unhappiness. Logical decisions were made in the past, decisions that involved giving up some good things in order to be rid of the terrible things. In this perfect world, twelve-year-old children are given their life assignments at the Ceremony of Twelve. Jonas is shocked, and confused, when he is chosen to be the new Receiver of Memories, a mysterious position of honor held by only one person at a time. He is trained by the previous Receiver, now called the Giver. The training consists of transferring to him memories of a past. These include horrbile realities such as war, hunger, and disease. However, they also include life's wonderments, such as color, weather, and strong emotions. Gradually Jonas comes to understand, and resent, the choices that had to be made to create this world, and the terrible secrets behind its perfection.
Classroom Uses and Comments: Class room discussions can focus on moral dilemas, the need for a greater good, isolation (Jonas), and symbolism used throughout the book.
Characters: Jonas, the Giver, Jonas' family, the 'society'
Censorship: Euthenasia (both young and old)
Selection Criteria: I. Author Lois Lowry
Reflection: I loved this book. I thought it was clever, yet simple and flowed easily. It reminded me of another more recent series - The City of Ember. Both books looked at a perfect world, and what it costs us for perfection. So often, in our current world, people strive for perfection ... the perfect relationship, the perfect kids, the perfect home, the perfect carreer. This story helps us reflect on what we give up to achieve this perfection.
Annotations for 'The Giver' include explanatory and interpretive commentaries that clarify and analyze significant passages.
An annotation is an extended commentary on a text, often marked by superscript numbers.
For the book The Giver, annotations serve to enhance understanding by providing explanatory and interpretive commentary.
These notes elaborate on the significance of specific passages, especially where the text's meaning might not be fully clear.
They also offer a detailed interpretation that links various parts of the text, helping to uncover the core themes and artistic elements of the novel.
For example, in chapters one through four, augmented explanations give a comprehensive foundation for understanding the context and characters, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of subsequent chapters.
In "The Giver," Jonas learns about complex emotions and real experiences through his training with the Giver. This opens up questions about freedom, individuality, and the costs of societal perfection. The story encourages discussions on moral dilemmas and societal flaws, emphasizing the value of personal choice and authentic experiences.
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