The Giver by Lois Lowry

On reading the Giver, one of the most important messages that must be given to the students is that one question. What are most important about human life arent safety or comfort but family, love, individual differences and the freedom to make choices. Life should not be restricted by rules and Sameness. One persons efforts can make a difference in bringing about a change. Sociology -- Choose a group in the U.S. today that actively seeks to maintain an identity outside of the mainstream culture: the Amish or Mennonites, a Native American tribe, the Hasidic Jewish community, or another group. Have students research and report on the answers to questions such as the following: What benefits does this group expect from defining itself as "other"? What are the disadvantages? How does the mainstream culture put pressure on such a group?

Philosophy -- A number of utopian communities were established in the U.S., such as the Shakers in the eighteenth century, or Fruitland, led by Bronson Alcott (father of Louisa May Alcott) in the midnineteenth century. Choose one of these communities and list the principles that guided it, as well as the assumptions behind those principles. What generalizations might be made about why such a community may not last? Explain the meanings of the words. Utopia, Dystopia, Euphemism, before reading.

Chapter 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Why was Jonas fascinated by the plane at first, and then later frightened? How was the plane different from the cargo plane? How do we know that the whole community was affected by the plane? What steps were taken by the community to protect the residents from the unnatural happening? What do you think the word released means? Why was the tone ironic? Why do you think so much emphasis is laid on language used by all members of society? What is the standard response to Ashers apology? How do you think hearing the standard response makes Asher feel? Why was the month December important to all the residents of the community? What was the ritual that was followed after every meal? Why was this important for the family and the community that they lived in? How does Lilys use of the word animal have different meanings here? Why do you think its important to be precise about language in this society? How important is it to our society? What surprising thing do we learn of animals here? (Think: what animals teach us) How are Lilys feelings different to Jonass? Why is the title of a Nurturer important to the community? What do you find odd about the way the members of Jonass family talking about the new male? Reflect on the family structure of the community here? Pg 8 What was mothers prominent position in this community? Why is she so upset here?

7. 8. 9.

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. RRS

Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Is a society in which everyone is treated the same fair or just? What is the relationship between equality and justice? 16. Why is Jonas apprehensive? How does this passage make the reader feel? What does it reveal about Jonas and his world? Analyze the structure of the society Jonas lives in: What is Utopia and Dystopia? (Utopian society- the Garden of Eden was a utopian society) Elsewhere- related to Heaven. Heaven is the ultimate Elsewhere. To what extent are the rules of Jonass society like those of your society? What differences are most striking? What are some of the rules of the society that Jonas lives in? How do the rules make people feel? How does Jonas feel about the rules? Is a society in which everyone is treated the same fair or just? What is the relationship between equality and justice?

Points of Discussion

Chapter 2 1. 2. 3. 4. What is the ceremony of the Ones? How is it that there are children of different ages here? How are these new babies allocated to the different families? Why was it fascinating that Jonass father had broken a rule? How is it relevant that the little child is given the name Gabriel? Gabriel was a subtle messenger of the change that was coming to Jonas's community. (Like the angel Gabriel gave the message to Mary) Names: Jonas- Jonah, Asher (name in the Old Testament), The GiverGod is the Giver of all things, Gabriel- name of the angel that came to Mary giving her the news of a boy that was to be born to her. o Jonas is the Latin form of Jonah, from the Hebrew meaning dove. The Old Testament tells the story of Jonah, to whom God gives the task of telling the people of Nineveh that because of their greed and selfishness, their city will be destroyed in forty days. Through a series of events, Jonah is swallowed by a whale, rescued, and goes on to deliver his message. The people ask for forgiveness and are saved from destruction. In The Giver, Jonas is the main character. He is also charged with the task of bringing important news and perhaps rescuing his people. o Lily is the name of the flower and has long symbolized purity and innocence. In The Giver, Jonass younger sister Lilys childish innocence is contrasted with Jonass growing disillusionment. o Gabriel, from the Hebrew, is one of two archangels identified in the Old Testament. He is considered a prophetic messenger. In The Giver, the new child with whom Jonas forms a bond is named Gabriel. Although, we

Points of Discussion

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. never learn whether Jonas or Gabriel actually survive at the end of the story, either may be considered a prophet or messenger. How families are assigned new children? Why do you think new rules take such a long time for things to come into effect? Why is it considered that teaching of riding a bicycle not a serious rule to break? Why are girls younger than the age of nine not allowed keeping their hair open? Who is the most important Elder? Why? What is the most important job of the elders in the community? Why do you think age is not recorded after the age of twelve?

