The Giver
By Lois Lowry Flyer By Luna Lopez
Book Summary
In the community where Jonas lives, life is idyllic. No one questions the community. Everyone is the same. Everyone except Jonas. In the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas is assigned to be the next Receiver of Memories. In his life assignment, Jonas is exposed to dark secrets vital to the fragile perfection of his world.
"We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others."
The Giver
Jonas
Sensitive and intelligent eleven-year-old with abilities of perception he doesn't quite understand. Jonas is chosen to be the new Receiver of Memory for his community. Jonas is very thoughtful, expressing great concern for those he loves, he is also confused about some of the rules set in his community. Jonas's training begins; encountering strong emotions, colors, and suffering pain.
Characters
The Giver
The Giver is Jonas's trainer for his lifetime job. He is a kind elderly man, whose experience through memories makes him seem older than he really is. He is weighed down by his the memories he carries; the burden of the memories of the world cause him to suffer the pain contained in them. He is often frustrated because he knows that the community gave up so much in their decision of Sameness.
Fiona
Fiona is one of Jonas's good friends. She is very intelligent, sensitive, quiet, and polite. At the Ceremony of Twelve, she is assigned as a Caretaker of the Old. Jonas grows fond for her as he experiences feelings of love through the memories. Because she cannot understand him, she becomes distant. Fiona is the main subject of Jonas's stirrings such as his feelings and seeing the color red.
Asher
Asher is Jonas's best friend. He is a cheerful and friendly boy who makes a joke about everything. He often speaks without thinking, resulting in a confusion of words. Asher has trouble following the rules, but the community easily forgive his imperfections because they are enjoyable. At the Ceremony of Twelve, he is assigned Assistant Director of Recreation. His inability to understand Jonas causes him to also become distant.
"The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared."
Questions
1. In Jonas's community, every person experiences the same thing. They have been sheltered from emotions, feelings, discrimination, and competition in favor of a community in where they work together for the common good. What are the advantages and disadvantages for "Sameness"? Is the loss of diversity worth it?
2. How does the Giver's acquaintance with Jonas change the Giver's outlook on life?
3. How does the language used in the book reflect the community itself?
4. In The Giver, the community lets go of love, color, and personal freedom in order to keep them safe from harm. Jonas learns that these rules are placed to prevent individuals from experiencing harm. Where do you think the line between public safety and personal freedom should be drawn?
5. Why do you believe that the Giver finally decided that "things must change"?
Overall Rating
In The Giver, I enjoyed the storyline of an ideal utopia; a society without pain or fear. I like the way the author use the concept of Sameness to create a place where the community was content and equal. However, I disliked the way the story ended. I would have preferred it to have a clearer finish, than the cliffhanger.