The Giver Q&A

The apple appears different to Jonas as he possesses the ability to see beyond. This ability has not been discussed in detail, but it can be assumed that it is derived from having pale eyes. The Giver also possesses the same ability but his manifestation of the power had begun differently. The Giver rightly concludes, when Jonas approaches him with a question about the things he observes, that Jonas is beginning to perceive the color Red. This is a shocking revelation for the reader as colors hadn't been discussed in the book until this point.

It can be reasonably concluded that the pills are required to prevent the onset of adolescence or puberty among the citizens of the community. The pills are first administered when Jonas begins to feel a desire for his female friend, Fiona. His parents have already been expecting the stirrings, and we learn from Jonas's mother, that everyone in the community is required to take the pills throughout life, until release.

Jonas enjoys the freedom of choosing where to spend his volunteer hours since the rest of his day is dictated specifically by the community. Unlike his peers, Jonas does not volunteer at any one place, but rather spends a little time everywhere. This is one of the primary reasons why he is apprehensive at the beginning of the book, it is because he is unsure of what the Elders have observed about his suitability for a particular assignment.