In Jonas's community in The Giver, each year is marked as a special celebration of growth and maturity for the children. This is a way for the community to honor their accomplishments over the past year, as well as encourage children to take on more responsibilty in the next. For example, when Jonas's little sister Lily turned seven, she received pockets in her jacket. This shows her that the community believes that she can keep track of small personal items. This year, as she turns eight, she is also allowed some freedom of choice because she can choose where she wants to work when doing service hours. Lily is more excited to turn nine, though, as shown in the following passage:
"I don't like hair ribbons. I'm glad I only have to wear them one more year. . . Next year I get my bicycle, too" (40).
Children who turn nine receive their bikes, which give them more fun and independence as well as responsibility. For example, the nines feel more independent as they are free to travel where they want to with the bikes, but they are also held responsible to take care of them, store them correctly, and not injure themselves in the process.
Each year builds upon another until the age of twelve when children receive their assignments for the careers that they will train for and then have for the rest of their lives. The assignment is the ultimate change and responsibility that may define who they are and who they will become as adults.
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