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What was the main problem with Gabriel?

Published in Infant Care Challenges 2 mins read

Gabriel's main problem was his inability to sleep peacefully through the night, a critical requirement for infants in his community.

The Core Challenge: Restless Sleep

As an infant being cared for at the Nurturing Center, Gabriel consistently struggled with sleeping soundly throughout the night. This issue was particularly highlighted in chapter 14 of The Giver, where his frequent waking and fussiness prevented him from meeting a fundamental community standard.

Why Peaceful Sleep Was a Crucial Requirement

In Gabriel's highly organized society, every aspect of life, including infant development, adhered to strict guidelines. For babies in the Nurturing Center, achieving peaceful and uninterrupted sleep was not merely a developmental milestone but a formal prerequisite:

  • Mandatory Requirement: All infants were expected to sleep peacefully through the night without disturbance.
  • Ceremony of One Eligibility: This sleeping achievement was a necessary condition for infants to be eligible to participate in the annual Ceremony of One.
  • Family Placement: Successful completion of the Ceremony of One, which included meeting the sleep requirement, was essential for an infant to be assigned and placed permanently with a family unit.

Implications for Gabriel's Future

Gabriel's persistent struggle with nighttime restlessness directly jeopardized his future within the community. His inability to sleep soundly put his eligibility for family placement at risk.

Infant Requirement Gabriel's Status Potential Consequence if Unresolved
Sleeps peacefully through the night Struggled with frequent waking and fussiness Ineligible for family placement at the Ceremony of One

Jonas's Role in Gabriel's Situation

To address Gabriel's specific problem and provide him with additional care, Jonas's family temporarily took him into their dwelling. This unusual arrangement was an attempt to help Gabriel overcome his sleep difficulties, thereby enabling him to meet the community's requirement and avoid the fate of not being placed with a family.