Chapters 1–4: Introducing the Community
Why does Jonas feel frightened at the beginning of the novel?
He is nervous about the Ceremony of Twelve and his future Assignment.
What rule does Jonas break before the Ceremony?
He takes an apple home instead of returning it.
What rules does Jonas learn that separate him from others?
He cannot share dreams, lie, or take medication.
Why does Jonas struggle with receiving some memories?
He experiences physical pain and emotional suffering.
What event makes Jonas realize something is deeply wrong?
He watches his father release a newborn twin.
What is unusual about the community’s weather and landscape?
There is no snow, hills, or extreme weather.
What Assignment does Jonas receive?
Receiver of Memory.
What is the first sign that Jonas is “seeing beyond”?
The apple appears to change color.
What memory helps Jonas understand love?
The family Christmas memory.
What does “release” actually mean?
It means killing someone.
How many members are allowed in a full family unit?
4 (Mother, Father, Son, Daughter)
Why is Jonas skipped during the Ceremony of Twelve?
The Chief Elder is saving him for a special role.
What is the Giver’s role in the community?
He holds all the memories of the past.
Why doesn’t the community allow love?
It could cause strong emotions and unpredictable behavior.
Why does the community hide the truth about release?
To maintain order and avoid guilt or emotion.
Why are feelings and language carefully controlled?
To prevent conflict and strong emotions.
Why is Jonas’s Assignment considered dangerous?
It requires experiencing pain and strong emotions.
What assignment does Fiona get?
Taking care of the old
How does Jonas begin to feel about Sameness?
He believes it is unfair and harmful.
Why does Jonas feel responsible for Gabriel?
Gabriel would be released if Jonas did nothing.
What does the community value more than anything else?
Sameness, order, and control.
Who is the main speaker a the Ceremony of 12.
Chief Elder
Who was the receiver before Jonas?
Rosemary
Why do the happy memories make Jonas just as uncomfortable as the painful ones?
The happy memories make Jonas uncomfortable because they show him what his community is missing. Joy, love, and choice make him realize how empty life with Sameness really is, which is painful in a different way.
What plan does Jonas and the Giver make?
Jonas will escape so memories return to the community.