Characters
Who is the main character in The Giver?
Jonas
What happens during the Ceremony of Twelve?
Children are given their life Assignments.
Where does the story take place?
In a controlled community.
Who is Jonas’s best friend at the start of the story?
Asher
“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”
The Giver – carrying memories alone is lonely.
What job is Jonas selected for?
The receiver of memory
What happens during Jonas’s first memory transfer?
He experiences snow and sledding.
Why is the community’s environment so controlled?
To maintain sameness and safety.
What special ability does Jonas have?
He can “see beyond,” noticing color and differences others cannot.
“We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others.”
The community – controls pain but loses freedom.
Why is The Giver important to the community?
He holds memories so the community does not have to feel pain.
How does the meaning of “release” change in the story?
Jonas learns it actually means being killed.
How does the setting reflect the community’s values?
It shows control, order, and lack of emotion.
Who is Gabriel?
A baby Jonas’s family is taking care of.
“If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices!”
Jonas – sameness removes freedom.
How does Jonas change after receiving memories?
He becomes more emotional, thoughtful, and aware of truth.
Why is the Ceremony of Twelve important to the story?
It begins Jonas’s transformation.
How does the setting help create conflict in the story?
Its strict control clashes with human emotion.
Why does Jonas stop taking his daily pills?
They suppress his emotions.
“It’s just that…without the memories, it’s all meaningless.”
The Giver – memories give life meaning.
How would the community change without The Giver?
Memories would return, forcing people to feel and make choices.
How does the plot challenge the idea of a “perfect” society?
It shows perfection requires control and cruelty.
How would the story change if the setting were less controlled?
People would have more freedom and emotion.
How does Jonas’s perception of his parents change?
He realizes they lack real feelings and understanding.
“But you will be happy. Don’t worry.”
The Giver – ironic; happiness lacks real feelings.