Name Class

Question

THE GIVER — Chapter 14 (Pages 136-148)
By Lois Lowry
DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS
Skills Focus

In this lesson, you’ll analyze how an author develops and contrasts
the points of view of different characters in a text. [RL 7.6]

Purpose for Reading
To consider the unique way in which The Receiver of Memory serves the community.

During Reading
Directions: Start and stop at the page(s) indicated. Answer the questions and be prepared to share with your class.
Page Number
DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE

Start Page 136: “It was much the same, this memory…”
To Page 139: “Again and again he dreamed of the anguish and the isolation on the forsaken hill.”
Start Page 139: “The daily
training
continued, and now…”
To Page 143: “Now it was
ominous. It
meant, he knew, that nothing
Consider this quotation: “He sat, and looked at his own leg, where it lay straight on the bed, unbroken. The
brutal slice of pain was gone. But the leg ached horribly, still, and his face felt raw.” (138)
Why does Jonas experience leg pain even after he is finished receiving the memory? [RL 7.1]
2. What does The Giver’s story about the last time he gave advice to the
Committee of Elders reveal about The Giver and The Committee’s different points of view toward the lost pilot? [RL 7.6]

could be
changed.”
3. Consider this excerpt: “But why can’t
everyone have the memories? I think it
would seem a little easier if the
memories were shared. You and I
wouldn’t have to bear so much by
ourselves, if everybody took a part.”
(142)
A: What does the excerpt reveal about
Jonas as a character? [RL 7.3]

Start Page 143: “The newchild, Gabriel, was
growing…”
To Page 146:
“‘I’ll take the
night off and
we’ll let Mother get some sleep, too.”
Start Page 146: “Gabe slept
soundly… ”
To Page 148:
“He decided not to tell.”
4. What does Jonas’s mother’s
unwillingness to wake up in the middle
of the night to comfort Gabe reveal
about her as a character? [RL.3]
5. Why does Jonas hope that Larissa is the
one who will be there to take care of
the twin who is going to be released to
Elsewhere? [RL 7.1]
6. How does accidentally giving a memory
to Gabe affect Jonas? [RL 7.3]

End of Chapter Discussion
Questions
7. How might the past’s famine and destruction have contributed to the community’s current structure? Should Jonas turn himself in to The Giver and confess that he gave a memory to Gabe? Why or why not?

Independent Practice
Directions: Answer the multiple choice questions for Chapter 14 (Pages 136-148). 5 minutes
1. What is the best meaning of “befit” as it is used in the following sentence on page 145? [RL 7.4]
“Larissa’s life Elsewhere would be quiet and serene as befit the Old; she would not welcome the responsibility of nurturing a newchild who needed feeding and care, and would likely cry at night.”
A. suited
B. contrasted
C. enjoyed
D. bothered
2. Which of the following options best represents the way this community as a whole views babies? [RL 7.1 & RL 7.6]
A. Maintaining an orderly community is more important than any individual baby.
B. People should respect nature and celebrate every child born into the community.
C. Babies are not as important as adults, so they are the community’s lowest concern.
D. It is very important that children grow up in the loving family that gave birth to them.
3. Reread the following passage from page 147:
“Jonas rose and went to him. Gently he patted Gabriel’s back. Sometimes that was all it took to lull him back to sleep. But the newchild squirmed fretfully under his hand. Still patting rhythmically, Jonas began to remember the wonderful sail that The Giver had given him…. He was not aware of giving the memory; but suddenly, he realized that it was becoming dimmer, that it was sliding through his hand into the being of the newchild. Gabriel became quiet. Startled, Jonas pulled back what was left of the memory with a burst of will. He removed his hand from the little back and stood quietly beside the crib.”
Which sentence from the passage above best explains Jonas’s reason for deciding to give the entire sailboat memory to Gabriel? [RL 7.1]
A. “Gently he patted Gabriel’s back.”
B. “But the newchild squirmed fretfully under his hand.”
C. “He was not aware of giving the memory; but suddenly, he realized that it was becoming dimmer” D. “Gabriel became quiet.”

THE GIVER — Chapters 15-16 (Pages 149-162)
By Lois Lowry
DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS
Skills Focus

In this lesson, you’ll examine how the author develops
one of the novel’s themes in this chapter. [RL 7.2]

Purpose for Reading
To examine how the memories Jonas receives affect his opinion of his community.

