MEMORIES

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.” 

Should memories be shared with the citizens despite how bad they may be?

Democracy - The Right to Choose

"We failed in our last selection,” the Chief Elder said solemnly. “It was ten years ago, when Jonas was just a toddler. I will not dwell on the experience because it causes us all terrible discomfort.”

This statement made by the chief elder reflects the flaws that can exist in a Totalitarian system. Twelves do not choose what they want to be in The Giver. Rather, they are assigned roles. Children like Jonas are chosen not assigned, because they are called to be something much greater than the average child in the society. Families are put together based on compatibility. The council of elders decides who will be released. While the society seems perfect, errors in judgment can occur. The people who make these decisions are in the minority in the society, yet they are the leaders and are not held accountable for their bad decisions. Yet individual members of the society are denied this freedom- the right to choose!

Should all countries be  democratic thus allowing citizens to risk errors in judgement OR does the Totalitarian system presented in chapters 1 to 8, show us a less chaotic world despite the mistakes elders may make in judgement? Find evidence in chapters 1 to 8 that supports your views.