In the Giver, what do you think happened in the end? Give textual evidence to support your answer.

Even though the ambiguity of Jonas's future leaves the ending open to our interpretation, in any case Jonas feels optimism rather than regret as he reaches the end of his quest and his old life. Just as with the protagonist in many such totalitarian or communitarian dystopias, Jonas is wiling to suffer in his individualism because at least he has the chance to live his own life in freedom. As for his community, we do not know if any aspect of his and The Giver’s plan will succeed, but it may well be too late for The Giver to transmit his memories to a selected Receiver, and with so many entrenched forces perpetuating the status quo, it is hard to see how The Giver’s books and memories could overcome the dystopian regime.

Jonas has the opportunity to begin a new life, and to equip Gabriel with everything he needs to follow suit. They will find life difficult, but hopefully rewarding. Jonas is prepared to change the world, but changing things will be a trying task. I think that utimately, if they survive, Jonas will require Gabriel's contributions to keep his dream alive.