In the Giver, why was the Giver bitter about the COuncil of Elders
In the novel "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, the Giver is bitter about the Council of Elders for a few reasons. To fully understand why, let's explore the story and the Giver's role in it.
The Giver is a person in the community who holds all the memories of the past, including both the pleasant and the painful ones. When Jonas, the protagonist, is selected to become the new Receiver of Memory, the Giver is his mentor and transfers these memories to him. Through these memories, Jonas begins to question the restrictive and controlled nature of their community.
One reason the Giver is bitter about the Council of Elders is because they hold all the power and make decisions that affect the entire community. The Council of Elders dictates every aspect of the citizens' lives, from career assignments to the suppression of emotions and selective memory manipulation. This lack of personal freedom frustrates the Giver as he sees the potential for individuals to experience so much more.
Additionally, the Giver is bitter because the Council of Elders chose to suppress the memories and keep the truth of the past hidden from the citizens. They believe that by erasing painful memories, they can eliminate suffering. However, this leads to a numb and artificial existence for the people in the community. The Giver, who carries the weight of these memories, understands the importance of the whole range of human emotions and experiences, including sadness and pain, as they contribute to a richer and more meaningful life.
Furthermore, the Giver is bitter because he is the sole burden bearer of painful memories. He carries the collective pain and suffering of humanity, and this isolation takes a toll on him. He yearns for a community that shares this burden and actively engages with the past.
Overall, the Giver's bitterness towards the Council of Elders stems from their unyielding control, suppression of memories, and the isolation he feels as the holder of these memories. The stark contrast between the Giver's experience and the stagnant state of the community fuels his bitterness.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/giver/
Please read this carefully.
The answers to all of these questions so far should be clear to you if you've read the book.