THE GIVER — Chapter 3 (Pages 25-32) 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 understand how the community views those who are different. 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 25: “‘Oh, look!’ Lily squealed in delight.” To Page 28: “I guess I’d better be quiet.” Start Page 28: “Jonas turned to the school assignments on his desk.” To Page 32: “... the newchild with 1. How are both Jonas and Gabriel different from most of their community? [RL 7.3] 2. How does this community view people who are physically different? [RL 7.6] 3. Compare the way this community views mothers with the way mothers are traditionally viewed in your culture. How are they different? [RL.6] 4. What does Jonas's decision to play catch with Asher reveal about him? [RL.7.3]
Unit 3: The Giver 1 Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. his pale, solemn, knowing eyes.” 5. Why does Jonas take the apple home? [RL 7.1] OPTIONAL: End of Chapter Discussion Questions ● How would you feel if your mistakes and rulebreaking were announced publicly? How does this practice benefit the community? ● How do you think it would feel to be a Birthmother in this community? Independent Practice Directions: Answer the multiple choice questions for Chapter 3 (Pages 25-32). 5 minutes 1. Reread the following passage from page 29: “Lily was never quiet. Probably she should hope for an Assignment as Speaker, so that she could sit in the office with the microphone all day, making announcements. He laughed silently to himself, picturing his sister droning on in the self-important voice that all the Speakers seemed to develop, saying things like, ATTENTION, THIS IS A REMINDER TO FEMALES UNDER NINE THAT HAIR RIBBONS ARE TO BE NEATLY TIED AT ALL TIMES. He turned toward Lily and noticed to his satisfaction that her ribbons were, as usual, undone and dangling. There would be an announcement like that quite soon, he felt certain, and it would be directed mainly at Lily, though her name, of course, would not be mentioned. Everyone would know.” How does the way the community is run affect Jonas’s opinion of Lily? [RL 7.3] A. Jonas feels bad for what is going to happen to Lily because of her violation. B. Jonas is embarrassed by his sister because everyone knows what she does wrong. C. Jonas is worried about which rules he has broken because he sees how Lily is treated. D. Jonas judges Lily for not following the rules because judging others is accepted behavior. 2. In the same passage from page 29, how are Lily and Jonas’s points of view toward the Speaker different? [RL 7.6] A. Jonas cares more about being publicly humiliated by the Speaker than Lily does. B. Lily cares more about being publicly humiliated by the Speaker than Jonas does. C. Lily and Jonas both agree that the Speaker is unimportant. D. Jonas does not care about the Speaker, but Lily does. 3. What is the best meaning of “nondescript” as it is used in the following sentence on page 30? [RL 7.4] “The apple had changed. Just for an instant. It had changed in mid-air, he remembered. Then it was in his hand, and he looked at it carefully, but it was the same apple. Unchanged. The same size and shape: a perfect sphere. The same nondescript shade, about the same as his own tunic.” A. mysterious B. unexciting C. glittering D. bleak
4. How does Jonas seeing the apple change in mid-air set the plot of the rest of the chapter into action? [RL 7.3] A. It causes Jonas to hide the apple in a bush because he is frightened by what happened. B. It causes Jonas to take a bite of the apple to see if it tastes different, which makes him sick. C. It causes Jonas to bring the apple home, get caught and be publicly humiliated by the Speaker. D. It causes Jonas to bring the apple home, get caught and be punished when Lily finds it on his desk.
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DURING READING QUESTIONS
How are both Jonas and Gabriel different from most of their community?
Jonas and Gabriel are different because Jonas is more introspective and perceptive than most community members, often pondering the meaning of feelings and colors. Gabriel, referred to as a "newchild," struggles to fit into the community's strict norms and has physical features (like his pale eyes) that distinguish him from other children, which might suggest he possesses a different capacity for understanding or perception.
How does this community view people who are physically different?
The community tends to view people who are physically different with suspicion or discomfort. Those who do not conform to the community's expectations, such as Gabriel with his pale eyes, may be seen as nonconformists or in need of being “released,” indicating a lack of acceptance and a rigid adherence to uniformity.
Compare the way this community views mothers with the way mothers are traditionally viewed in your culture. How are they different?
In Jonas's community, mothers are assigned to a role of Birthmother for a limited time, and their value is mainly tied to their ability to produce children before they become laborers. This is in stark contrast to many cultures where motherhood is celebrated and valued as a significant, ongoing role filled with emotional and nurturing responsibilities. Here, motherhood lacks emotional connection and status after the birthing period.
What does Jonas's decision to play catch with Asher reveal about him?
Jonas's decision to play catch with Asher reveals that he values friendship and normal childhood experiences. It shows that he seeks connection and joy in everyday life, indicating that he wishes to maintain an innocence in his interactions, even if the community’s strict rules may not allow for many expressions of individuality.
