Sameness and diversity both have their pros and cons. In Jonas's community, every person and his or her experiences are precisely the same. The climate is controlled, and competition has been eliminated in favor of a community in which everyone works only for the common good. Yet, Jonas begins to question if peace, comfort, and general happiness is worth the price of a world of feelings, memories, pain and sorrow.
Jonas is already getting apprehensive about his upcoming ceremony of Twelve where he will be given his job he will perform as a adult. To be given a life-long job at the formidable age of twelve is really incomprehensible in our society today. As most 12-year-olds in our society are just learning about themselves and their interests and do not have the focus or experience to know exactly what career they would like to do for the rest of their lives. Jonas apprehensive feelings are not only of the ceremony but that he will not be able to play with his friend Asher. Even though his parent informed him that the changes he will be experiences will be different yet good doesn't comfort Jonas. Even though in our society we can go through life and never find the life career that will suite us emotionally, physically and mentally. This does sound like a perfect world, but for one not to have the choice to be exposed to other experiences it a life not worth living.
To Jonas's astonishment he is given the most respected job of all the "Receiver of Memory." This job Jonas bears the burden of the world's memories. After Jonas comes to question his community's values, he concocts a plan to change things.
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