The Giver (The Giver Quartet Film tie-in edition)
#1 in The Giver Quartet Series
on Goodreads (2,655)
What’s inside...
The Giver is a dystopian novel by Lois Lowry set in a society that appears to be utopian at first but is revealed to be dystopian as the story unfolds. The community has eliminated pain and strife by converting to 'Sameness,' a plan that has also eradicated emotional depth from their lives. Each member of the community is assigned a role in society when they turn twelve years old. The protagonist, Jonas, is selected to be the Receiver of Memory, the person who stores all the past memories of the time before Sameness, in case they are ever needed to aid in decisions that others lack the experience to make. Jonas trains with the current Receiver, who is now called 'The Giver.' As Jonas receives memories from The Giver—memories of pleasure and pain, of bright colors and extreme emotions—the realization of what his community has sacrificed for the sake of conformity and safety becomes painfully clear. With this knowledge, Jonas faces difficult choices about his own life and his future, including the dark secrets his society has been hiding. The novel explores themes of memory, individuality, and the importance of emotions in the human experience.
Discussion points
How did you feel about the world that Jonas lives in? What aspects would you change if you could?
Why do you think the community eliminates all the pain and emotions? Do you think it's a good idea?
Discuss the role of memories in the book. Why are they important to Jonas and the community?
What do you think 'seeing beyond' means? How does it change Jonas’s view of the world?
How does Jonas’s relationship with The Giver impact his choices and beliefs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jonas's shoes to deepen their understanding of his emotions and decisions. Use the questions to guide a conversation that explores the implications of a controlled society, personal freedom, and moral dilemmas. Highlight the importance of memory and emotion in shaping our identities, and discuss the value of individuality versus uniformity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of individuality
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist, Jonas, discovers the significance of personal identity in a society that values sameness and conformity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate their uniqueness, resisting the pressure to conform and instead cultivating their personal interests and beliefs.
Example Lesson: The value of emotions
Explanation: In 'The Giver', the community suppresses all strong emotions to maintain sameness and control. Through his journey, Jonas learns the vital role emotions play in enriching one's life.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of embracing their emotions, helping them to become more empathetic and emotionally aware individuals.
Example Lesson: The role of memory and history
Explanation: The story reveals that the community eradicates memories to spare its citizens the pain of the past, but it also deprives them of happiness and true connection. Jonas's experiences as the Receiver of Memories underscores this.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of remembering history to appreciate the present and learn from the past, fostering a deeper connection with their community and culture.
Example Lesson: Making difficult choices
Explanation: Jonas faces several difficult choices that test his courage and morality, especially when he decides to leave the community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that making tough decisions is a part of life and doing what's right, though not always easy, is a demonstration of personal integrity and moral courage.
Example Lesson: Questioning authority
Explanation: As Jonas gains insight into the inner workings of his community's rules and norms, he starts questioning the decisions made by the leaders.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically about rules and authority, understanding that questioning decisions is a healthy part of personal and societal growth.