Jonas's mother told him his dream was called his first Stirring. This significant revelation occurred as Jonas was getting ready for school, shortly after the family had left the table.
Understanding the Term "Stirring"
In Jonas's community, the term "Stirring" carries a specific and important meaning related to an individual's development and the community's strict controls.
- The Revelation: After experiencing a vivid dream, Jonas's mother took the opportunity to explain its nature to him. She identified it as his very first Stirring.
- Implication and Consequence: The occurrence of a Stirring marked a new phase in Jonas's life. His mother informed him that, as a direct consequence of experiencing his first Stirring, he now had to begin taking pills.
- Purpose of the Pills: These pills were prescribed specifically to keep the Stirrings under control. This measure was a crucial aspect of the community's method for maintaining order and regulating individual emotions and impulses.
The conversation with his mother underscored the community's rigid system for managing natural human experiences and ensuring conformity.
