The Giver
Who is the protagonist in the story and how old are they?
Jonas, age 12
What is a utopian society?
a perfect society/world
How has “equality” been achieved in this world?
Weights and ear radios, and things to "handicap" people
What is his name?
Whitman
In the first chapter, what device startles Jonas and the others in the community as it passes through?
An aircraft
What is a dystopian society?
an imagined place or state where everything is unpleasant or bad, and people lead wretched/ dehumanizing lives.
Consider the characters of George and Hazel. Why isn’t Hazel handicapped?
She isn't that smart
How old is he?
1 month (4 weeks)
What is Jonas' father's job in the community?
What does that mean? (aka what does he do?)
A Nurturer
Takes care of the new born babies for the first year of their lives before they are placed with a family.
Sir Thomas Moore wrote what book in 1516 that outlined the first example of a "perfect society"? What was it called?
Utopia
What is the job of the Handicapper General?
Enforce the rules--make sure everyone is wearing their handicaps.
What is his favorite thing to do?
Eat OR Sleep
Who comes to stay with Jonas and his family early on?
Baby Gabriel (Gabe)
What does 'topia' mean (as a suffix?)
Place
What apparently happens in this world if you take of your handicaps
You get killed
What is something parents of young kids might complain about?
too little sleep
want to get out more
other...?
Based on this excerpt, how do people in The Giver feel about Birthmothers?
(p.31)
"Well, they tried to make her life sound meaningful. And of course," she added primly, "all lives are meaningful, I don't mean that they aren't. But Edna. My goodness. She was a Birthmother, and then she worked in Food Production for years, until she came here. She never even had a family unit."
They do not see this assignment as valuable or as one that contributes to society in any significance way because it does not "require a skill"
True or False: Dystopian stories often start with the illusion that they are a perfect society.
True
"Equality" -- everyone being treated equally -- is something that sounds good.
Why is this world considered a dystopia?
Even if the goal is admirable, the method is dehumanizing and cruel. This upends everyone's lives and makes the world unbearable.
Who is Mr. Hague's son named after?
Family Member
Athlete
Writer
Musical Artist
Writer:
Walt Whitman