Characters
What unique quality does Jonas have that leads to his selection as the Receiver of Memory?
Jonas can "See Beyond"
What is the Ceremony of Twelve?
an annual event where twelve-year-olds are assigned their lifelong jobs based on their abilities and interests.
Where do Jonas and other children go to play and interact with each other outside of their dwellings?
The Recreation Area
What word does Jonas use to describe his feelings about the Ceremony of Twelve?
APPREHENSIVE
What is the role of the Elder in the community?
The Elders are responsible for making all important decisions in the community, such as job assignments, family unit formations, and the creation of rules.
What makes Fiona well-suited for her assignment in the House of the Old?
Gentle, caring, patient, and several volunteer hours with the care of the Old.
How are family units formed in Jonas's community, and what restrictions apply to the amount of children?
Family units are formed based on assignments made by the community during the Ceremony of One. Each family is assigned two children, typically one male and one female.
What is the main setting of Jonas's training sessions with the Giver?
The Annex Room, a private room attached to the House of the Old
What happens when Jonas sees the apple change during the game with Asher? What does this reveal about Jonas?
The apple briefly changes color to red. This reveals that Jonas can "see beyond" and is colorblind.
What is the concept of "precision of language," and why is it important in the community?
The concept of "precision of language" in the community refers to the strict use of exact and specific words to communicate. It is essential to prevent misunderstandings, control emotions, and ensure that all members of the community express themselves.
How do the events surrounding Gabriel challenge the community's norms?
Jonas's family bends the two-child rule; Gabriel receives an extension for not meeting developmental milestones; extra nurturing is uncommon...
Why are Birthmothers considered a low-status role in the community despite their essential function?
Birthmothers are considered a low-status role because, after three years of bearing children, they are assigned to labor-intensive work for the rest of their lives. Their role is essential, but it lacks honor and respect
What place do people in Jonas's community refer to when someone is "released"?
“Elsewhere”
What are the first two memories the Giver shares with Jonas, and what impact do they have on him?
The first two memories are of sledding in the snow and the feeling of sunshine. They impact Jonas by introducing him to joy and exhilaration
How does the PA system regulate behavior? Provide one example of a character experiencing this regulation.
The PA system regulates behavior by broadcasting reminders and corrections to the entire community, reinforcing the importance of adhering to established rules and expectations.
Possible Examples:
Jonas "hoarding" the apple, Lily's hair ribbons, or Jonas's use of vague language("Stuff").
How is Asher’s personality different from Jonas's? What theme could these differences highlight?
(1. Jonas is serious, reflective, and precise with language, while Asher is cheerful, carefree, and often careless with his words. (2. These differences emphasize the community’s precision of language, the importance of following rules, and the theme of individuality/ conformity.
What are the three main conditions under which a citizen can be released from the community?
(1. An elderly person who is ill or advanced in age.
(2. A newchild who doesn't meet the community's standards for health/development.
(3. A punishment for severe rule-breaking within the community.
What makes the Giver's room different from other rooms in the community? List 2 differences..
Locked door, fancier furniture, a large variety of books, & an off-switch for the speaker.
What does Jonas’s interaction with Larissa at the House of the Old illustrate about the community's view on release(and death)?
The Community views release as a normal, unremarkable part of life worthy of celebration. There is an emotional detachment from death.
What is one example of the Community not taking a rule seriously?
Children must not ride bicycles until they reach the age of nine. Despite this rule, it is commonly accepted that children often practice riding bicycles before they officially receive them at the Ceremony of Nine.
What is the Giver's attitude towards community rules and “Sameness?"
The Giver is critical of the community's rules and the concept of Sameness; he believes that strict control over emotions, choices, and memories can strip individuals of their humanity.
Give three examples of "Sameness" in The Giver.
(1. Climate Control
(2. Terrain Control(no hills or mounds).
(3. Uniform Clothing
Other acceptable answers: the emotional regulation pill, assigned roles & family units, the lack of color, regulation of behavior, and Precision of Language.
Trick Question: Where is the bicycle department located?
Wherever it's relocated to... "... it was a joke... the Department of Bicycle repair... was relocated so often on ever knew where it was."
What is Jonas's suffering and how does it protect the wider community?
(1. Jonas's suffering comes from receiving and bearing the community's memories of pain, fear, and sorrow from the Giver
(2. This suffering protects the wider community by shielding them from the emotional burdens and traumatic experiences of the past.
Name three rules from Jonas's Receiver of Memory folder.
(1. Exempt from rudeness(May ask any question and receive an answer from any citizen).
(2. Do not discuss your training with any other member of the community.
(3. You may lie.
Other acceptable answers: prohibited from dream telling, not allowed medication, and not permitted to apply for release.