A Lesson from Jonas in The Giver by Kali

A Lesson from Jonas in The Giver by Kali - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

In Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver, Jonas learns one of the most powerful lessons any young person can take away: the importance of questioning authority and tradition. At the beginning of the story, Jonas is like everyone else in his community. He accepts the rules, the rituals, and the lack of choice as normal. He does not question why things are the way they are because, in his world, rules are not to be challenged, they are to be followed. But as Jonas receives memories from the Giver, he begins to see what life could be like beyond the boundaries of his controlled society. He realizes that while tradition and authority provide stability, they can also limit freedom, individuality, and genuine happiness. This lesson is meaningful not only in the context of the novel but also in my own life as a 17-year-old preparing to graduate high school and step into adulthood.

Jonas’s journey shows how dangerous blind obedience can be. His community removed emotions, choices, and memories in the name of safety and order. People in this world do not feel pain, but they also do not experience joy, love, or passion. At first, Jonas accepts this as normal. However, once he sees color, feels love, and recognizes the weight of true memories, he begins to understand what his community has lost. Jonas’s realization is that authority is not always right and that tradition is not always worth preserving. The very rules that were supposed to protect people have stripped them of their humanity. His decision to leave the community is a brave act of questioning and ultimately rejecting a system that demands blind obedience.

As a high school student about to graduate, I can relate to Jonas’s lesson on a personal level. For most of my life, I have followed the rules, routines, and expectations set by parents, teachers, and society. These expectations have been helpful in many ways, but as I prepare to move into adulthood, I realize I cannot just accept everything I am told without reflection. Like Jonas, I am starting to see that questioning traditions and authority is essential for personal growth. For example, there are traditions in school and society that emphasize following a set path: go to college immediately, choose a “practical” major, and secure a stable career. While this may work for some, it is not the only path, and questioning those traditions allows me to explore what is best for me personally.

My experience as a drum major in the marching band for two years has given me a unique perspective on authority. Being in that leadership position meant that I had to enforce rules, set standards, and represent authority for my peers. At the same time, I was still a student myself, experiencing the challenges, frustrations, and demands of high school. This dual role helped me understand both sides: the need for structure and discipline, but also the importance of listening, questioning, and adapting traditions when they no longer serve everyone well. It taught me that authority is most effective when it is open to feedback, growth, and change. Much like Jonas realized, leadership should not mean blind enforcement but thoughtful guidance.

Questioning authority also plays a role in daily life. There are times when students may feel pressured to agree with popular opinions, follow trends, or meet social expectations. By questioning why those standards exist and whether they truly matter, I can make choices that align with my own values and goals. Jonas inspires me to look deeper at the rules and expectations I encounter, asking myself whether they are there to help me or simply to control me.

In conclusion, Jonas’s lesson in The Giver teaches that questioning authority and tradition is not an act of rebellion for its own sake. It is an act of growth, discovery, and courage. His journey shows that blindly following rules can rob us of freedom and meaning, while asking questions can open the door to a fuller and more authentic life. As I graduate high school and prepare for the next chapter of my life, I carry this lesson with me. Like Jonas, I want to be brave enough to ask difficult questions and strong enough to make choices that reflect who I truly am.