Chapter 3 1. Why do you think the author chose to describe the new child as having pale, solemn, knowing eyes? 2. Why do you think it was rude to call attention to things that were unsettling or different about individuals? in Jonass society? Note: Refer to the theme of Sameness, which is emphasized in the community. 3. What do you think is a birthmother? How are they different from our own mothers in our society? 4. Why do you suppose mirrors were rare in Jonass society? 5. How does Lowry, show depth of character in Jonas and Gabriel? 6. What are Birth Mothers? What are their duties in the community? 7. How are we reminded that a caste system exists within the community? Look at how Birthmothers are looked down upon and eventually they are converted to labourers. Prejudices do exist in a community, that appears to be perfect. 8. Read the two announcements that Jonas mentions that had been announced in the community. What do you suppose is peculiar about them? 9. What happens to Jonas when he is playing with the apple that he is throwing across the room to Asher? 10. What does this incident further tell us of Jonass Personality? Chapter 4

1. How does Lowry make us feel that Jonass community is the perfect place to live? Look at the idea that everyone volunteers somewhere. But the idea that it is mandatory, and then even this freedom is controlled. 2. Why are Volunteer hours for children as young as age Eight mandatory? 3. What does Jonas do at the House of the Old? 4. How does this place bring in a false sense of security? 5. Larissa during her conversation with Jonas says that all lives are meaningful. How does Lowry by using irony bring in one of the key themes of the book- that all lives are actually meaningless? (Give example) 6. Why do Jonas and Larissa laugh at the idea that they should suggest a changing of the rule to the committee?

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Chapter 5 1. What is the dream that Jonas dreams of? 2. What are Stirrings? Why do they have to be repressed? 3. How much physical affection exists within the community do you think? What more do we learn of the community? 4. Why is Jonas unable to ask Asher of the pill? 5. How does the Committee of Elders control the people in Jonass community? 6. What is the work of the Collection Crew? 7. How is the theme of Sameness applied here? (Hint: Food) Chapter 6 1. Where is the family unit preparing to go? How long does this Ceremony last? 2. Why do you suppose children as young as Fours, Fives and Sixes have buttons at the back of their tunics? 3. What is the symbol of independence for the Sevens? 4. What do the pockets in the Eights tunics symbolize? 5. What else is introduced for the Tens and Elevens at the December Ceremony? 6. In the opening of chapter 6 how does Lowry give us a glimpse of normal life, but then drop hints of ominous happenings later? 7. How has the baby Gabriel been able to find himself a reprieve in Jonass family? Explain in detail. Here the theme of Individuality over conformity The family is allowed to care for him physically, but they are not allowed to love him Gabe is different from the community, so is unacceptable. He has been labelled Uncertain. 8. What is a replacement child? 9. What is the Ceremony of Loss? 10. What is the Murmur of Replacement? 11. Why did people cringe at the idea that Fritz had received a new bike? 12. How does the child Fritz jeopardize the success of the community? Note: o Fritz bumps into the podium o Clumsy; gets into trouble for not studying for school quizzes o Loses his homework o Wears shoes on the wrong feet o His behaviour reflects that Fritzs parents are not good parents 13. Ashers comment that if one does not like the assignment given, they can apply for a release; here today and gone tomorrow. Never seen again How is this comment ominous? Reflect how the society controlled the individual. Examine the ways that Jonas's community uses euphemism to distance itself from the reality of what is called "Release." How does our own society use euphemism to distance the realities of death, bodily functions, aging, and political activities? What benefits and disadvantages are there to such a use of language? o NOTE: What happens if a Twelve doesnt like his assignment Why does everyone have the same birthday? Why does everyone have a number? How does this make people feel?

Points of Discussion

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Do you think all assignments are fair? Why or why not? Why does the author use so much detail in describing the Ceremonies? As more is revealed about the society, how do your feelings about the society change? Why? Euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression, or to make it less troublesome for the speaker. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others are created to mislead. What euphemisms can one find in The Giver?

