In the novelThe Giverby Lois Lowry, one of the important milestones in the structured society of the Community is the Ceremony of Twelve, where children officially become Elevens before receiving their life assignments. When people ask what the Elevens get inThe Giver, it is important to understand that this stage is not about receiving a physical object or gift, but about preparation for adulthood and their future roles in society. The period when children are Elevens is a transitional time filled with expectations, training, and anticipation, as they are about to discover their assigned careers that will define their entire lives.
Understanding the Role of Elevens in The Giver
InThe Giver, the society is carefully controlled, and every child goes through a strict system of age-based ceremonies. At age Eleven, children are at the final stage of childhood. They are no longer considered young children, but they are not yet fully assigned members of society.
The Elevens are expected to behave more maturely and begin preparing mentally for the upcoming Ceremony of Twelve. This ceremony is one of the most important events in their lives because it determines their future role in the Community.
What Do the Elevens Actually Receive?
Unlike earlier ceremonies where children receive physical gifts such as bicycles or clothing upgrades, Elevens do not receive a material object as their main reward. Instead, what they get is preparation and expectation for their Assignment Ceremony.
At this stage, they begin receiving subtle training and guidance that helps them prepare for adulthood. They are also closely observed by the Elders, who study their behavior, strengths, and weaknesses in order to decide their future Assignments.
1. Preparation for Assignments
The most important thing Elevens receive is preparation for their future roles. In the Community, every person is assigned a specific job based on their abilities and personality. During their Eleventh year, children are evaluated carefully to determine where they will fit best in society.
This preparation is not always obvious to the children themselves, but it is happening constantly behind the scenes.
2. Increased Responsibility
As Elevens, children are expected to show more responsibility in their daily behavior. They are encouraged to act maturely, follow rules carefully, and prepare emotionally for adulthood.
They also begin to understand that their childhood freedoms are coming to an end, and that their lives will soon be structured by their assigned roles.
3. Anticipation of the Ceremony of Twelve
One of the most significant things Elevens experience is anticipation. The Ceremony of Twelve is a major life event where each child receives their official Assignment in the Community.
During their Eleventh year, children often feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as they wait to learn what their future will be.
The Importance of Assignments in The Giver
In the society ofThe Giver, Assignments are extremely important because they determine every aspect of a person’s adult life. There is no freedom to choose a career. Instead, leaders called Elders decide what role each individual will fulfill.
The Assignments are based on careful observation of the children throughout their early years, especially during their time as Elevens.
- Assignments are chosen by the Elders
- They are based on observed skills and behavior
- Each person is expected to follow their Assignment for life
This system is designed to create order and eliminate confusion, but it also removes personal choice.
How Elevens Are Observed
During the Eleventh year, children are closely monitored by the Committee of Elders. These leaders observe how each child behaves in school, during community activities, and in social interactions.
The goal is to identify natural strengths that will help determine the most suitable Assignment for each child.
Examples of Observations
- How well a child follows instructions
- Their ability to work with others
- Their emotional responses in different situations
- Their interests and natural talents
These observations are kept secret from the children, who are unaware of how closely their lives are being studied.
Emotional Experience of Being an Eleven
Being an Eleven inThe Giveris an emotional experience. Children at this stage begin to feel pressure because they know that their future is about to be decided for them.
Some feel excited about discovering their Assignments, while others feel anxious or uncertain. The lack of choice creates a sense of suspense and anticipation.
This emotional transition is an important part of the story because it shows how structured and controlled the Community is.
Comparison to Earlier Ceremonies
To understand what Elevens get, it helps to compare their experience with earlier age ceremonies in the Community.
- At age Eight, children receive bicycles
- At age Nine, girls receive hairstyles and boys receive jackets with pockets
- At age Ten, they receive more mature clothing
Unlike these earlier ceremonies, the Eleventh year does not focus on physical gifts. Instead, it focuses on mental preparation and observation.
Symbolic Meaning of Being an Eleven
The Eleventh year symbolizes the final stage before adulthood in the Community. It represents a time of transition, where childhood is ending and adult responsibilities are about to begin.
In a symbolic sense, Elevens are standing at the edge of their future, waiting to discover who they will become according to the rules of their society.
Role of the Elders in the Eleventh Year
The Elders play a key role in shaping the future of the Elevens. They are responsible for analyzing all the information collected about each child and making decisions about their Assignments.
Their decisions are based on the belief that the Community functions best when everyone is placed in the role that suits them most efficiently.
However, this system also removes personal choice, which becomes an important theme in the story.
Why the Eleventh Year Matters in The Giver
The Eleventh year is important because it builds tension and expectation before the Ceremony of Twelve. It is the final moment before children learn their place in society.
This stage highlights the controlled nature of the Community and raises questions about freedom, individuality, and destiny.
InThe Giver, the Elevens do not receive a physical gift or object. Instead, they receive preparation, observation, and anticipation for their future Assignments. This stage is a crucial part of their development, as it leads directly to the Ceremony of Twelve, where their adult roles are decided.
The Eleventh year represents a turning point in their lives, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood in a highly structured society. Through this stage, the novel explores themes of control, identity, and the loss of personal choice, making it one of the most meaningful parts of the story.