Chapters 1-3
What is the first thing that Jonas sees change color?
An apple.
What is life like for the Old in the community?
They are sent to the House of the Old, where they are cared for and not expected to work.
What is the title of Jonas's job?
Receiver of Memory
What does Jonas say about Sameness / Not having color in the world?
He says that he wishes that the community had access to change, choice, and color.
Describe the memory that shows Jonas was "love" is.
A family, including grandparents, is celebrating Christmas and handing out gifts to each other. There is a fire in the fireplace.
What happens at the evening ritual?
Families must tell each other their feelings
Why do the younger ages have to wear jackets that button in the back?
To learn interdependence.
What did the Giver's room look like?
The walls had thousands of books. The furniture had more intricate details than those found in the dwellings. The front door can be locked. The speaker has an on-and-off switch.
Who are the three people Jonas tries to share memories with? With whom is he successful?
Asher, Lily, and Gabriel. He can transmit the memories to Gabriel, but not the others.
Why does Jonas get mad that Asher and others are playing a war game?
The people playing didn't understand or experience war like Jonas had. They saw war as a game, whereas Jonas saw it as an evil that once was real.
What is the similarity between Jonas and Gabriel?
They both have pale eyes.
What does Jonas's mother say the pill he takes is meant to stop?
The stirrings.
What simile does the Giver use to describe his work?
A sled going down a snowy hill.
What does the Giver say is the trouble with getting a wife when you hold the memories?
You can't share the memories or books with them, so you would have to be dishonest. It would be hard to keep those memories to oneself.
What does Jonas's father say about the twins at the nurturing center?
He says that they will both be weighed, and the one that weighs the least will be sent elsewhere.
Name at least one rule the community has about speech.
- Precise language
- Cannot bring up uncomfortable topics
- Cannot bring up differences between individuals
What is the Murmur-of-Replacement? What is the name of the child that they say during this?
When a child dies, the community gives one of the new children their name in honor. By giving them the name of the child who died, they are acting as if they are being reborn, so they slowly and softly start saying the child's name. They get faster and louder as they say it. The name they said was Caleb.
What are three rules/instructions that Jonas has to follow now in his assigned job?
2. Go immediately to your dwelling after training
3. Exempt from rules governing rudeness
4. Do not discuss training with anyone
5. Cannot tell dreams
6. Cannot apply for medication (except for illness and injury unrelated to training)
7. Cannot apply for release
8. Can lie
What does the Giver do for the community?
They call upon the Giver when they need advice that comes from his memories.
What were the memories the Giver showed Rosemary that made her want to apply for release?
Memories of loneliness and loss.
What is the word that Jonas uses to describe his feelings in Chapter 1, and why does he feel that way?
He was feeling apprehensive about not knowing what his job assignment was going to be.
Name either Fiona or Asher's job assignment.
Fiona: Caretaker of the Old
Asher: Assistant Director of Recreation
What is sameness? Give one example of it and one reason for why the community put it in place.
Sameness: People look and act similarly. The environment has no specific features.
Ex. Taking a pill to stop a feeling. Getting rid of hills.
Why: to make transport easier, people's emotions and actions were easier to control and predict
Why did the Giver advise against shooting down the jet that was shown at the very beginning of the novel?
He had seen in his memories how countries can act hastily and cause violence before they know the full truth. This act of haste would lead to the country's own destruction.
What do the Giver and Jonas start to think of doing at the end of Chapter 18?
Having Jonas leave and have his memories be released to the community.