Plot
This yearly event is where children receive their life-long assignments.
What is the Ceremony of Twelve?
This character is given the Assignment "Caretaker of the Old" at the Ceremony of 12.
Who is Fiona
This rule requires citizens to use exact wording and avoid exaggeration or unclear speech.
What is precision of language?
A place where elderly citizens live and are cared for.
What is the House of the Old?
"They know nothing."
Who is The Giver
Jonas first realizes something is different about him when he sees this change in an apple.
What is color?
This character is selected as the Receiver of Memory at the Ceremony of Twelve.
Who is Jonas?
This ritual happens every evening and requires family members to share their feelings from the day.
What is the evening telling of feelings?
Each morning, families participate in this ritual where they share the images and thoughts they experienced while asleep.
What is dream telling?
"And you, little guy, you're only five pounds ten ounces. A shrimp!"
Who is Jonas's Father?
Jonas experiences this first painful memory, which teaches him about danger and injury.
What is the memory of the sled accident on the snowy hill?
This character is known for his playful personality and difficulty with "precision of language."
Who is Asher?
This consequence is given to those who break serious rules or fail to fit into the community, though its true meaning is hidden.
What is release?
This Assignment is considered low-status in the community, even though it involves producing all the newchildren.
What is a Birthmother?
"I want to wake up in the morning and decide things."
Who is Jonas?
Jonas becomes determined to leave the community after witnessing this shocking event involving a newchild.
What is watching his father perform a release (lethal injection)?
This character must hold all the memories, both good and bad, for the entire community.
Who is The Giver?
When citizens turn twelve, they are assigned one of these based on their interests and observed behaviors.
What are Assignments?
A stuffed animal given to children to sleep with until they are old enough to give it up.
What is a Comfort Object?
"Forgive me."
At the end of the novel, Jonas and Gabe travel toward this place, guided by hope, memories, and music.
What is Elsewhere?
This character is in charge of the Committee of Elders, the group that makes and enforces the rules.
Who is the Chief Elder?
Jonas receives a list of these that set him apart from others, including being allowed to lie and avoiding dream-telling.
What are the Receiver’s rules?
This term refers to the strong, confusing emotions that adolescents begin to feel and must report. Citizens take daily pills to stop these emotions.
What are the Stirrings?
"If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices!"
Who is Jonas?