Overview
Chapters Five and Six of "The Giver" depict Jonas experiencing his first "stirrings" dream and beginning daily pills, while the community prepares for the annual ceremonies marking each child's growth, including Lily's new responsibilities and Jonas's anticipation for his Ceremony of Twelve.
Jonas's Dream and the Stirrings
- Jonas shares a vivid dream during the family's morning ritual, feeling embarrassed about its content.
- The dream involves Jonas wanting Fiona to get into a bath so he can bathe her, revealing strong feelings he finds difficult to explain.
- Jonas’s parents identify his feelings as his first "stirrings," a normal developmental stage.
- Jonas is instructed to begin taking daily pills to suppress these feelings, as all adults do.
Family and Community Rituals
- Lily shares her own dream, which includes rule-breaking and feelings of guilt.
- The family discusses the importance of dream telling and following community rules.
- Jonas's mother reassures him about the stirrings and explains the daily pill regimen.
Ceremony Preparations and Traditions
- Lily expresses impatience over wearing hair ribbons, looking forward to gaining her bicycle next year.
- Jonas reminds Lily of the milestones represented by each ceremony, such as jackets with buttons and future volunteer hours.
- The family prepares to attend the annual ceremonies at the community auditorium.
Naming and Placement Ceremonies
- The community holds ceremonies for new children, assigning names and families in a public event.
- Gabriel receives a special reprieve, remaining with Jonas's family for another year due to not meeting developmental milestones.
- Families must sign a pledge not to form attachments to Gabriel since his placement is temporary.
- The ceremony includes rituals for children who are "replacements" after a rare loss, such as the murmured replacement for Caleb.
Advancing Childhood Ceremonies
- Lily becomes an Eight, receives a new jacket with pockets, and is now responsible for her belongings and volunteer hours.
- Nines are given bicycles, signifying increased independence; new Tenses receive distinctive haircuts reflecting maturity.
- Elevens receive new clothing, marking the stage before the Ceremony of Twelve.
- Jonas and his friends express anxiety and anticipation over their upcoming assignments.
Community Structure and Assignments
- Assignment of roles and matching of spouses is handled by the Committee of Elders with care and deliberation.
- The community values order, conformity, and precise placement, minimizing the chances of anyone not fitting in.
Decisions
- Jonas must begin daily medication to suppress the stirrings, as required by community rules.
- Gabriel is granted an additional year of nurture before official placement with a family.
Action Items
- Immediate – Jonas: Start taking daily pills for the stirrings.
- TBD – Jonas’s family: Continue nurturing Gabriel and refrain from forming permanent attachment.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- Ceremony of Nine: Children receive bicycles.
- Ceremony of Eight: Children begin volunteer work and receive new jackets.
- Ceremony of Twelve: Jonas and peers will receive their community assignments.