What happens in Chapters 12 & 13 of The Giver?

Jonas is beginning to realize that being a receiver is a lonely task. He cannot share his training or what he is learning with any of his school friends, even Fiona. Jonas begins to see colors, specifically the color red.

The Giver tells Jonas that he will begin to see all the colors as he receives memories. He explains: "Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back. We relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with difference. We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others." Chapter 12, pg. 95

Chapter 13

Jonas becomes angry because he thinks that it is unfair to have everything be the same so that people are unable to make free choices. Nowadays, Jonas often feels irritated and angry with his groupmates who do not know the things that he does. He is frustrated "that they [are] satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own [is] taking on. And he [is] angry at himself, that he [cannot] change that for them." Chapter 13, pg. 99

The Giver gives Jonas one of his first bad memories in this chapter. It is of men hunting and killing an elephant. He keeps trying to transmit memories and share them with family and friends, but they can't accept them. They aren't able.

Occasionally, The Giver advises the Committee of Elders on issues, but this is rare because the Committee does not make many changes. He says: "Sometimes I wish they'd ask for my wisdom more often--there are so many things I could tell them; things I wish they would change. But they don't want change. Life here is so orderly, so predictable--so painless. It's what they've chosen." Chapter 13, pg. 103