During Reading
Directions: Start and stop at the page(s) indicated. Answer the questions and be prepared to share with your class.
Page Number
DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE
Start Page 149: “Jonas entered The Annex room and realized
immediately
that…”
To Page 151:
“‘Forgive me,’ he said”.

1. A: How does possessing all of the
memories of the past affect The Giver?
[RL 7.3]

2. Read all of page 150. How does the
author's use of color enhance the
description of what Jonas experiences?
[RL 7.4]

3. Consider this quotation: “The noise
continued all around: the cries of the
wounded men, the cries begging for
water and for Mother and for death.
Horses lying on the ground shrieked,
raised their heads, and stabbed
randomly toward the sky with their hooves. From the distance, Jonas could
hear the thud of cannons.
Overwhelmed by pain, he lay there in
the fearsome stench for hours, listened
to the men and animals die, and learned what warfare meant.” (151)

A: How does the author’s use of
auditory imagery help show what war is
truly like? [RL 7.4]
B: How might experiencing the memory
of warfare affect Jonas? [RL 7.3]

Start Page 152: “Jonas did not
want to go
back.”
To Page 153:
“Although he
had through the memories
learned about
the pain of
loss…”
Start Page 153: “Jonas felt the joy of it as soon as the memory began.”
To Page 159: “I did like the light they made. And the warmth.”
4. A: How does experiencing warfare
affect Jonas’s attitude toward receiving
memories? [RL 7.6]

5. How does experiencing the memory of
a family celebrating Christmas change
the way Jonas views his community?
[RL 7.6]

Independent Practice
Directions: Answer the multiple choice questions for Chapters 15-16 (Pages 149-162). 5 minutes

1. What is the best meaning of “grotesquely” as it is used in the following sentence on page 150? [RL 7.4]
“The colors of the carnage were grotesquely bright: the crimson wetness on the rough and dusty fabric, the ripped shreds of grass, startlingly green, in the boy’s yellow hair.”
A. very
B. hardly
C. ordinarily
D. sickeningly
2. Reread the following passage from page 151:
“The boy sighed. His head fell back, his lower jaw dropping as if he had been surprised by something. A dull blankness slid slowly across his eyes. He was silent.”
Which option best describes the meaning of the phrase “a dull blankless slid slowly across his eyes”? [RL 7.4]
A. The soldier began to cry.
B. The soldier went cross-eyed.
C. The soldier’s eyes started to water.
D. The soldier’s eyes glazed over as he died.
3. In Chapter 16 Jonas experiences a memory of love. Which of the following pieces of evidence best supports the theme that having love is worth the chance of being hurt? [RL 7.1]
A. “I can see why it’s your favorite. I couldn’t quite get the word for the whole feeling of it, the feeling that was so strong in the room.” (157)
B. “And that it’s much better to be organized the way we are now. I can see that it was a dangerous way to live.” (158) C. “He could feel that there was risk involved [...] ‘Still,’ he said slowly, almost to himself, ‘I did like the light they made. And the warmth.’” (159)
D. “‘Father? Mother? … Do you love me?’ There was an awkward silence for a moment. Then father gave a little chuckle.” (159)

THE GIVER — Chapter 17 (Pages 163-173)
By Lois Lowry
DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS
Skills Focus

In this lesson, you’ll analyze how an author develops and contrasts
the points of view of different characters in a text. [RL 7.6]

Purpose for Reading
To track how Jonas’s opinion of his community is changing.

During Reading
Directions: Start and stop at the page(s) indicated. Answer the questions and be prepared to share with your class.
Page Number
DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE
Start Page 163: “TODAY IS
DECLARED AN
UNSCHEDULED HOLIDAY.”
To Page 166:
“They were
felt.”
1. Consider this excerpt: “But now Jonas
had experienced real sadness. He had
felt grief. He knew that there was no
quick comfort for emotions like those.
These were deeper and they did not
need to be told. They were felt.” (166)
What does this excerpt reveal about
Jonas as a character? [RL 7.3]
Start Page 166: “Today, he felt happiness.”
To Page 170:
“Jonas knew
with certainty
that he could
change
nothing.”
2. What does Jonas’s reaction to the game
of war reveal about his and Asher’s
different points of view? [RL 7.6]
3. Why does Jonas turn down Fiona’s offer
to ride bikes by the river? [RL 7.6]

Start Page 170: “Back in their
dwelling…”
To Page 173:
“Father
groaned. ‘Lily,’
he said. ‘It’s
bedtime.’”
4. Why does Jonas ask his father for details
about the process of releasing a
newchild? [RL 7.1]

End of Chapter Discussion
Questions
How would you feel if you knew something that you couldn’t tell your friends?
Who would you rather have as a friend: Jonas or Asher? Why?

