members of the community occasionally break minor rules. One of the most prevalent rule-breaking activities involves children under nine secretly riding bicycles, despite the rule forbidding it until the age of nine. When escaping, Jonas breaks three major rules: being outside at night, stealing food, and taking his father's bicycle. These actions could lead to his release, a severe punishment in their society.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Being outside at night | A "major transgression" |
| Stealing food | A "serious crime" |
| Taking his father's bicycle | A "major transgression" |
| Older siblings teaching younger siblings how to ride a bike | N/A |
| Pilots flying overhead | N/A |
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![Giver (93) by Lowry, Lois [Mass Market Paperback (2002)]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Z7uqC227L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Being outside at night
In the community depicted in *The Giver*, being outside at night is considered a "major transgression". This rule is broken by Jonas, the protagonist, when he escapes the community with Gabriel. To avoid being caught, Jonas sleeps during the day and rides at night.
Jonas's community is described as one with "many rules and few choices". One of the rules is that anyone who commits three transgressions is "released", a punishment that Jonas's mother, who works for the Department of Justice, describes as having "no third chance". The three major rules that Jonas breaks are: leaving at night, stealing food, and taking his father's bicycle.
The rule against being outside at night is not the only law that is broken in the community. Other prevalent rule-breaking includes children under nine riding bicycles, which is forbidden until the age of nine. Additionally, it is against the rules for a pilot to fly an airplane overhead, and doing so results in the pilot being "released".
The concept of being "released" is a severe punishment in the community, and Jonas is aware that his actions could lead to this consequence. Despite the risks, he chooses to break the rules to save Gabriel from the same fate. This highlights Jonas's dissatisfaction with the community and his desire to change it for the better.
The laws and rules in Jonas's community are strictly enforced, and breaking them can result in serious consequences. Being outside at night is considered a major transgression, and it is just one example of the many rules that shape the lives of the community members.
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Stealing food
In the novel *The Giver*, stealing food is considered a serious crime. In one instance, the protagonist Jonas escapes with leftover food, which is deemed a major transgression in his community.
In reality, stealing food is a crime in most places. However, the punishment for stealing food varies depending on the jurisdiction. In some places, stealing food is considered petty theft, which is a misdemeanour. The punishment for petty theft usually corresponds to the value of the stolen item, and often results in a fine rather than jail time. For example, in California, petty theft charges can be reduced to an infraction if the value of the stolen item is less than $50. Similarly, in Dallas County, Texas, the district attorney's office will not prosecute cases of food theft for necessity involving items costing less than $750.
Despite the existence of such laws, there are instances where individuals who steal food out of necessity are not prosecuted. In some cases, law enforcement officers may even take pity on the individual and provide them with groceries or direct them to local food banks or emergency food resources. There are also instances where courts have ruled in favour of hungry people who stole food. For example, in 2016, Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation ruled that it is not a crime for someone in desperate need to steal a small amount of food.
The issue of stealing food to alleviate hunger raises important societal questions about criminalising poverty and the role of governments in addressing food insecurity.
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Taking a bicycle
In the community depicted in "The Giver", the act of taking a bicycle is a common law to break. The book describes a tightly regulated community where bicycles are an important mode of transportation, as they allow individuals to travel independently.
One of the rules in this community is that children under nine are forbidden from riding bicycles. However, this rule is often broken as older siblings teach their younger brothers and sisters how to ride, and children under nine sometimes ride home after ceremonies. This rule-breaking is generally overlooked, as it is common for older siblings to allow younger children to practice riding.
The act of taking a bicycle becomes especially significant when Jonas, the protagonist, steals his father's bicycle to escape with Gabriel. This is considered a major transgression, as it involves taking another person's property and using it for personal reasons. In the community's rules, stealing is a very serious crime, and taking the bicycle is considered an act of robbery.
Furthermore, Jonas's use of the bicycle to escape at night constitutes another major rule-breaking. His actions, including stealing his father's bicycle, could lead to severe punishment, referred to as "release" in their society.