Chapter 7 1. The Chief Elder starts her speech by saying when we acknowledge differences, how is this term deeply ironic? One wonders at how many differences there can be when a community blindly accepts Sameness. 2. Why do you think corporal punishment in our community would be held unacceptable in our society? In Jonass community the children are taught to conform and obey at a very young age- or else. In the midst of what appears to be a celebration and holiday for the community members, Lowry doesnt let us forget the sacrifices that people make when they choose to give up their individuality and freedom. Asher had been whipped so many times that by the age of Three, he had stopped talking altogether 3. Why do you think so much emphasis is given to the precision of language? Lois Lowry helps create an alternate world by having the community use words in a very special way. Though that world stresses what it calls "precision of language," in fact it is built upon language that is not precise, but that deliberately clouds meaning. Consider what Jonas's community really means by words such as: released (2), feelings ( 4), animals (5), Nurturer (5), Stirrings ( 37), replacement child (44), and Elsewhere ( 78). 4. How does Lowry make us realise that Jonas is different, which in Jonass community is not a positive attribute? Jonas has pale blue eyes. He has been skipped during the assignment ceremony

Chapter 8 1. 2. 3. 4. What is the Receiver of Memory? Why is the Receiver of Memory, the most honoured position? What is Jonass reaction on receiving this most coveted position? When Jonas looks at the crowd, something again happens? What is it?

Chapter 9 1. 2. 3. 4. What makes Jonas feel separate, different from other Twelves? What knowledge of the previous Receiver leaves Jonas even more isolated from his family? Why does Jonas feel that his childhood is slipping away? What are the eight rules regarding Jonas, as the preliminary instructions regarding him as the Receiver of Memory?

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

5. Why does Jonas find these instructions shocking? 6. What did the list not hold for him, something that Jonas found very sad? 7. What was the most shocking rule? Why? On lying: o Jonas says the line, I am starving. o He is reprimanded. He is told to say that he is starving is incorrect, but that he is hungry. Accused of lying, he is told that no one in the community was, or ever would be, starving. Precision of language prohibits any lying and controls inappropriate thoughts. For the first time, Jonas is faced with the possibility that his entire community could be based on a lie, and every single person could be lying. And if people are lying, then the community itself and its utopian ideals are also lies. Chapter 10 1. What does Jonas notice, regarding his bicycle the following morning? 2. When Jonas enters into the Annex, what surprises him? 3. How was the Receivers decor of his office very different to what Jonas was used to? 4. Why do you think the community do not allow their residents, any access to books, other than their limited resource? Note: o By limiting the citizens access to books, the Committee of Elders is able to exert control over the community. Allowing people to be exposed to different ideas, places or characters found in books jeopardizes Sameness; books represent knowledge, which in turn represents individual freedom to make choices in life. 5. Why does Jonas find it difficult to understand the concept of the whole world? Note: o The Receiver tells Jonas that The Receivers job is to transmit all the memories of the world to Jonas, Jonas doesnt understand because concepts having to do with world and memories are unknown to him. He knows only us, only now. Here, Lowry introduces a major theme in the novel: the awareness that people must have about the interdependence between human beings, the environment, and the world. The current Receiver explains to Jonas how the future is developed based on wisdom gained from memories of the past. o On apology: Lowry demonstrates how language is used to control the people by pointing out the numerous apologies and trained responses are automatic for the citizens in the community. The politeness that people exhibit towards each other is an illusion of social order. Although people appear to be considerate of each other, they really arent sorry for their actions because their responses have been trained. Blindly obedient, they apologize and accept apologies without thinking because they are following the rules. Here Lowry emphasizes an important theme regarding the importance of maintain individuality: When people stop thinking for themselves and blindly follow a group, bad things can and usually happen.

Points of Discussion

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

How do our individual and collective memories shape who we are today and influence our future? The Central Question, which is one of several important themes explored throughout the story, focuses on memory. We are told that The Giver is the most honoured position in Jonass world. Presumably, then, the society highly values memory, which is what The Giver is trained to receive, preserve, and then convey to his or her successor. However, the society has chosen to control exactly what memories people are allowed to have. As the story unfolds, we come to understand that Lowry uses memory in a particular way. In this society, memory is not just recalling what happened in the past; in fact, the citizens have short-term memories (e.g., Jonass parents remember past Ceremonies). What they are not allowed to have are genuine personal memories (a sense of ones own family and cultural history) and societal memories (an understanding of history and events of the past). Memory is imperfect, messy, and hard to control. We all have memories that are sad as well as happy, painful as well as healing. We all edit and alter our memories to some extent, choosing to forget the bad and trying to remember the good. But the sum total of our memoriesof our childhood, family and cultural history, and societys pastare an integral part of what makes each of us unique and special. Societys memory (history) helps us to understand our past and hopefully learn from it to create a better future. Denied those kinds of memory, the people in Jonass society are unable to form individual identities and make real connections to others. By helping students see how individual (personal, family) and collective (cultural, historical) memories shape who we are, we can help them gain insights about themselves and their relationships with others. This in turn can empower them to better envision and articulate their own hopes and dreams for their futures.