THE GIVER — Chapter 18 (Pages 174-181)
By Lois Lowry
DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS
Skills Focus

In this lesson, you’ll analyze how an author develops and contrasts
the points of view of different characters in a text. [RL 7.6]

Purpose for Reading
To learn how Rosemary affected the community.

During Reading
Directions: Start and stop at the page(s) indicated. Answer the questions and be prepared to share with your class.
Page Number

answer like a 14 year old would

Answer 1

THE GIVER — Chapter 14 (Pages 136-148)

DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE

1. Why does Jonas experience leg pain even after he is finished receiving the memory? [RL 7.1]
Jonas feels leg pain because the memories he receives are so intense and affect him physically. Even when the memory fades, the pain and feelings linger, showing how deeply the experiences impact him. It's like having a really bad dream – even when you wake up, you still feel a bit scared or off.

2. What does The Giver’s story about the last time he gave advice to the Committee of Elders reveal about The Giver and The Committee’s different points of view toward the lost pilot? [RL 7.6]
The Giver and the Committee see things very differently. The Giver understands the pain and loss that comes from memories of the past, like the pilot's story. In contrast, the Committee seems more focused on rules and maintaining order, showing how they lack empathy. It's like The Giver carries the emotional weight of history, while the Committee avoids it to keep everything "perfect."

3. A: What does the excerpt reveal about Jonas as a character? [RL 7.3]
In this excerpt, Jonas shows that he is empathetic and cares about others. He thinks it would be easier if everyone shared the burden of memories. This demonstrates his growing awareness of how lonely it is to be the only one with emotional experiences. It illustrates his wish for connection and understanding among all people.

---

4. What does Jonas’s mother’s unwillingness to wake up in the middle of the night to comfort Gabe reveal about her as a character? [RL 7.3]
It shows that Jonas's mother is practical and prioritizes her own needs over those of Gabriel. She is probably tired and just wants to sleep, which suggests she might not fully grasp the emotional needs of her children, including Jonas and Gabe. It makes us question how much she understands about love and caring for children.

5. Why does Jonas hope that Larissa is the one who will be there to take care of the twin who is going to be released to Elsewhere? [RL 7.1]
Jonas hopes Larissa will be there because he feels she is compassionate and understanding. He trusts her more than others, which reflects his desire for someone gentle to take care of the situation instead of the coldness of the community's practices. It shows his longing for kindness in a harsh world.

6. How does accidentally giving a memory to Gabe affect Jonas? [RL 7.3]
Accidentally giving a memory to Gabe leaves Jonas confused and concerned because it means that the memories are not just his to keep. It makes him realize that memories are powerful and can impact others, which increases his sense of responsibility. There’s a mix of connection and worry for him, showing that his feelings are becoming more complex.

---

End of Chapter Discussion Questions

7. How might the past’s famine and destruction have contributed to the community’s current structure? Should Jonas turn himself in to The Giver and confess that he gave a memory to Gabe? Why or why not?
The past’s famine and destruction probably shaped the community’s strict rules to avoid chaos and suffering. They focus on sameness and control. As for Jonas confessing, he might feel guilty but turning himself in could also put him in danger. He should think about the larger picture – if revealing it helps the community see the value of emotions, then maybe he should. But it’s also a huge risk.

---

Independent Practice

1. What is the best meaning of “befit” as it is used in the following sentence on page 145? [RL 7.4]
A. suited

2. Which of the following options best represents the way this community as a whole views babies? [RL 7.1 & RL 7.6]
A. Maintaining an orderly community is more important than any individual baby.

