The Giver
by Lois Lowry (1993)
23 chapters · 23 chapter quizzes · 184 vocabulary words
Open the Interactive Guide →About This Book
Welcome to the Community, a seemingly perfect world where pain, fear, and conflict have been eliminated. In this society, everything is controlled, from the weather to people's jobs. Decisions are made by the Elders, and life follows strict rules and routines. Young Jonas is about to turn twelve, a significant age when he will be assigned his lifelong role in the Community. But as his Ceremony of Twelve approaches, Jonas begins to feel a sense of unease and anticipation about what his future holds, and whether this perfect world is truly what it seems.
The Giver challenges readers to think deeply about what makes a life meaningful. It asks important questions about individuality, freedom, memory, and the price of safety. For middle schoolers navigating their own identities and understanding the world around them, this book offers a powerful, thought-provoking story that encourages empathy and critical thinking about the societies we live in.
Meet the Characters
Pre-Reading Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to live in a 'perfect' society?
- How important are rules and traditions in our lives?
- What are some things you would be willing to give up for safety and comfort?
- How do memories shape who we are?
- Is it better to have a predictable life or an unpredictable one?
- What are the pros and cons of everyone being the same?
Themes & Big Ideas to Track
- Sameness: How does the Community's focus on sameness affect its citizens?
- Memory: What role does memory play in shaping an individual and a society?
- Choice: How important is it for individuals to have the freedom to make their own choices?
- Emotion: What is the value of experiencing a full range of human emotions, both positive and negative?
- Individuality: How does the book explore the importance of being unique?
- Control: What are the different ways control is exercised in the Community, and what are its effects?
Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide
Chapter 1
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to live in a community?
- What kind of rules might be important in a community?
- How do people usually celebrate birthdays?
- What are some of the things you notice about the world around you every day?
- Imagine you are describing your town to someone who has never seen it. What details would you include?
Watch for these while reading:
- The descriptions of daily life.
- The rules and routines the people follow.
- How people interact with each other.
- The importance placed on certain events.
- Any unusual or striking details about the setting or the people.
Vocabulary to know:
ceremony (noun) — A formal event that is done on a special occasion, like a birthday or graduation.; apprehensive (adjective) — Feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen.; transgression (noun) — An act that goes against a rule or law.; remorse (noun) — A strong feeling of regret or guilt for something you have done.; nurturer (noun) — A person who cares for and protects someone or something.; chastise (verb) — To scold or criticize someone severely.; yearn (verb) — To have a strong desire for something.; pout (verb) — To push one's lips outward to show annoyance or unhappiness..
Chapter 2
Before you read — think about:
- What kind of jobs do you think are important in a community?
- How do people in your community learn new skills or get assigned jobs?
- What does it mean to be 'assigned' a job versus choosing one?
- Why might a community want to control what jobs people do?
- What do you think the Ceremony of Twelve might involve?
Watch for these while reading:
- The specific age at which children receive their assignments.
- How the Elders seem to make decisions about people's futures.
- Any details about the different jobs mentioned.
- Jonas's feelings about the upcoming Ceremony of Twelve.
- The way the community handles differences or unusual situations.
Vocabulary to know:
assignment (noun) — a task or piece of work allocated to someone as part of a job or course of study.; apprehensive (adjective) — anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.; dwelling (noun) — a house, apartment, or other place of residence.; aptitude (noun) — a natural ability or skill.; precision (noun) — the quality of being exact, accurate, and careful.; nurture (verb) — to care for and encourage the growth or development of.; bias (noun) — prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered unfair.; interdependence (noun) — the state of depending on each other..
Chapter 3
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'assigned' a job in this community?
- How might Jonas's feelings about his upcoming assignment change based on what he learns?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a society where everyone has a predetermined role?
- How does Jonas's perspective on his family members' roles differ from how he sees his own future?
- What does it mean to have 'Stirrings'?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's physical sensations and how he describes them.
- The specific details of the newchildren and their care.
- The way adults in the community discuss children and their futures.
- Any instances where Jonas feels different from others.
- The explanation of 'Stirrings' and how Jonas experiences them.
