What's in a Name?
This character’s misuse of the word “distraught” demonstrates why precision of language matters.
Who is Asher?
This literary element is shown when Jonas describes the community as “orderly” and “controlled,” helping readers understand when and where the story takes place.
What is setting?
At this early ceremony, infants are assigned to new family units after a full year of careful observation.
What is the Ceremony of One?
The novel opens with Jonas recalling a time when this incident caused an apology to be broadcast to the entire community.
What is the pilot’s accidental flyover?
Lily’s childish attachment to her stuffed elephant shows she has not yet outgrown this.
What is her comfort object?
She suggests the family might keep Gabriel if he weren’t scheduled for release, showing her playful personality.
Who is Lily?
Jonas’s uneasiness about the upcoming Ceremony of Twelve hints that something more significant will happen later. This is an example of this literary device.
What is foreshadowing?
Upon becoming one of these, children receive public haircuts in order to look the same -- reminiscent of service in our military.
What is becoming a Ten?
Jonas notices this unusual phenomenon during a game of catch, though no one else sees it.
What is the apple “changing”?
This term, often used casually in the community, suggests the grim possibilities of what might happen to newchildren who fail to thrive.
What is release?
This character is known for quietly bending rules, including checking the name of a newchild before the Ceremony.
Who is Father?
When Jonas notices the apple “change,” it represents this kind of literary element—an object that stands for a deeper idea about difference or perception.
What is symbolism?
Before receiving Assignments, Elevens sit in this highly structured formation during the Ceremony.
What is numerical order by birth number?
At the House of the Old, Jonas learns that this ritual is performed to honor those who have lived fully in the community.
What is the telling of a life?
Jonas’s dream about Fiona in the bath is the community’s indicator that he has begun experiencing these.
What are the Stirrings?
She is concerned that a repeat offender brought a 2nd time to the Department of Justice might commit a 3rd transgression and consequently be released.
Who is Mother?
Jonas’s internal conflict about whether to report the apple incident or keep it to himself illustrates this type of conflict, central to early chapters of the novel.
What is Person vs. Self?
When a child goes from a Six to a Seven (In other words: 6-7/6-7/6-7) this happens to his/her jacket.
What is the jacket becomes a front-buttoned jacket?
Larissa describes a recent release ceremony, revealing that the community values this trait in older citizens more than gentle kindness.
What is their usefulness or contribution to the community?
The night workers in this profession don't hold a candle to those who work the daylight hours.
What is a Nurturer?
This muchacho, mentioned during the House of the Old visit, received a “wonderful telling of his life,” demonstrating respect for those who contributed mucho.
Who is Roberto?
Jonas’s community appears peaceful and perfectly ordered, but readers sense something unsettling beneath the surface. This contrast creates this literary effect.
What is irony?
(Or specifically, situational irony.)
The crowd shows this subtle collective reaction when Jonas is skipped during the Ceremony, demonstrating the community’s dependence on order.
What is the brief whispering/confusion ripple through the audience?
During the Ceremony of Twelve, this precise moment causes Jonas to realize something has gone wrong.
What is when the Chief Elder says “Twenty,” and skips to “Twenty-two,” omitting his number?
This term refers to Jonas’s community’s practice of monitoring every movement of its citizens, including public reprimands over speakers.
What is surveillance?