What are “Stirrings”?

“Stirrings” in The Giver are the sexual feelings and desires that begin as children enter adolescence. Jonas first experiences them after he dreams about Fiona and wants to see her naked and bathe with her. His mother explains that these feelings are normal, but she also tells him he must begin taking a daily pill to suppress them.

The Community treats Stirrings as dangerous because they could lead to strong emotions, personal attachments, and individual desires. The society is built on Sameness and control, so people are not allowed to choose romantic partners or experience deep passion. By forcing everyone to take pills, the Elders eliminate sexuality along with many other intense emotions.

At first, Jonas accepts this rule because it seems normal. But later, after receiving memories from The Giver, he realizes that the pills numb much more than sexual desire. They also weaken emotion, connection, and love. When Jonas stops taking the pills, he begins to experience the world more vividly and starts questioning the community’s attempt to erase human feeling. His decision to stop taking them becomes one of his first acts of independence and rebellion against Sameness.