Vocabulary to know:
tremulously (adverb) — shaking or trembling, often from nervousness or fear; transgression (noun) — an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; a violation; bewildered (adjective) — completely puzzled or confused; yearning (noun) — a feeling of intense longing for something; apprehensive (adjective) — anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen; discomfort (noun) — a state of physical unease or pain, or mental unease; nurturer (noun) — a person who raises and cares for a child; foster (verb) — to encourage the development or growth of something.
Chapter 4
Before you read — think about:
- What are some of the rules that govern Jonas's community, and why do you think they exist?
- How does Jonas feel about his assigned volunteer hours and the choices he has made so far?
- What does it mean to be 'assigned' a job in Jonas's community?
- Think about a time you had to make a difficult choice. What made it hard?
- How do you think Jonas will feel when he learns his final assignment?
Watch for these while reading:
- The specific volunteer positions Jonas chooses and why.
- Any interactions Jonas has with people in different age groups.
- Details about the different community dwellings and what they represent.
- How Jonas's family unit functions day-to-day.
- Any instances of sameness or conformity in the community's practices.
Vocabulary to know:
apprehensive (adjective) — Feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen.; dwelling (noun) — A place where someone lives; a house or home.; transgression (noun) — An act that goes against a rule or law.; chastisement (noun) — The act of scolding or punishing someone.; remorse (noun) — Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.; bewilderment (noun) — A feeling of confusion or puzzlement.; yearn (verb) — To have an intense feeling of longing for something.; nurture (verb) — To care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something..
Chapter 5
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'special' in the community?
- How might Jonas's feelings about his upcoming Assignment change as he learns more about it?
- What kinds of things do you think the Receiver of Memory might have to do?
- Why do you think the community has ceremonies for everything?
- How does Jonas feel about his family unit? Does this feeling influence his thoughts about his future?
Watch for these while reading:
- The details of the morning ritual Jonas participates in.
- How Jonas interacts with his family and friends after his Assignment announcement.
- Any mention of rules or expectations for Jonas that seem different now.
- The significance of dreams in the community.
- Any hints about the training Jonas will receive.
Vocabulary to know:
apprehension (noun) — anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.; elusive (adjective) — difficult to find, catch, or achieve.; vigilant (adjective) — keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.; tremor (noun) — a slight earthquake or shaking of the ground.; unsettling (adjective) — causing anxiety or uneasiness.; discomfort (noun) — a state of physical unease or mild pain.; familiar (adjective) — common or easily recognized.; recollection (noun) — the action or faculty of remembering something..
Chapter 6
Before you read — think about:
- What do you think it means to be 'selected' for a job in this community?
- How might Jonas feel about being chosen for a special role?
- What are some of the rules or customs that seem important in this society?
- Imagine you are going to a new school or starting a new activity. What are some things you might be nervous about?
- What might be the benefits and drawbacks of living in a community with so many rules and sameness?
Watch for these while reading:
- The specific details of the Ceremony of Twelve.
- How Jonas's family and friends react to his selection.
- Any hints about the responsibilities of the Receiver of Memory.
- The emotions Jonas experiences during this significant event.
- The way the community handles differences or unique situations.
Vocabulary to know:
apprehension (noun) — anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.; solemnly (adverb) — in a formal, dignified, and serious manner.; designated (verb) — chosen or appointed for a particular purpose.; relinquish (verb) — voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.; entrust (verb) — assign the responsibility for doing something to someone, in the belief that they will do it well.; unsettling (adjective) — causing anxiety or unease.; foreboding (noun) — a feeling that something bad will happen.; yearning (noun) — a feeling of intense longing for something..
Chapter 7
Before you read — think about:
- What qualities do you think make someone a good listener?
- How might feelings of nervousness affect a person's actions?
- What does it mean to be 'different' in a group or community?
- Why do you think communities have rules and traditions?
- What are some ways people can show respect for others' decisions?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's internal thoughts and feelings about his Assignment.
- The reactions of Jonas's family and friends to his new role.
- Any subtle differences or unusual behaviors observed by Jonas.
- The importance of memory and the past in the community.
- Moments where Jonas feels set apart from his peers.
