What does Gabriel represent in the book, The Giver?

Baby Gabe-y. Because Gabriel is a baby and can't talk or emote in any discernible way (adorable gurgles don't count) he's really more of a symbol than a full-fledged character. You can't be a character if all you can do is be crazy-cute. So what does Gabriel symbolize? Well, to Jonas, Gabriel is a pal. read more

Because he's a baby, and because he's in danger of soon being released, Gabriel in many ways exists outside the rigid control of the community. Jonas can't transmit memories to Lily because she's too ingrained in the"people shouldn't touch other people" mantra of the community. read more

Gabriel also represents hope for Jonas and the readers. He is young, and innocent, and provides Jonas with the strength and courage he needs to escape from their society of Sameness. Jonas loves Gabriel, and this gives him hope that life can be better like he's witnessed in his sessions with The Giver. read more

I'd say he presents rebellion in the form of sameness. It's a new term, but it's easier to explain. He started Jonas and his thoughts to run wild when Jonas realized he and Gabriel had the same eye colour. read more

Well, to Jonas, Gabriel is a pal. Jonas identifies with him. read more

Gabriel, the small child that Jonas's father brings home to nurture, represents family and hope to Jonas and to the readers. For starters, he represents family. Jonas quickly notices that he and Gabriel have those light colored eyes in common. read more