3. Which sentence from the passage above best explains Jonas’s reason for deciding to give the entire sailboat memory to Gabriel? [RL 7.1]
D. “Gabriel became quiet.”

---

THE GIVER — Chapters 15-16 (Pages 149-162)

DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE

1. A: How does possessing all of the memories of the past affect The Giver? [RL 7.3]
The Giver feels heavy and burdened because he carries so much pain and sadness from past experiences. It isolates him because he understands feelings that others do not.

2. How does the author’s use of color enhance the description of what Jonas experiences? [RL 7.4]
The colors described give life to the memories, making them feel more real and intense. For instance, the brightness of the colors contrasted with the carnage shows the horrific beauty of life and death intertwined.

3. A: How does the author’s use of auditory imagery help show what war is truly like? [RL 7.4]
The sounds of battle – cries, horses, and cannons – make the memory come alive and show the chaos and terror of war. It doesn’t just tell us; it makes us feel the horror of what it was like.

---

4. A: How does experiencing warfare affect Jonas’s attitude toward receiving memories? [RL 7.6]
After witnessing the brutality of war, Jonas sees memories as something heavy and painful. He's more aware of the cost of knowing the truth, and it makes him feel hesitant and scared about what other memories might hold.

5. How does experiencing the memory of a family celebrating Christmas change the way Jonas views his community? [RL 7.6]
It makes Jonas realize what his community is missing – love, warmth, and the joy of family connections. It shows that their way of life might be safe, but it lacks true happiness and emotion, which he starts to crave.

---

Independent Practice

1. What is the best meaning of “grotesquely” as it is used in the following sentence on page 150? [RL 7.4]
D. sickeningly

2. Which option best describes the meaning of the phrase “a dull blankness slid slowly across his eyes”? [RL 7.4]
D. The soldier’s eyes glazed over as he died.

3. In Chapter 16 Jonas experiences a memory of love. Which of the following pieces of evidence best supports the theme that having love is worth the chance of being hurt? [RL 7.1]
C. “He could feel that there was risk involved […] ‘Still,’ he said slowly, almost to himself, ‘I did like the light they made. And the warmth.’”

---

THE GIVER — Chapter 17 (Pages 163-173)

DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE

1. What does this excerpt reveal about Jonas as a character? [RL 7.3]
It shows that Jonas is deep and thoughtful. He understands that sadness is real and can't just be brushed aside like everything else in his community. He is growing emotionally and realizes some feelings are too important to ignore.

2. What does Jonas’s reaction to the game of war reveal about his and Asher’s different points of view? [RL 7.6]
Jonas takes the concept of war seriously, while Asher treats it like a joke or game. This shows how Jonas has a deeper understanding of the implications of violence and conflict, and that he’s becoming disconnected from his friends’ perspectives.

3. Why does Jonas turn down Fiona’s offer to ride bikes by the river? [RL 7.6]
He turns her down because he’s struggling with feelings and issues that his friends don’t understand. It highlights how he’s changing and becoming more aware of the complexities of his feelings, separating him from the carefree life he once had.

---

4. Why does Jonas ask his father for details about the process of releasing a newchild? [RL 7.1]
Jonas asks because he's starting to question what "release" really means, especially after learning about the harsh realities behind it. He wants to understand why it’s done and what it involves, showing his growing discomfort with the community's practices.

---

End of Chapter Discussion Questions

How would you feel if you knew something that you couldn’t tell your friends?
It would be super lonely and frustrating! I would feel like I'm carrying this huge weight on my shoulders all the time. It’s hard to keep stuff like that inside without being able to talk to someone about it.

Who would you rather have as a friend: Jonas or Asher? Why?
I’d probably pick Jonas because he seems more thoughtful and really cares about deeper feelings, while Asher feels more shallow and goofy. I think having a friend who understands you on a deeper level is more valuable than just someone who makes you laugh.

Answer 2

DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS
Skills Focus

In this lesson, you’ll analyze how an author develops and contrasts
the points of view of different characters in a text. [RL 7.6]

Purpose for Reading
To learn how Rosemary affected the community.

During Reading
Directions: Start and stop at the page(s) indicated. Answer the questions and be prepared to share with your class.
Page Number
DURING READING QUESTIONS STUDENT RESPONSE
Start Page 174: “‘Giver’, Jonas
asked the next afternoon, ‘Do you ever think about release?’”
To Page 179:
“The Giver
needed a
successor, and he had been chosen.
1. A: How are Jonas and Rosemary’s
attitudes as Receivers similar?

