Assignments
What is the role of a 'birthmother' in this community?
Give birth three times in three years and then become a Laborer for the rest of their life
At what age do children receive a bicycle.
Age nine
Describe the first memory Jonas receives from the Giver.
Jonas first receives a memory of sledding down a snowy hill.
Define 'chastisement."
Chastisement refers to a severe criticism or punishment, often intended to correct or discipline someone's behavior.
List 3 details to describe Asher.
Jonas's friend, assigned Recreation Director, fun and playful personality, used to struggle with precision of language, stopped talking for awhile when he was chastised for it
What assignment did Fiona receive at the Ceremony of 12?
Caretaker of the Old
Describe Jonas's first memory of pain.
Jonas's first memory of pain is that of a sunburn following a memory of sunshine.
Why are Jonas's parents shocked to hear him say the word "love"?
The word has become obsolete and meaningless in their community.
When do we first learn that Gabriel is able to receive?
When Jonas gives him the memory of the sailboat to help him sleep peacefully
Why is Jonas feeling uneasy at the beginning of the novel?
He is nervous the upcoming Ceremony of 12.
During which memory does Jonas experience violence for the first time?
Jonas experiences violence for the first time during the memory of an elephant being killed and its tusks being taken by poachers.
Why does Jonas stop taking his 'pills'? What was their purpose?
Jonas stops taking the pills after he lies to his parents about the use of the word "love." He no longer wants to suppress his emotions and experiences. The pills are meant to end the Stirrings and any other strong emotions.
What is the most important assignment in Jonas's community? Why?
The Receiver: They hold the memories and use them for wisdom to help the Committee make decisions.
Why do children receive front-buttoned jackets at the Ceremony of Seven?
To promote independence
Why did the Giver advise the Committee of Elders not to increase the number of births?
The Giver advised against increasing births because he remembered the suffering caused by overpopulation, specifically hunger, from the past.
Why is Jonas in awe when he sees the books at the Annex?
Jonas is awed when he sees the books at the Annex because he can't imagine what they could contain since he doesn't know that history exists.
List three things Jonas can or cannot do as the Receiver in training.
Can: ask questions of any citizen, be rude, lie
Cannot: discuss training, request medication, apply for release, dream telling
Describe what we know about the "Ceremony of Release." What happens in the 'small, windowless room'?
The person being released receives an injection that kills them.
Who was Rosemary? What happened to her?
Rosemary was The Giver's daughter and previous Receiver-in-training. She requested release after just five weeks of training, unable to cope with the painful memories of loss, poverty, and fear. She performed her own release, which caused the painful memories to be released back into the community.
What is the climax of the novel?
The climax of the novel is when Jonas takes Gabriel and escapes for Elsewhere.