The Giver Lois Lowry skilfully uses a variety of literary techniques to advance and enhance her story. The discussion questions and activities help to explore these in greater depth, and focus on the following: Theme: The story offers many different and complex themes. In addition to the Central Question concerning memory, these themes include the following: The needs of society versus the needs of the individual Sameness versus difference Conformity versus obedience Security versus risks The power and importance of language The truth shall set you free How to create a just society The power of music, art, and creativity The value of freedom Style: Lowrys writing style is a key factor in making the story believable, powerful, and compelling. Some of the literary techniques she so skilfully employs include foreshadowing, symbolism, and the effective use of imagery. Discussion questions and journal suggestions invite students to explore these literary aspects. Plot: The plot builds carefully and slowly, and then gathers momentum to a stunning climax, almost like a mystery or suspense story. Lowry achieves this by carefully revealing certain details RRS Aitchison College, Senior School Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

about Jonas and his world. Students will be guided in understanding how the author provides information about the events of the story while maintaining suspense and interest. Characterization: Despite the fact that the story is set elsewhere, all of the characters manage to be believable in the context of this imaginary world. Students may nd it useful to examine the ways in which the characters are presented, and why we are able to identify so easily with the main character, Jonas. In addition, as they explore how the main character grows and changes, they will gain a deeper understanding of motive and decision making. Setting/Context: One of the most convincing aspects of the novel is its completely realized world. Lowry has not only created a society that seems plausible, she has endowed the society with enough complexity to make it both appealing and disturbing. Utilizing all the conventions of the dystopian tradition, she has managed to re-formulate it in a fresh and contemporary style, completely accessible to young readers. Chapter 11 1. What is the first memory that is transmitted by The Giver to Jonas? Explore what memory is and how it influences people o The Russian writer and dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn said, Literature transmits inconvertible condensed experience...from generation to generation. In this way literature becomes the living memory of a nation. Think: Why is the Giver allowed to have many books while the other citizens are only allowed three? How are books and memory related? o Why have memories been eliminated for everyone else? 2. What words or phrases are used by Lowry to describe the new sensation that Jonas feels? 3. Why do you think Lowry chose snow and a sled ride as the first memory for The Giver to transmit? 4. Why had Jonass community chosen Sameness over individuality? 5. What two other memories are transmitted to Jonas? 6. Why is the Giver hesitant on explaining the pain that Jonas will eventually have to experience? What pain does he eventually transmit to Jonas?

Chapter 12 1. What does Jonas dream of? Why is this dream important? And how does it foreshadow the ambiguous end of the book? 2. Why does Jonas feel alienated from his friends? Why would it be difficult for Jonas to discuss his training with his friends? 3. In what other three places does Jonas see the colour red? 4. Why has colour been eliminated in this society? How has the absence of colour helped this society? How has it harmed it? 5. What does The Giver mean when he says that the society went in Sameness?(page 84) 6. Is Sameness the absence of difference?

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Chapter 13 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What are the initial things that Jonas learns from the Giver? What infuriates him most about his community and style of living the most? What does Jonas realise, are the negative things of having a choice in their lives? Why does Jonas feel the need of passing on the need to see the colour red to Asher? What rules does he break on doing so? How is the memory of the elephant painful for Jonas? Jonas has never experienced death. Jonas has also never experienced raw emotional pain What are other attempts of Jonas to change people in his community? What else does Jonas realise concerning his future in the community and as the Receiver of Memories? Why is the Receiver of Memories valued so highly in Jonass society? What had happened when the previous Receiver was released from the community? Why is The Giver cynical about Jonass instructors at school? The Giver says that Jonass instructors are well trained, but they have only book knowledge, and book knowledge alone is meaningless without the memories from which wisdom is gained. All of the knowledge is meaningless if a person cannot think freely as an individual. Why does the Giver say that to have memories is a burden? (pg 105)

