This poem is about the characteristics of truth, for example “Truth is harsh”. Though it is difficult to accept the truth, “Truth is vital” and it is “needed”. This poem is relevant to The Giver where Jonas learns the whole truth of his community.

“Truth is Hard”. Jonas was utterly shocked when he saw the video of the releasing of one of the baby twins. He finally realized the meaning of ‘released’. He was under the impression that ‘released’ was a joyful occasion to celebrate, but now that he knows the real meaning behind it, Jonas had a hard time accepting the fact. This shows that truth is distressing and heavy; it is not an easy thing to learn about the truth.

“Truth is harsh”. When Jonas found out the real reason of having a Receiver, which is to bear all the memories, happy or painful, of the world so that the community would not be bothered by the memories, he felt so angry and that the previous Givers were being unfairly treated. He hated the Elders and his community. This shows that the truth is unpleasant and bitter. Jonas lived in his community since he was born and it took him 12 years to realize the wicked truth of his community. Of course, the truth would be bitter to him.

“Truth is cutting”. When Jonas learnt about ‘love’ and asked his parents if they love him, they just laughed it off and corrected him about the precision of language. Jonas was hurt. This shows that the truth is wounding and piercing. Jonas was upset about the way his parents answered him and their response had wounded him, straight to the heart.

However, the outcome of knowing the truth is usually good.

“Truth is rewarding”. When Jonas received the joyful memories, he felt how it is like to be loved and he also felt the warmth love and happiness can bring. He learnt about the truth and went in search of such love and happiness. In the end, he achieved his goal. This shows that the truth is satisfying and worthwhile. He got better things after learning about the truth.

“Truth is liberating”. When Jonas learnt about the horrid truth of his community, and made his escape, he obtained freedom and pleasure! This shows that the truth “can set us free” from the clutches of the cunning ones.

Though truth may be hard, harsh and cutting, truth is always needed and vital in our lives.