Vocabulary to know:
apprehension (noun) — Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.; astonishment (noun) — Great surprise or amazement.; distinctive (adjective) — Having a quality or characteristic that makes someone or something different and easily recognized.; tremendous (adjective) — Extremely great in amount, scale, or intensity.; unsettling (adjective) — Causing anxiety or unease.; solemnly (adverb) — In a formal, dignified, and serious manner.; reprimand (verb) — To scold or criticize someone formally for a mistake.; bewildered (adjective) — Confused and disoriented..
Chapter 8
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'different' in Jonas's community?
- How do people in the community usually react when someone doesn't fit in?
- What are Jonas's hopes for his own Assignment?
- What role do the Elders play in the lives of the citizens?
- How might Jonas's feelings about his differences change after his Assignment?
Watch for these while reading:
- The Elders' explanation for why Jonas was held back.
- Any hints about why Jonas's Assignment might be unusual.
- The reactions of the other children and their families to the Assignments.
- Jonas's internal thoughts and feelings about the Elders' decision.
- Any subtle clues about the true nature of the community's rules and traditions.
Vocabulary to know:
apprehensive (adjective) — Feeling worried or nervous about something that might happen.; nurturer (noun) — A person who cares for and encourages the growth or development of someone or something.; transgression (noun) — An act that goes against a rule or law.; remorse (noun) — Deep regret or guilt for a wrong action.; yearn (verb) — To have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.; bewildered (adjective) — Confused and disoriented.; pinpoint (verb) — To identify or locate something exactly.; distinguished (adjective) — Successful, respected, and admired..
Chapter 9
Before you read — think about:
- What are you most curious about regarding Jonas's new job?
- How do you think the community makes important decisions about roles?
- What does it mean to be 'different' in a community like this?
- Imagine you were given a special job. What kind of training do you think you would need?
- What are some potential challenges Jonas might face as he learns more about his role?
Watch for these while reading:
- The rules and restrictions placed on the Receiver of Memory.
- The contrast between Jonas's life before and his new responsibilities.
- How Jonas feels about the changes happening to him.
- The types of information Jonas is told he cannot share.
- The Giver's initial instructions and demeanor.
Vocabulary to know:
precipice (noun) — a very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one; a situation where something bad is about to happen; tentatively (adverb) — in a way that shows nervousness or uncertainty; hesitantly; discreetly (adverb) — in a careful and prudent manner, especially in order to keep something secret or to avoid causing embarrassment or difficulty; transgressions (noun) — an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; a sin; abide (verb) — accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation); vividly (adverb) — in a way that produces powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; futile (adjective) — incapable of producing any useful result; pointless; prohibitive (adjective) — so high or steep as to be impossible to climb or overcome; forbidding.
Chapter 10
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to have a special job or role in a community?
- How might someone feel if they were chosen for a job that no one else understood?
- What kind of training do you think is needed for a very important job?
- Why might a community want to keep certain memories or information hidden?
- How do you think Jonas will feel about his new training compared to his old life?
Watch for these while reading:
- The specific instructions Jonas receives about his training.
- How the Giver's dwelling differs from Jonas's own home.
- The types of things the Giver is allowed to do that others cannot.
- Jonas's initial reactions to the training and the information he is given.
- Any hints about the purpose of the memories being held by the Receiver.
Vocabulary to know:
dwelling (noun) — a place where someone lives; a home.; apprehensive (adjective) — feeling worried or fearful about something that might happen.; initiate (verb) — to begin or start something; to formally admit someone into a group or activity.; constraints (noun) — limitations or restrictions that control or bind someone or something.; exemption (noun) — the state of being free from an obligation or rule that applies to others.; prohibited (verb) — to formally forbid or ban something by rule or law.; unsettling (adjective) — causing anxiety or unease; disturbing.; prerogative (noun) — a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class..
Chapter 11
Before you read — think about:
- What kind of jobs do you think people in our society would find most important?
- How do you think people learn the skills needed for their jobs?
- What does it mean to be 'assigned' a role versus choosing it?
- Imagine you had to wear special clothing for your job. What might it be like?
- What are some reasons why a community might want to control people's jobs?
Watch for these while reading:
- The details of Jonas's training and what he is learning.
- The way Jonas's instructors treat him.