7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

12. Chapter 14

1. What was the most painful memory that Jonas had received to date? 2. What shocking realisation does Jonas reach regarding his family that evening? 3. What two pieces of advice had the Giver passed on to the committee of Elders in the past? Plane flying over the community The need for more labourers- leading to starvation 4. What happens when a Receiver fails in his/her task? What happens to the memories that she has? 5. When Jonas learns of the twins that are to be born to a certain Birthmother, what is the first thought that comes to Jonass mind? 6. What do you notice that is different of the way that Jonas thinks now? Jonas thinks like an individual He becomes increasingly frustrated He is adamant and wants to change things He wants people to have memories, he wants people to have burden of pain with them. 7. What changes to the community or to the people around him does Jonas start to make a change? (Hint: Gabe)

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Chapter 15

1. What are the details of the dream that the Giver transfers to Jonas? 2. What does Jonas learn of from this memory? 3. Why does the giver apologise to Jonas after this memory?

To Connect: Whole Class Discussion: Utopia and Dystopia Begin a class discussion about Jonass society. Do students share Jonass growing discomfort with the rules and regulations? How might they feel if they lived in his world? Note that every society controls individual behaviour to some extent. Ask students to brainstorm ways in which our individual behaviour is controlled by society. What controls do they consider necessary or useful? When do such controls become abusive? Introduce the term totalitarianism and explain that a totalitarian state carries control to an extreme by trying to manage every aspect of a persons life. Describe some other basic aspects of totalitarianism (e.g., censorship of ideas, discrimination). Is Jonass society totalitarian? What information supports your answer? Ask students to think of examples of countries or governments that have tried to apply some of the ideas implemented in Jonass world. What happened?

Introduce the tradition of utopian (or dystopian) literature by providing a brief background about utopian thought. Explore how The Giver is a part of this literary genre. Ask students to share other books they have read that present an idealized world. Have students discuss whether or not they think The Giver is a commentary on modern society. What might Lois Lowry be criticizing about our society? What might she be praising? Ask for a student volunteer to summarize the discussion and record the classs responses.

Chapter 16 1. 2. 3. 4. What is Jonass reaction after receiving the memory of warfare? How does the Giver help him manage the painful memory of warfare? What does Jonas experience and want from the memory of the Birthday? If you were the Giver, what memories of sadness and happiness would you have transmitted to Jonas?

Points of Discussion

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

10

The Giver by Lois Lowry

5. What other happy memories had been given to Jonas? 6. What does Jonas realize about the way his society sets old people apart from young people? 7. What is the Givers favourite memory? Why? 8. What does Jonas learn of from this memory? And why is this sad? 9. How is the family in the Christmas memory according to Jonas a little more complete? 10. Why do you think Jonas asks his parents if they love him? What do they say? How does he feel? Jonas again faces the realization that his own parents, as well as everyone in the community, stopped having individual feelings when they chose Sameness. His parents dont know what love is. Jonas feels sad, because he has experienced love, and love does have meaning for him. 11. Do you consider Jonass world advanced? Why or why not? Chapter 17 1. How does Lowry lead us to believe that the mood of the current chapter is less serious than the previous chapter? 2. Why doeesnt Jonas take his pill? What might happen to him now? 3. What does Jonas realise about his feelings compared to the feelings of the community? Why do you think this is so? Jonas has experienced memories. He now understands that he has more depth. He understands that the feelings of the community regarding the world around them is shallow He also understands that the nightly ritual of discussing feelings cannot be simply discussed, but they must also be felt. 4. Why does Jonas not want to play the game that his friends are playing anymore? Why has he changed? 5. What happens to twin babies that are born in Jonass community? 6. Why does Mother say that Lily must be given the Assignment of a Storyteller?
Points of Discussion

Chapter 18 Rosemary, the name of a fragrant herb, has long been associated with love, memory, delity, and death. In the famous scene from Shakespeares Hamlet (Act IV), Ophelia, who has gone mad, is busy scattering owers and says, Theres rosemary, thats for remembrance. In The Giver, Rosemary is Jonass predecessor as the recipient of The Givers memories. She not only symbolizes remembrance but also goes mad and asks to be released. She represents how fragile the society is. When she got euthanatized, her memories went floating around the town and random people absorbed them. It was a disaster for the controlled environment, because all these people who were not prepared for painful experiences suddenly had intensely painful memories that they couldn't stop feeling. It can also be a possibility that Jonas, like Rosemary and Gabriel can be the offspring of the Giver himself.

