Chapters 5&6
27. What is the morning ritual?
The morning ritual in The Giver involves a series of structured activities that all members of the community
must follow. These activities include taking pills, exercising, and preparing for the day. The ritual is designed to
maintain order and ensure that everyone is physically and mentally prepared for their daily tasks.
28. Why must Jonas start taking a pill every day?
Jonas must start taking a pill every day because he has been selected to receive the Assignment of Receiver of
Memory. The pill is designed to suppress his emotions and prepare him for the challenging experiences he will
encounter in his new role.
29. How are you feeling about the society in the book?
The society in The Giver is presented in a way that raises questions about its effectiveness and morality.
While it seems to prioritize peace, equality, and safety, there are also elements of control, suppression, and a
lack of individual freedom. This creates a sense of unease and makes the reader wonder if this is truly the ideal
society.
30. What have you found so far that the book’s society represses?
The society in The Giver represses a number of things, including:
• Emotions: The community members are discouraged from expressing strong emotions, especially
negative ones.
• Individuality: Differences between individuals are minimized, and conformity is highly valued.
• Choice: The community members have limited choices in their lives, as most aspects of their lives are
predetermined.
• