What is the meaning of the ending of The Giver?

Answer 1

The ending of The Giver is extremely ambiguous and highly controversial. Some readers feel that the interpretation of the ending determines the message of the book.

In the ending, Jonas rides the sled and finds a winter village resembling events in the sledding-memory he was given. This presents a literal paradox we are asked to resolve through interpretation. If "memories" literally were from generations ago, then there is no reason the sled or village or anyone would happen to be within walking distance, or where Jonas conveniently "happens to end up". Therefore, we must find figurative interpretations.

Here are a few guideposts: The story contains many allusions to the Adam & Eve story and heaven-on-earth. The first Color Jonas learns of convincingly is the red of an Apple. It is knowledge which allows Jonas to see a life beyond their sanitized world. The story also contains allusions to the metaphysics of chaos-and-order. The Giver represents chaos-and-creation, while the Chief Elder represents order.

And here are a few interpretations of the ending:

• Perhaps the "memories" implanted were not memories at all, but "knowledge of future possibilities". In a sense, the Giver was allowing Jonas to choose the life he would like to live. Interpreted as a creation-myth, he was attempting to encourage their children beyond the safe environment created by their parents.
• Perhaps Jonas and Gabriel are co-creating the reality they now inhabit. This explains why he finds a sled in the snow, and why it takes him to the village of his dreams.
• Perhaps Jonas and Gabriel are freezing to death, and in their delusion ecstatically imagine details from some of Jonas's stored memories. This requires Jonas' life in the next novels to be some form of after-life.
• Perhaps Jonas and Gabriel have finally arrived at a populated section of Elsewhere-a place that holds on to the traditions that existed before Sameness, where they will be welcomed and loved. Because "release" as an emotionally bereft form of death, this also suggests his life as an after-life.

Regardless of the interpretation, when Jonas hears the music and sees the lights, he is filled with real joy. The story ends with Jonas and Gabriel full of hope, love, happiness, and uncertainty-all things that would never have been a part of their lives had they stayed in the community. When Jonas thinks over the choices he has made on his journey, he decides that "if he had stayed, he would have starved in other ways." A life full of choice, color, and emotion is more valuable to him than the alternative, no matter how long that life is. If Jonas does die at the end, he still dies only after having really lived. Note how at the end of the novel, Gabriel is referred to as a baby, not a newchild. Jonas and Gabriel are now both more human.

In either case, too, Jonas's escape from the community has sent his accumulated memories streaming back into the consciousness of the community. Whether or not he hears or imagines their singing behind him, Jonas knows that he has given them what he set out to give them: love and loneliness, freedom and choice. He has become the ultimate Giver of Memory, awakening his entire community to the possibilities of life. The society is moving forward and looking back. The ending is undeniably hopeful.

Answer 2

At the end of The Giver, Jonas escapes with baby Gabriel, seeking freedom from the controlled society. They journey through harsh conditions, until they find signs of life in a sled ride down a hill. The ending is ambiguous, leaving the fate of Jonas and Gabriel open to interpretation.

Answer 3

Surprisingly, the giver has two endings. ending number one: jonas went on the hill and found the red sled and went down. He heard music (Christmas carols) as they were waiting for him (to celebrate christmas). He lived there with gabe.

Ending number 2: Jonas was tired ans was seeing things so he saw a "red sled" on the top of the hill he was actually sliding down on his body with gabe and they died. They heard music (angels) and they(god) was waiting for him.

Sorry if this is not specific enough, I typed this in a hurry. Hope this helps!!~

P.S. It is your decision on what the ending is. Lois Lowry made it so you can pick!!!~ :)