Chapter 1
Why is Jonas feeling frightened at the beginning of the story?
He remembers a jet flying over the community, which was against the rules and made everyone afraid.
How are jobs (Assignments) chosen for citizens?
The Committee of Elders observes people throughout their childhood to determine where their skills and interests fit best.
What strange thing happens when Jonas throws the apple with Asher?
The apple changes, or “flashes,” in a way Jonas can’t explain — a hint of his ability to see color.
Where does Jonas volunteer in Chapter 4?
At the House of the Old.
What does Jonas’s mother say the Stirrings are?
She explains that the Stirrings are feelings of attraction or desire that begin during adolescence and must be controlled.
What is the “Ceremony of Twelve”?
It’s the ceremony where twelve-year-olds receive their life Assignments, or jobs, chosen by the community’s Committee of Elders.
What is Jonas worried about as the Ceremony of Twelve approaches?
He is nervous that he will be assigned a job he won’t like.
What is unusual about Gabriel’s appearance?
He has pale eyes like Jonas, which is rare in their community.
Who are Jonas’s friends that volunteer with him?
Asher and Fiona.
What must all citizens do when they begin to experience the Stirrings?
They must report the feelings and begin taking a daily pill to stop them.
What is Jonas’s father’s job?
He is a Nurturer, responsible for taking care of newborn babies.
What did Jonas’s father do when he was Twelve?
He was given the Assignment of Nurturer because he loved taking care of newchildren.
How does the community react to differences or mistakes?
Differences are discouraged, and everyone tries to be the same to maintain sameness and order.
What does Jonas learn about “release” from Larissa, the old woman he bathes?
She explains that people are released after a celebration when they are very old, but she doesn’t know what happens afterward.
How does Jonas feel after taking the pill for the first time?
He feels somewhat disappointed because he enjoyed the pleasant feelings from the dream, but he obeys the rule.
What is a “release” in the community?
It means being sent out of the community — often believed by citizens to be a peaceful departure, though its true meaning is more serious.
What rule is Jonas’s father guilty of breaking?
He looked up the name of a baby who wasn’t supposed to be named yet.
What rule is broken when Jonas takes the apple home?
Taking food or objects from the recreation area is against the rules.
What does the bathing scene show about Jonas’s character?
It shows that he is kind, respectful, and thoughtful toward others.
What dream does Jonas describe at breakfast, and what happens afterward?
He dreams about wanting Fiona to bathe in the House of the Old. His parents explain it’s a sign of “Stirrings,” and he must begin taking pills to stop these feelings.
What family activity takes place every evening?
The family has a “telling of feelings,” where each member shares their emotions from the day.
What happens to people after they complete all their ceremonies at age twelve?
They are considered adults and no longer have annual ceremonies.
Why does Jonas’s mother talk about bragging being rude?
In the community, it’s considered impolite to draw attention to your achievements because everyone should be equal.
What rule does Jonas remember that is sometimes broken by children but not punished?
The rule that children are not supposed to ride a bicycle before the age of nine, though many do and it’s usually ignored.
What does the community’s treatment of the Stirrings reveal about their society?
It shows that the community suppresses emotions and desires to maintain control, sameness, and order.