The Giver

Passage Analysis
What is Passage Analysis?
Passage analysis involves understanding and analysing a passage from
a text in order to reflect upon the text as a whole.

You discuss what happens in the passage and why it is significant to

the text as a whole.

Consider literary devices which will provide clues to the reader about
what the author is trying to say.
 Four steps of passage analysis
01
What
What is literally happening in the
passage?
03
Why
What is the purpose in relation to the
text? Why is this significant to the
narrative and the ideas presented?
02
How
How is the author portraying their
message? Consider literary devices
and language.
04
Author’s intent
What is the purpose in relation to the
author’s intent and the ideas, issues
and themes of the text?
Passage
1
 The Giver by Lois Lowry
The sled moved forward, and Jonas grinned with delight, looking
forward to the breathtaking slide down through the invigorating air.

But the runners, this time, couldn’t slice through the frozen expanse as
they had on the other, snow-cushioned hill. They skittered sideways and
the sled gathered speed. Jonas pulled at the rope, trying to steer, but the
steepness and speed took control from his hands and he was no longer
enjoying the feeling of freedom but instead, terrified, was at the mercy
of the wild acceleration downward over the ice.
 The Giver by Lois Lowry
Sideways, spinning, the sled hit a bump in the hill and Jonas was jarred
loose and thrown violently into the air. He fell with his leg twisted under
him, and could hear the crack of bone. His face scraped along jagged edges
of ice and when he came, at last, to a stop, he lay shocked and still, feeling
nothing at first but fear.

Then, the first wave of pain. He gasped. It was as if a hatchet lay lodged in
his leg, slicing through each nerve with a hot blade. In his agony he
perceived the word “fire” and felt flames licking at the torn bone and flesh.
He tried to move, and could not. The pain grew.

He screamed. There was no answer.

 Discussion Questions
1. What is the initial mood or feeling described at the beginning of the
passage, and how does it change as the scene unfolds?

2. How does the author use descriptive language to convey the sense of
danger and chaos as Jonas's sled ride goes awry?

3. Discuss the significance of the imagery of the sled skittering sideways

and Jonas being thrown violently into the air. What does it reveal
about Jonas's state of mind and the sudden shift in his circumstances?

4. Reflect on the theme of control and freedom in the passage. How

does Jonas's loss of control over the sled symbolize his struggle for
autonomy and individuality within his tightly controlled society?
01
My Passage Analysis
1. What
The passage begins with Jonas
experiencing a moment of exhilaration as
he rides a sled. However, this joy quickly
turns to terror as the sled speeds out of
control and Jonas is thrown violently into
the air.
 2. How
Lowry uses vivid imagery to convey the chaos and
danger of the situation. Words like "terrified," "wild
acceleration," "twisted," "scraped," and "violently"
create a sense of urgency and fear.

The author incorporates sensory details to immerse

the reader in Jonas's experience. The reader can
almost feel the cold, hear the crack of bone, and
sense the intense pain that Jonas is experiencing.
 3. Why
The sled ride gone wrong can be interpreted as a metaphor for Jonas's journey as the Receiver of
Memory. Just as he loses control of the sled, Jonas is losing control of his own life and destiny as he
begins to question the restrictive rules and practices of his society.

The passage also delves into Jonas's emotional state, shifting from delight to terror to intense pain. His
screams for help go unanswered, highlighting the isolation and vulnerability he feels in this moment.

Overall, this passage serves as a pivotal moment in Jonas's character development, marking the
beginning of his rebellion against the conformity of his society and his journey towards self-discovery
and independence.
 4. Author’s Intent
Through the harrowing experience of Jonas losing control of his sled and subsequently experiencing
intense physical pain, Lowry prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of conformity and the
human desire for freedom. By depicting Jonas's journey from exhilaration to terror to agony, Lowry
invites readers to consider the personal sacrifices and risks inherent in challenging societal norms.

Ultimately, the passage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of questioning authority and
embracing one's own identity, even in the face of adversity.
 Passage Analysis Paragraph
In the passage from Lois Lowry's "The Giver," the author intricately weaves
together elements of exhilaration, terror, and pain to explore complex themes
of control, rebellion, and individuality within a tightly regulated society. Initially,
the scene is imbued with a sense of delight as Jonas anticipates the exhilarating
slide down the hill. However, this joy quickly transforms into terror as the sled
careens out of control, symbolizing Jonas's loss of agency within his highly
regulated community. Lowry employs vivid imagery and sensory details to
immerse the reader in Jonas's harrowing experience, from the skittering of the
sled on the ice to the bone-cracking impact of his fall. Through this intense
physical ordeal, Lowry prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of
conformity and the human desire for freedom. The pain Jonas experiences
serves as a metaphor for the sacrifices and risks inherent in challenging societal
norms. Ultimately, the passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance
of questioning authority and embracing one's own identity, even in the face of
adversity.