Why does Jonas take the apple home?
Jonas takes the apple home because he is intrigued by the change he perceived in it while playing catch. He felt a sense of wonder when the apple seemed to change in mid-air, and it sparks his curiosity about what that change means. This act hints at his growing awareness of the complexities and nuances of the world around him.
OPTIONAL: End of Chapter Discussion Questions
How would you feel if your mistakes and rule-breaking were announced publicly? How does this practice benefit the community?
This practice would likely invoke feelings of anxiety and embarrassment. Public shaming can create a sense of fear that might lead community members to adhere strictly to rules, thereby enforcing conformity and discouraging deviations from expected behaviors.
How do you think it would feel to be a Birthmother in this community?
Being a Birthmother would likely feel dehumanizing, as it reduces women to their reproductive roles without the emotional bonds typically associated with motherhood. After their brief period of giving birth, they would no longer hold a significant role within the community, which could lead to feelings of worthlessness or lack of identity.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
How does the way the community is run affect Jonas’s opinion of Lily? B. Jonas is embarrassed by his sister because everyone knows what she does wrong.
Jonas's perspective reflects the community's culture of disapproval and public judgment.
How are Lily and Jonas’s points of view toward the Speaker different? A. Jonas cares more about being publicly humiliated by the Speaker than Lily does.
This indicates a focus from Jonas on the implications of public scrutiny, whereas Lily appears to be less aware of its significance.
What is the best meaning of “nondescript” as it is used in the following sentence? B. unexciting.
This interpretation fits with the description of the apple as something ordinary within the context of Jonas's tightly controlled environment.
How does Jonas seeing the apple change in mid-air set the plot of the rest of the chapter into action? C. It causes Jonas to bring the apple home, get caught and be publicly humiliated by the Speaker.
This pivotal moment initiates a string of events contributing to his character development and exploration of the community's restrictions.
rewrite it like a 12 year old would
DURING READING QUESTIONS
How are both Jonas and Gabriel different from most of their community?
Jonas and Gabriel are different because Jonas thinks a lot deeper about things, like feelings and colors, while most people in the community don’t really think about that stuff. Gabriel, the new baby, stands out because he has pale eyes, which makes him look different. People in the community notice he doesn’t fit in, and it seems like he might be special.
How does this community view people who are physically different?
The community doesn’t really like people who look different. They seem to think that if someone doesn’t fit the mold, like Gabriel with his unusual eyes, they might not be welcomed or could even be “released,” which is how they deal with those who don’t fit in. It shows that they prefer everyone to be the same.
Compare the way this community views mothers with the way mothers are traditionally viewed in your culture. How are they different?
In Jonas’s community, mothers are just seen as Birthmothers whose only job is to have babies, and then they don’t have much purpose after that. In many cultures today, mothers are loved and appreciated for raising their children and being central in a family. They usually have a more meaningful role beyond just giving birth.
What does Jonas's decision to play catch with Asher reveal about him?
When Jonas plays catch with Asher, it shows that he wants to be like a normal kid and enjoy friendship. He likes having fun and hanging out, and deep down, he wants to keep some of that childhood joy even in a strict community.
Why does Jonas take the apple home?
Jonas takes the apple home because when he was playing catch, he noticed a moment when it looked like the apple changed when it was in the air. It really caught his attention, and he wanted to understand what happened. So, he takes it home to figure it out.
OPTIONAL: End of Chapter Discussion Questions
How would you feel if your mistakes and rule-breaking were announced publicly? How does this practice benefit the community?
I would feel really embarrassed and scared! If everyone knew my mistakes, it would make me super anxious to do anything. This practice might make people follow the rules better because they don’t want to get humiliated in front of everyone.
How do you think it would feel to be a Birthmother in this community?
Being a Birthmother would probably feel really isolating. They only have to have babies for a short time, and after that, they don’t really have a real role anymore. It would feel like they don’t matter much after that, which would be really sad.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
How does the way the community is run affect Jonas’s opinion of Lily? B. Jonas is embarrassed by his sister because everyone knows what she does wrong.
Jonas feels kind of awkward about Lily because he knows the community will judge her for not following the rules.
How are Lily and Jonas’s points of view toward the Speaker different? A. Jonas cares more about being publicly humiliated by the Speaker than Lily does.
Jonas worries about being embarrassed by the Speaker, while Lily seems like she doesn’t care as much.
What is the best meaning of “nondescript” as it is used in the following sentence? B. unexciting.
“Nondescript” means it’s plain and not special, which matches the idea of the apple being ordinary in Jonas’s world.
How does Jonas seeing the apple change in mid-air set the plot of the rest of the chapter into action? C. It causes Jonas to bring the apple home, get caught and be publicly humiliated by the Speaker.
This moment is super important because it leads to some major events that change how Jonas thinks about his community.
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