![]() ![]() Loudspeakers are everywhere, even in the family dwellings. Apparently, secrets do not exist within the community. The people in the community are controlled by announcements and chastisements that are heard over loudspeakers. Although Jonas' community appears to be perfect, prejudices do exist in one form or another. Jonas' mother tells Lily that there is little honor in an Assignment as a Birthmother, implying that a caste system - a division within a society according to people's professions - exists within the community. Birthmothers become Laborers at the end of their three years of birthing. Each newchild is immediately taken away from its Birthmother and is cared for by Nurturers in the Nurturing Center until the newchild is placed with a family unit at the December Ceremony. During the conversation, we learn that Birthmothers give birth to three babies over a three-year period. Gabe's presence prompts Jonas' family's conversation about Birthmothers because Lily hopes that she will be assigned to be a Birthmother when she becomes a Twelve. ![]() Lowry foreshadows future events by describing Jonas' eyes and Gabe's eyes as "pale, solemn, knowing eyes" that have depth, suggesting that both Jonas and Gabe may see things that other people can't see. Although Jonas is not often reminded of his unique eyes because mirrors are uncommon possessions in the community, Jonas knows that his light eyes are unusual. ![]() Because people in the community chose Sameness, it is extremely rude to talk about things that are different. Jonas is upset with Lily for drawing attention to the fact that his eyes are unlike most everyone else's dark eyes. Both Gabe and Jonas have light, pale eyes. When Jonas, his mother, and Lily meet Gabe for the first time, Lily immediately comments that Gabe's eyes are like Jonas': different. Because Jonas' father is concerned about one of the newborns, he requests and receives permission to take the infant, named Gabriel (Gabe), home with him each night for extra nurturing. ![]() Two major themes - freedom versus security and individuality versus conformity - are emphasized in these three chapters. ![]()
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