Characters
Who is Jonas's best friend?
Asher
What Assignment does Madeline receive?
Fish Hatchery Attendant
What age are the children turning during this ceremony?
Twelve
What important skill do children learn from a young age?
precision of language
How does Jonas feel before his Assignment?
He feels nervous, anxious, and excited.
Who becomes Caretaker of the Old?
Fiona
Which Assignment is described as a job "without honor"?
Birthmother
Why do children have numbers before Names?
They identify children before they receive their Names and indicate birth order within their age group.
What is used to punish young children?
discipline wand
Why does the audience laugh during Asher's Assignment?
Because they remember Asher's funny childhood mistakes with language.
Who receives the Assignment of Assistant Director of Recreation?
Asher
What Assignment does Isaac receive?
Instructor of Sixes
What does the Chief Elder say the community is honouring today?
their differences and unique abilities
Why was Asher punished as a Three?
kept saying "smack" instead of "snack."
Why doesn't Jonas want the Fish Hatchery Assignment?
Answers may vary, e.g., he isn't interested in fish or doesn't think it suits his abilities.
Who is skipped during the Assignment Ceremony?
Jonas
Which Assignment requires many years of study and training?
Doctor
What phrase does the Chief Elder say to each new Twelve after receiving their Assignment?
Thank you for your childhood
What happened after Asher kept making the same mistake?
He stopped talking for a period of time before learning to speak more precisely.
What does the Chief Elder's speech suggest about how Assignments are chosen?
They are chosen after years of careful observation of each child's strengths, interests, and personality.
Who is the leader of the Ceremony?
Chief Elder
Why is Fiona considered perfect for her Assignment?
Because she is gentle, caring, and sensitive with the elderly.
Why is everyone shocked near the end of the ceremony?
the Chief Elder skips Jonas instead of calling him for his Assignment.
Why are children taught to "fit in" before the Ceremony of Twelve?
Because the community values sameness and wants everyone to behave similarly until their individual roles are assigned.
What does Jonas's reaction to being skipped reveal about his character?
It shows he is thoughtful, self-conscious, and worried that he has done something wrong or disappointed the community.