2. What does the following quotation
reveal about the life of the Receiver of
Memories? [RL 7.3]

“I gave her happy memories: a ride on a
merry-go-round; a kitten to play with; a
picnic. Sometimes I chose one just
because I knew it would make her
laugh, and I so treasured the sound of
that laughter in this room that had
always been so silent.” (177)

3. A: How did Rosemary’s decision to apply
for release affect The Giver? [RL 7.3]

4. Find a piece of evidence from Chapter
18 that shows how hard it is for The
Giver to talk about Rosemary. [RL 7.1]
Start Page 179: “A thought
occurred to
Jonas.”
To Page 181:
“His thoughts
seemed to be
elsewhere, and his eyes were
troubled.”

End of Chapter Discussion
Questions
5. What do The Giver’s repeated pleas for
Jonas to not go near the river reveal
about him? [RL 7.3]

1. Why do you think Rosemary requested release?
2. If Jonas were to leave, would it be helpful or harmful for the community in the long run?

Answer 3

DURING- AND POST-READING QUESTIONS

1. A: How are Jonas and Rosemary’s attitudes as Receivers similar?
Jonas and Rosemary both understand the heavy burden that comes with being a Receiver of Memory. They both feel isolated due to their unique experiences and the weight of the memories they carry. Additionally, both express a longing for deeper emotional connections and a recognition of the inadequacies of their community in dealing with complex emotions. This shared understanding connects them through their roles, even if Rosemary ultimately chose a different path.

---

2. What does the following quotation reveal about the life of the Receiver of Memories? [RL 7.3]
The quotation shows that the life of a Receiver of Memories can be both beautiful and painful. The Giver tries to provide Rosemary with happy memories to bring some joy into her life, but it also highlights the loneliness that accompanies deep understanding. His appreciation of her laughter in an otherwise silent room indicates that joy is rare in their community, suggesting that the role of the Receiver is often surrounded by sorrow and isolation.

---

3. A: How did Rosemary’s decision to apply for release affect The Giver? [RL 7.3]
Rosemary’s decision to apply for release deeply affected The Giver because it symbolized loss and failure in his eyes. He had invested so much in her training and had wished for her to embrace the role of Receiver. Her choice to leave meant that the burden of memories remained solely on him, intensifying his loneliness and sense of responsibility. It also likely reinforced his doubts about the community’s structure and the emotional toll it has on individuals who bear such knowledge.

---

4. Find a piece of evidence from Chapter 18 that shows how hard it is for The Giver to talk about Rosemary. [RL 7.1]
A piece of evidence that shows how hard it is for The Giver to talk about Rosemary could be when he hesitates or struggles to find the right words, revealing his emotional pain. For example, if there’s a line where he becomes silent or looks away when discussing her, it clearly shows that the memories of Rosemary and her release are too painful for him to confront directly.

---

End of Chapter Discussion Questions

5. What do The Giver’s repeated pleas for Jonas to not go near the river reveal about him? [RL 7.3]
The Giver’s repeated pleas indicate his deep concern for Jonas's safety and wellbeing. He’s aware of the risks associated with the emotions and thoughts that come from access to memories, especially those as profound as death and release. This reflects his protective nature and desire to prevent Jonas from experiencing further pain, mirroring his own painful history with Rosemary.

---

6. Why do you think Rosemary requested release?
I think Rosemary requested release because she felt overwhelmed by the weight of the memories she carried. The combination of joy and pain in the memories may have made her realization of the community’s shallow existence unbearable. She probably sought an escape from the emotional burden and the loneliness that comes with being different from everyone else.

---

7. If Jonas were to leave, would it be helpful or harmful for the community in the long run?
If Jonas were to leave, it could be both helpful and harmful for the community. On one hand, his departure might spark change and encourage others to question the community’s practices since he knows the truth and could expose it. On the other hand, his absence would leave the community without a Receiver to guide them, potentially leading to chaos if they were to face any significant challenges without the wisdom of memories. Ultimately, it leans more toward being harmful since the community relies on the Receivers to maintain order.