In The Giver, due to "sameness," most of the people look very similar to each other, especially since no one can see color until Jonas gives back the memories at the end of the book. Jonas is only twelve years old, so he would appear to be young. Jonas has "neatly trimmed hair" and pale eyes that make him stand out in the community. The newchild, Gabriel, also has pale eyes, just like Jonas. This can be seen as foreshadowing Jonas becoming the Receiver of Memory, as well as the role of Gabriel in the future. These eyes are most likely what give Jonas the "Capacity to See Beyond." Except for his eyes, Jonas looks much like everyone else, with white skin, dark hair, and a tunic (or long shirt) that he wears with long pants.
Jonas's appearance is similar to the rest of the citizens in the community as a result of Sameness, except for the fact that he has pale eyes. In Chapter 2, the reader discovers that Jonas has neatly trimmed hair after his father strokes his head as a sign of affection. The reader also learns that Jonas has white skin, which he shares with the rest of the community members. Jonas also wears a tunic, which is the official attire of the community. Despite Jonas's relatively mundane appearance, his eyes distinguish him from the rest of the citizens. Jonas has pale eyes while the rest of the citizens in the community have dark eyes. The Committee of Elders select Jonas to be the next Receiver of Memory because he possesses the Capacity to See Beyond. Knowles does not give an in-depth description of Jonas's appearance throughout the novel and as far as the reader can tell, Jonas's pale eyes are his only distinguishing physical quality.
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