- Any new rules or procedures Jonas encounters.
- Jonas's internal thoughts and feelings about his training.
- The specific skills Jonas is expected to develop.
Vocabulary to know:
aptitude (noun) — a natural ability to do something.; meticulously (adverb) — in a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly.; transmitting (verb) — passing something on or making it known.; precision (noun) — the quality of being exact or accurate.; rigorous (adjective) — extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.; diligent (adjective) — having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.; initiate (verb) — to begin or introduce (something new).; competence (noun) — the ability to do something successfully or efficiently..
Chapter 12
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'selected' for a job in Jonas's community?
- How might Jonas feel about his new role, knowing it's so different from everyone else's?
- What kind of skills or qualities do you think a Receiver of Memory would need?
- How does the community seem to handle differences or unusual situations?
- What are your predictions for what Jonas will learn first from the Giver?
Watch for these while reading:
- The Giver's dwelling and the objects within it.
- The specific ways the Giver begins Jonas's training.
- Jonas's reactions to the new information and experiences.
- Any changes in how Jonas perceives his family or friends.
- The Giver's tone and demeanor as he instructs Jonas.
Vocabulary to know:
attendant (noun) — a person who serves or assists others; precarious (adjective) — not safe or stable; likely to fall or collapse; transmitting (verb) — sending something out to a distant point; illumination (noun) — lighting or light; retaliation (noun) — the action of harming someone in return for an injury or offense; enlightenment (noun) — the state of having knowledge or understanding; vivid (adjective) — producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; perceive (verb) — to become aware of or conscious of something; come to realize or understand.
Chapter 13
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'selected' in Jonas's community?
- How do you think Jonas feels about his new role?
- What are some of the potential challenges of holding so much knowledge?
- What might be the benefits of remembering the past?
- How does the community's focus on sameness affect individuals?
Watch for these while reading:
- The contrast between Jonas's current life and the memories he receives.
- The emotional impact of the memories on Jonas.
- The physical sensations associated with the memories.
- The Giver's role and his relationship with Jonas.
- Any hints about what the community has lost by choosing sameness.
Vocabulary to know:
chastise (verb) — to scold or criticize someone severely; transgression (noun) — an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; a violation; bewilderment (noun) — a feeling of being confused and perplexed; vivid (adjective) — producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; ecstatic (adjective) — feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement; infuriate (verb) — to make someone extremely angry; melancholy (adjective) — a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause; apprehensive (adjective) — anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Chapter 14
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to hold memories for a community?
- How might receiving painful memories change a person?
- What responsibilities do you think Jonas will have as the Receiver?
- How does the Giver seem to feel about his role?
- What kind of training might Jonas receive next?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's emotional reactions to the memories.
- The Giver's tone and demeanor.
- Any new information about the past.
- The contrast between Jonas's current life and the memories he receives.
- The growing bond between Jonas and the Giver.
Vocabulary to know:
astonishment (noun) — Great surprise or amazement.; bewilderment (noun) — A feeling of confusion and uncertainty.; resentment (noun) — Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.; fragile (adjective) — Easily broken or damaged.; vulnerable (adjective) — Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.; intense (adjective) — Having or showing strong feelings or opinions; extremely earnest or serious.; reluctant (adjective) — Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.; empathy (noun) — The ability to understand and share the feelings of another..
Chapter 15
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to truly know someone?
- How do memories shape who we are?
- What are the benefits of strong family bonds?
- Can emotions be harmful?
- What responsibilities might Jonas have as he learns more?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's reactions to the memories he receives.
- The Giver's emotional state and his relationship with Jonas.
- Descriptions of family units and their interactions.
- Any mention of rules or community practices related to emotions or family.
- Jonas's growing understanding of concepts like love and pain.
Vocabulary to know:
cherished (adjective) — held dear; valued greatly; cherish (verb) — to hold something or someone in high regard and affection; devotion (noun) — deep love and loyalty; generosity (noun) — the quality of being kind and giving; warmth (noun) — a feeling of comfort, kindness, and affection; intense (adjective) — very strong or extreme; wisdom (noun) — the ability to make good judgments and decisions based on experience and knowledge; profound (adjective) — very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.
