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In Chapter 16 of The Giver, how does the author show the growth of Jonas through color and feelings?

At this point, Jonas is beginning to be overwhelmed by the memories.  After growing up with no feelings and in a world where everything is completely controlled, the full experience of emotions is almost too much for him.  The addition of painful memories in particular makes it difficult to accept. 


Jonas did not want to go back. He didn't want the memories, didn't want the honor, didn't want the wisdom, didn't want the pain. He...

At this point, Jonas is beginning to be overwhelmed by the memories.  After growing up with no feelings and in a world where everything is completely controlled, the full experience of emotions is almost too much for him.  The addition of painful memories in particular makes it difficult to accept. 



Jonas did not want to go back. He didn't want the memories, didn't want the honor, didn't want the wisdom, didn't want the pain. He wanted his childhood again, his scraped knees and ball games. (Ch. 16) 



Jonas does experience some good memories though. He continues to compare his world to the world of the memories.  He asks The Giver which memory is his favorite, and he is shown a memory of grandparents and family.  The emotion in the memory is one he has never experienced.  In his community, there is no such thing as family in this sense.  There are no grandparents, and children have no connection with the people who act as their parents once they are old enough to be on their own. 



Jonas hesitated. "I certainly liked the memory, though. I can see why it's your favorite. I couldn't quite get the word for the whole feeling of it, the feeling that was so strong in the room."


"Love," The Giver told him. (Ch. 16) 



Jonas thinks that this way of living, with attachments, is more dangerous, but also more complete.  He realizes he prefers it.  His parents have no idea what love is.  They chide him when he asks if they love him.  They tell him he has used an antiquated word with no meaning.  He knows better though.  He realizes that there is way more to the human experience than their community knows. 


Through the memories and colors, Jonas gets to be a real, whole human being.  This can be painful, but it is more meaningful.  He understands that his parents and sister, and everyone else in the community, will never experience love.  There is something wrong about that.  A life of color and emotion may be a more dangerous way to live, but it is a better way.

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