The bicycle plays a symbolic role in the story, representing Jonas's journey towards independence and maturity. By taking his father's bicycle, Jonas asserts his autonomy and demonstrates his willingness to defy community rules for a greater cause. This act of rebellion underscores the theme of individual freedom and the pursuit of change within a tightly controlled society.
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Teaching younger siblings to ride a bicycle
In the novel The Giver, Jonas lives in a community that is kept in order with many rules and few choices. One of the rules in Jonas' community is that children under the age of nine are forbidden from riding bicycles. However, this rule is often broken, as younger children ride their older siblings' bicycles home after ceremonies. This rule is sometimes overlooked, as children are eager to ride home.
Start in a safe, open area: Choose a location that is free from traffic and other hazards, such as a park or an empty parking lot. Make sure the area is flat and level, with plenty of space for your sibling to ride without obstacles.
Adjust the bicycle: Ensure the bicycle is the right size for your sibling and that the seat and handlebar height are adjusted to their comfort and ability. Check that the tires are inflated properly and the brakes are functioning correctly.
Provide protective gear: It is important for your sibling to wear a properly fitted helmet to protect their head in case of falls. Knee and elbow pads can also provide additional safety.
Demonstrate the basics: Begin by showing them how to balance and steer the bicycle. Hold onto the bicycle's seat or use a training wheel to help them get a feel for balancing. Teach them how to use the brakes effectively and how to start and stop safely.
Offer guidance and encouragement: Be patient and provide positive reinforcement throughout the learning process. Give them clear instructions and let them know it's okay to make mistakes. Stay by their side as they practice riding, offering gentle corrections and praising their progress.
Practice makes perfect: Allow your sibling to ride independently, but always supervise them closely. Encourage them to keep practicing, as riding a bicycle is a skill that improves with repetition. With time and patience, they will gain confidence and master the art of bicycle riding.
Remember, teaching your younger sibling to ride a bicycle can create lasting memories and foster a sense of trust and camaraderie between you. Enjoy the process and celebrate their milestones as they embark on their two-wheeled adventures!
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Flying an aeroplane overhead
In the novel 'The Giver', a prevalent rule-breaking involves children under nine secretly riding bicycles, despite the rule forbidding the activity until the age of nine. Another common law that is broken in the novel is older siblings teaching younger siblings how to ride a bicycle. In the real world, there are numerous laws and regulations pertaining to flying an aeroplane, and many of these are often inadvertently broken by pilots. Here are some examples:
Right-of-Way Rules: Federal aviation regulations outline specific right-of-way rules that pilots must follow. For example, when two aircraft are converging at similar altitudes, the aircraft to the right has the right-of-way. Failing to yield to another aircraft when required can result in a breach of these rules.
Vigilance and Aircraft Separation: Pilots are required to maintain vigilance and keep a proper lookout for other aircraft to avoid collisions. Failing to see and avoid other aircraft, or violating minimum separation distances, can result in breaking this law.
Distress Situations: According to aviation laws, an aircraft in distress always has the right-of-way. Failing to give way to a distressed aircraft, or failing to provide assistance if capable, is a serious breach of aviation regulations.
Passenger Safety: Airlines and pilots are responsible for ensuring passenger safety. This includes proper pre-flight safety briefings, ensuring carry-on baggage is securely stowed, and taking measures to prevent injuries during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Failing to ensure passenger safety can result in legal consequences.
It is important to note that these examples are not exhaustive, and there are numerous other laws and regulations pertaining to aviation that one must adhere to when flying an aeroplane.
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Frequently asked questions
In The Giver, a prevalent rule-breaking involves children under nine riding bicycles, despite the rule forbidding it until the age of nine. Another example of a common law broken in The Giver is older siblings teaching younger siblings how to ride a bike. Additionally, Jonas breaks three major rules when he leaves at night, steals food, and takes his father's bicycle to escape with Gabriel.
In the community of The Giver, anyone who commits three transgressions is released. While the exact meaning of "released" is unclear, Jonas considers it a "terrible punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure".
Yes, Jonas's father breaks the rules by peeking at the struggling new child's name, Gabriel, in the hopes that calling him by his name will help the child develop more quickly. Additionally, it is against the rules for a pilot to fly an airplane over the community.
