The Giver – Questions on comprehension, litrary elements, response to

literature.
1-3

Begin to list characters in the book. Write one line about each character.

Identify places in the text where Lowry builds suspense or raises questions in your mind.

How would you feel to be watched all the time, the way Jonas is?

At this point in your reading, does Jonas’s community seem like a good place to live? Why?

4-5

In Jonas’s community, why do you think so much importance is placed on the sharing of
feelings and dreams?

6-7

Find some interesting words in the chapters you’ve read so far.

How would you describe the special language of Jonas’s community, which includes words such
as Assignment and Stirrings?

In our own society, how do we use words to distance ourselves from things that are unpleasant
or difficult to face (i.e., the phrase passed away for died)?

8-9

If you could give Jonas one of your memories, what would it be and why?

Put yourself in Jonas’s place after he learns of his selection. How might you feel in this
situation?

“Now, for the first time in his twelve years of life, Jonas felt separate, different.” Recall a time
when you felt different and alone. In what ways was your experience similar to and different
from Jonas’s experience?

In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of Jonas’s world?

10-11
In a Venn diagram, compare something from your life to something in Jonas’s life. (Think about
family, school, friends, etc.)

Use the tripod format to respond to Jonas’s first experience with The Giver. You might focus on
the events of the meeting, words and phrases that give the meeting a feeling of mystery, and
how you would feel if you were Jonas.

Describe your first impression of The Giver. What details about this man and his function in the
community stand out to you?

12-13

Write about an image from Chapter 12 or 13 that you find particularly appealing or disturbing.
What specific words and phrases bring this image alive for you?

Jonas’s fleeting glimpses of color begin to take on special meaning as he learns more about
them. What does color come to symbolize?

What do the bridge and the river symbolize for Jonas?

The more Jonas learns, the more he begins to question. Find an example of foreshadowing in
his conversations with The Giver.

14-15

Respond to two of these or to any other quotations that caught your attention. Explain the
circumstances surrounding the dialogue. What do the words reveal about the character or
situation?

 “If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the
morning and decide things!”
 “We really have to protect people from wrong choices.”
 “It gives us wisdom. Without wisdom I could not fulfill my function of advising the
Committee of Elders when they call upon me.”
 “But why can’t everyone have the memories? I think it would seem a little easier if the
memories were shared.”
 “They selected me—and you—to lift that burden from themselves.”
 “Back and back and back.”

16-17

In The Giver’s memory, Jonas sees candles and a fireplace. He recognizes that indoor fires are
“risky” but at the same time enjoys their light and warmth. What might the fire symbolize for
Jonas?
“‘There could be love,’ Jonas whispered.” Respond to this quotation.

Explain why Jonas has such overwhelming feelings of loss and frustration when he sees his
friends Fiona and Asher.

18-19

Describe two characters from The Giver in creative ways (for example, a character profile or
map, a personal ad, a job application, etc.).

20-21

“She’s very efficient at her work, your red-haired friend. Feelings are not part of the life she’s
learned.” Explain what The Giver means in describing Fiona’s attitude toward release, using
your knowledge of Jonas’s community.

Do you understand Jonas’s decision, or do you believe he is wrong? Explain your response.

22-23

Describe images from Jonas’s journey that help you understand his experience.

What do you think happens to Jonas and Gabriel? What in the text makes you think this?

Do you like the book’s ending? If yes, explain why. If no, rewrite it.

Describe what you think happens to Jonas’s community after he leaves.

What might the music that Jonas hears symbolize?

Is The Giver a science fiction novel? Give details to support your opinion.