David Ochoa

September 16, 2009

English-Mr. Harrison

Summer Reading

In the novel The Giver by Lois Lowry Jonas is taught that his world is perfect, but finds out that society is controlled. Jonas was one of the main characters of this novel. Throughout reading The Giver Jonas seems to always be seeking more warmth and human contact then what the society he lives in already allows. The character Jonas portrayed various characteristics. Three of those characteristics that he portrayed were intelligence, curiosity, and kindness.

The first characteristic that Jonas portrayed was his curiosity. While he was at school he was playing catch with a friend he had noticed the apple change in a way. “ Does anything seem strange to you? About the apple?” ( Pg 24, Lowry) Jonas kept looking at the apple all types of ways trying to figure out what was it about the apple that would catch his eye and make him to wonder such things. Disobeying recreation area rules he decided to take the apple home so he can do further analysis on the apple. After trying to find a flaw in the apple all types of ways he somehow had to convince himself that the apple was perfectly fine, and he had curiosity get the best of him.

One of the other characteristics that Jonas had was his Intelligence. His intelligence was considered to be one of his unusual characteristics traits, but was to his advantage. Only twelve years of his age but his decision making was good and would catch on to things quickly look at them from a different aspect, was always a good student. “Intelligence , she said. We were all aware that Jonas has been a top student throughout his school days.” (Pg 62, Lowry) Jonas was chosen to be a receiver in their society. To attain that privilege a person must meet certain requirements. Jonas met all requirements that were needed.

Another characteristic that Jonas