The Giver
What was reason for taking pills? Chapter 5
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The pills reduce the "stirrings", or the first signs of sexual attraction between young girls and boys. Jonas' mother explain to him that the stirrings were nothing to be worried about, and that many of the elevens had experienced them as well. Those elevens were already taking their pills. Note, Jonas' mother also tells him that the "stirrings" shouldn't be discussed.
The Giver