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

11

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Euthanasia (from the greek : meaning "good death": , eu (well or good) + , thanatos (death)) refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

What does Jonas learn regarding the history and release of Rosemary? Why was the community in turmoil following the release of Rosemary? Why did the Giver not help the community through its ordeal? What would happen if Jonas dies or is Released? How does Lowry foreshadow the future at the conclusion of Chapter 18?

Chapter 19

1. Why is the Giver insistent that Jonas see the Release of the twin? Infanticide is the homicide of an infant. It typically happens within 24 hours of the baby's birth. However killing of the old, three time miscreants are all examples of forced Enthanasia. 2. On describing the Release of the twin, Lowry describes everything in a very straight forward tone. How does this increase the sense of foreboding and the intensity of the eventual shock that Jonas feels later? 3. What does Jonas learn about being Released? How does this affect the way he thinks? 4. To what extent does Jonass father know what his son is doing? 5. Why and how does the society shield its citizens from the true meaning of Release? What would happen if everyone knew what Release really meant? 6. What more does Jonas learn of Rosemarys release? 7. What realisation does Jonas come to about his community at the closing of this chapter? Chapter 20 1. At what point does the falling action of the novel start? (denouement) This begins when the Giver and Jonas both decide that neither one of them can tolerate the peoples Sameness and blind obedience any longer. Because Jonas and the Giver have the memories, they know that at one time the people in the community also had the memories before they chose Sameness. Why does Jonas find it difficult to go home? What does the Giver want to see changed in the community? What steps will they be taking to put Jonass escape into affect? What will Jonass escape force the community to do? Can chaos be a good thing? Who would be the replacement Giver once Jonas leaves? What do Gabe, Katherine, Jonas and the Giver have in common? What is the Giver unable to do anymore? How does this sadden Jonas? How has the Giver been selfish with Jonas? What is the one memory that Jonas has held on to still? What does the Giver reveal about Rosemary to Jonas? Why is the Giver finally happy and content?

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

12

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Chapter 21 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why does Jonas decide to escape early from the community? How did Jonas feel on leaving his community? Why had the community decided to release Gabe? What memory did Jonas transmit to Gabe prior to leaving the community? Why? How were Jonas and Gabriel able to evade the search planes? Why couldnt the planes see Jonas, considering that they were flying so low?

Chapter 22 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. How is the road different to what Jonas was used to in his community? How does Jonas hurt himself? How have the surroundings changed around Jonas? What does little Gabe mistake for a plane? What was the greatest new fear that was haunting Jonas? How does the word starving hold new meaning to him now? Towards the end of chapter 22, both Gabriel and Jonas cry. Why?

Chapter 23 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What hardships does Jonas face when the snow start to fall? How does he try to make Gabriel comfortable? What transformation overcame Jonas on his way to summit the hill? What does Jonas find on top of the hill? Why does Lowry give an ambiguous end to the story? Language Arts -- The ending of The Giver may be interpreted in two very different ways. Perhaps Jonas is remembering his Christmas memory--one of the most beautiful that the Giver gave to him--as he and Gabriel are freezing to death, falling into a dreamlike coma in the snow. Or perhaps Jonas does hear music and, with his special vision, is able to perceive the warm house where people are waiting to greet him. In her acceptance speech for the Newbery Medal, Lois Lowry mentioned both possibilities, but would not call one correct, the other not. After discussing the role of ambiguity in writing, have students craft short stories that end on an ambiguous note. Discuss some in class, noting the writers' clues for such an ending.

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

13

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Afterwards: Points of thought. To Discuss Examine the consequences of Jonass escape. What happens when Jonas leaves? Where does he go? What does he nd? Why does Jonas take Gabe with him? How has Jonass life changed? How does he react to his new experiences? Do you think Jonas regrets leaving? Why or why not? Explore the meaning of the books conclusion. What do you think happens in the end of the story? How do you think Jonass escape and its aftermath will affect the society he left behind? What do you think will happen to The Giver? Why do you think the book begins and ends in December? Where and when do you think this story takes placepast, present, or future? What would you change, if anything, about the ending? Explore whether freedom is worth the risks. What did Jonas give up for freedom? What did he gain? What did freedom mean for Jonas? What did it mean for Gabriel? What can our own memories and those of our society teach us about the value of memory? The value of freedom?

RRS Aitchison College, Senior School

Page

14