The Elders In The Giver

“They know nothing.” Those were the words of the Giver. In Lois Lowry’s The Giver, the old man harshly said that the community and Elders do not know anything. Despite their scientific intelligence, they cannot make decisions for the community due to lack of memories. The Elders do not allow the people of the community to have memories of the past. In fact, they don’t allow the people of the community to even mention the topic. Without the memories, people who lack knowledge or information are easily manipulated. Every December, all of the twelve year olds in the community are given careers. These twelve year olds don’t get to choose their careers. Instead, their careers are chosen by the Elders. Because the Elders chose these careers for them, “There was no way, really to know in advance,” what the careers were, “ it was a secret solution, made by the leaders of the community, the Committee of Elders.” Because the jobs of the members of the community are picked without their consent or knowledge, the Elders have enough power to choose exactly what the lifestyle is of the community. The …show more content…
Then he went limp. His head fell to the side, his eyes half open. Then he was still...He killed it! My father killed it! Jonas said to himself.” Jonas’s father was a nurturer. Without memory, Jonas’s father can not comprehend the outcomes of what he is doing. He doesn't understand the pain included in death or the value of life. He willingly kills a healthy child because the standards, the Elders made, say so. The community members unquestioningly follow the rules. Killing has become a routine practice for the nurturers; unpleasant activities do not upset nor bother the people in any way. His job was to kill one twin and raise and care for the