Story Elements

Jonas – 11 years old at the beginning of the story Blue eyes – symbolic of being able to see things differently than the rest of his society New Receiver of Memory – becomes more intelligent and does not accept the ways of the community

Time – in the future Isolated community Utopia when first introduced – find it is a dystopia as the story progresses and information is revealed Climate and land formations changed and controlled

Family units – mother, father, boy and girl in each family – all family members are assigned to one another Controlled community – all meals delivered, people watching what everyone is doing at all times No freedom of choice Jonas is apprehensive at the beginning of the novel when he will receive his assignment – New Receiver of Memory Release is mentioned throughout the story – young, old, or if people have misbehaved – not sure what it is yet… The story is told in the 3 rd person subjective -EX. an outside observer, but Jonas thoughts and emotions are still described.

The opposition between two characters, two groups, a character and the forces of nature, or a characters internal struggle Man vs. Himself This is the main conflict!! Jonass struggle to do what he thinks is best vs. what he has learned while growing up in this society Struggle with whether Jonas should leave and release all of the memories he has received Man vs. Society Jonas does not understand the rules/restrictions that have been placed on the people of the community – becomes aware of reality Jonas starts to rebel – lying, not taking meds, giving Gabriel memories

Man vs. Nature Conflict when society tries to overcome the forces of nature – sunlight, rain, snow, temperature Society controls life and death (Release) Jonas and Gabriel are faced with challenges when they escape – rain, snow, temperature, hills

The climax of the story is where Jonas realizes that RELEASE means death. Jonas is particularly upset by the fact that his father is one of the people doing the killing. Euphemism – a mild term or phrase that is substituted for a more offensive one *The term release is used instead of kill – this is ironic since everyone is supposed to be precise in their language. *Those in the community have little value of life and do not see this as wrong.

Jonas makes the decision to leave with Gabriel since the baby was scheduled for release. They face hardships as they escape – bitter cold, hunger and hiding from the communitys tracking planes. Jonas sees a new community at the bottom of the hill and hears music – hoping for a happy future with Gabriel and others who can love them… The Ending…..who knows????

These are things a character must deal with before being able to resolve a conflict… FOR EXAMPLE… Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, but his is unsure that he will be able to do the job. Jonas understands the horrors of war and is upset by the others playing war games, and Jonas realizes that they dont have the depth of knowledge or feeling that he does. ADD YOUR OWN!!!