1. Assignment of Roles:
- Jonas and his peers gather for the annual Ceremony of Twelve, where each child is assigned a specific role within the community. Jonas eagerly awaits his assignment.
2. Assignments and Reactions:
- Fiona is assigned as a Caretaker of the Old, while Asher becomes an Apprentice Cook. Jonas is shocked when his best friend, Asher, is selected for the nurturing profession, as he had always assumed Asher would be a Receiver.
- Jonas is surprised to learn that his own assignment is as an Apprentice Receiver. This is a highly respected and rare position, as the Receiver is the only person allowed to have memories and emotions beyond those shared in daily life.
3. Introduction to the Receiver:
- Jonas is escorted to the Receiver's dwelling by an elder named The Giver. The Receiver, who is an older man named initially addressed only as The Giver, welcomes Jonas and explains the responsibilities of the role.
4. Taking Memories:
- The Giver begins to transmit memories to Jonas, as a part of his training. These memories include both pleasant and painful emotions. Jonas experiences the feeling of love for the first time, as well as the fear of loss.
5. The Meaning of Color:
- The Giver introduces Jonas to the concept of color. In the community, everyone sees only shades of black and white, except for The Receiver. Through memories, Jonas discovers the beauty of colors and their emotional associations.
6. The Nature of Sameness:
- Jonas becomes increasingly aware of the limitations and constraints of the sameness enforced in their society. He begins to see how the absence of emotional connections and individuality affects people's lives.
7. Memories of the Past:
- The Giver continues sharing memories with Jonas, giving him a glimpse into the past, traditions, and history that have been largely forgotten in their controlled community. Jonas learns about war, music, and the complexities of human relationships.
8. The Impact of Secrets:
- Jonas confronts the fact that the society he lives in is built on secrets and lies. He is made to understand the importance of preserving knowledge and emotions that are deemed dangerous or inappropriate in their community.
9. The Desire for Change:
- Jonas begins to form an empathetic bond with The Giver and expresses a desire for change in their society. He feels compelled to share his newfound knowledge and emotions with others.
10. Preparations:
- Jonas realizes that his training is leading toward a momentous decision he will have to make regarding the future of their community. He is conflicted about whether to embrace the role of the Receiver or attempt to bring about a more authentic and emotionally fulfilling way of life.
Chapter 4 sets the stage for Jonas's journey of self-discovery, challenges his beliefs about the society, and hints at the potential conflict that may arise as he grapples with the knowledge and emotions he is entrusted with.