Chapter 16
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'different' in Jonas's community?
- How might Jonas's new understanding of feelings change his interactions with his family and friends?
- What kind of memories do you think the Giver will share next?
- How does the concept of 'choice' seem to be treated in Jonas's community?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of erasing memories?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's reactions to the memories he receives.
- The Giver's emotional state and his relationship with Jonas.
- Any hints about the community's past or the reasons for its current structure.
- The significance of color and how it is perceived.
- Any instances where Jonas questions or challenges the community's rules or norms.
Vocabulary to know:
radiance (noun) — Light or heat that is emitted or reflected.; bliss (noun) — Perfect happiness or great joy.; vividly (adverb) — In a way that is very clear, bright, or detailed.; astonishment (noun) — Great surprise or amazement.; cherish (verb) — Protect and care for someone or something lovingly.; recollection (noun) — The action or faculty of remembering something.; unfamiliar (adjective) — Not known or recognized.; profound (adjective) — Very great or intense; deep..
Chapter 17
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'different' in Jonas's community?
- How do you think Jonas's feelings about his community are changing?
- What kind of future do you imagine for Jonas based on what he's learned?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a society that tries to eliminate all pain and risk?
- How does the concept of 'Sameness' affect individual choice and experience?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's internal conflict between his duty and his growing feelings.
- Any signs that Jonas is acting outside the community's norms.
- The Giver's emotional state and his interactions with Jonas.
- How Jonas processes the emotional impact of the memories.
- The role of hope or despair in Jonas's thoughts.
Vocabulary to know:
resignation (noun) — The act of accepting something unpleasant that you cannot change.; yearning (noun) — A feeling of intense longing for something.; unwavering (adjective) — Steady and constant; not faltering or yielding.; profound (adjective) — Very great or intense; deep.; apprehension (noun) — Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.; cherish (verb) — Protect and care for (someone or something) lovingly.; inevitable (adjective) — Certain to happen; unavoidable.; solace (noun) — Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness..
Chapter 18
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be 'different' in Jonas's community?
- How might Jonas's new understanding of the past change his view of his present life?
- What kind of responsibilities do you think the Receiver of Memory has?
- What are the potential dangers of holding onto painful memories?
- How does Jonas's relationship with the Giver seem to be evolving?
Watch for these while reading:
- The Giver's emotional state.
- The specific memories being shared.
- Jonas's reactions to the memories.
- Any hints about the community's rules or history.
- The growing bond between Jonas and the Giver.
Vocabulary to know:
profound (adjective) — very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.; tremendous (adjective) — very great in amount, scale, or intensity.; burden (noun) — a heavy load, either physical or emotional.; vivid (adjective) — producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.; anguish (noun) — severe mental or physical pain or suffering.; resilience (noun) — the ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.; compassion (noun) — sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.; solitude (noun) — the state of being alone..
Chapter 19
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be brave, and when might someone need to be brave?
- Think about a time you felt you had to make a very difficult decision. What made it hard?
- How do rules in a community help or hurt people?
- What are some ways people show they care about others?
- Imagine you discovered something that felt very wrong. What would be your first step to address it?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's feelings and reactions to the information he received.
- The actions of The Giver and Jonas.
- Any changes in Jonas's perception of his community.
- The role of memory and pain in Jonas's decisions.
- The growing tension and sense of urgency in the story.
Vocabulary to know:
desperate (adjective) — feeling or showing a hopeless sense of urgency; resolve (verb) — to decide firmly on a course of action; confront (verb) — to face or challenge someone or something directly; unthinkable (adjective) — not to be considered or allowed; impossible to imagine; fragile (adjective) — easily broken or damaged; courage (noun) — the ability to do something that frightens one; betrayal (noun) — the act of being disloyal or unfaithful; reckless (adjective) — acting without thinking about the consequences; careless.
Chapter 20
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to have 'release' in your community?
- How do people in the community make important decisions?
- What kind of future do you imagine for Jonas?
- What might be the biggest challenge Jonas faces now?
- Why do you think the Giver seems so sad sometimes?
Watch for these while reading:
- The increasing urgency and desperation in Jonas's thoughts.
