The falling action in The Giver occurs after Jonas escapes from the Community with the baby, Gabriel. Following his decision to leave, the story begins to shift from the intense buildup of conflict to the resolution of those events. As Jonas flees, he faces numerous challenges including the consuming cold, hunger, and the fear of being caught by the authorities.
This stage is crucial as it highlights Jonas’s struggles and determination. He reflects on his experiences and the powerful emotions he has felt after receiving the memories of pleasure and pain from The Giver. The falling action builds suspense as readers wonder if he will successfully reach a place of freedom or if he will be captured. It sets the stage for the climax by deepening Jonas’s understanding of what he is risking in search of a more authentic life.
Ultimately, this period of falling action leads to the resolution where Jonas’s fate and the implications of his escape unfold, leaving readers with significant themes about choice, individuality, and the importance of memories.