- The Giver's emotional state and how it affects his advice.
- Any hints about a plan Jonas and the Giver might be forming.
- The contrast between the community's rules and the emotions Jonas is experiencing.
- The significance of specific words or phrases the Giver uses to describe the past or the community.
Vocabulary to know:
desperate (adjective) — feeling or showing a great need or desire for something, often to the point of recklessness; resolve (verb) — to firmly decide to do something; profound (adjective) — very great or intense; foresee (verb) — to predict or anticipate; burden (noun) — a heavy load or responsibility; consequences (noun) — the results or effects of an action or condition; radiant (adjective) — shining or glowing brightly; unfathomable (adjective) — incapable of being fully understood or explored.
Chapter 21
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be truly free?
- How do rules in society help or hurt people?
- What are the benefits of experiencing a wide range of emotions?
- How important is individuality in a community?
- What might be the consequences of breaking a long-standing tradition?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's changing perspective on his community.
- The Giver's emotional state and his interactions with Jonas.
- Any new information about the previous Receiver of Memory.
- How Jonas's understanding of 'Elsewhere' evolves.
- The growing tension and sense of urgency in Jonas's thoughts.
Vocabulary to know:
trepidation (noun) — a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that might happen; apprehension (noun) — anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen; unfathomable (adjective) — impossible to understand or comprehend; despair (noun) — the complete loss or absence of hope; resignation (noun) — the acceptance of something unpleasant that one cannot do anything about; diminish (verb) — to make or become smaller, weaker, or less; bewilderment (noun) — a feeling of being confused and disoriented; yearning (noun) — a feeling of intense longing for something.
Chapter 22
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be truly free?
- What are the risks of challenging a society's rules?
- How might Jonas's memories affect his actions outside the community?
- What emotions do you think Jonas is experiencing right now?
- What does Jonas hope to achieve by leaving?
Watch for these while reading:
- Jonas's physical and emotional state as he travels.
- The changes in the environment around Jonas.
- The impact of hunger and cold.
- Jonas's thoughts about home and the people he left behind.
- Any signs of the community searching for him.
Vocabulary to know:
desperate (adjective) — feeling or showing a hopelessness that nothing can be done to improve a difficult or bad situation; exhausted (adjective) — extremely tired; scarcity (noun) — the state of being scarce or in short supply; a lack of something; determination (noun) — the quality of having a firm purpose or resolve; apprehension (noun) — anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen; endurance (noun) — the ability to continue suffering or bear something difficult for a long time; vulnerable (adjective) — susceptible to physical or emotional harm; resilience (noun) — the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Chapter 23
Before you read — think about:
- What does it mean to be truly free?
- When is it okay to break the rules?
- What are the risks involved in trying to change things?
- How does memory affect our understanding of the world?
- What might happen when someone leaves a community they've always known?
Watch for these while reading:
- The changing environment as Jonas and Gabriel travel.
- Jonas's growing feelings of love and protectiveness.
- The physical and emotional toll the journey takes on Jonas.
- Any signs of the community searching for them.
- The symbolic significance of the music Jonas remembers.
Vocabulary to know:
desperate (adjective) — feeling or showing a great need or desire for something, often to the point of recklessness.; exhausted (adjective) — extremely tired.; faint (adjective) — barely perceptible; weak.; scarce (adjective) — insufficient for the demand; rare.; shimmering (adjective) — reflecting light with a soft, wavering shine.; fragile (adjective) — easily broken or damaged.; nourishment (noun) — food and drink regarded as a source of strength; sustenance.; wistful (adjective) — having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing..
About the Author
Lois Lowry is a celebrated American author known for her children's and young adult fiction. She has written over forty books, including the beloved 'Number the Stars' and the Newbery Medal-winning 'The Giver.' Lowry often explores themes of courage, identity, and the importance of understanding history in her writing, drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and observations.
Published in 1993, 'The Giver' emerged during a period when discussions about societal control, genetic engineering, and the impact of technology were becoming more prominent. While not directly about these specific topics, the book taps into anxieties about a future where comfort and safety might come at the cost of human emotion and freedom. It can be seen as a response to a desire for order, questioning what might be lost when individuality is suppressed.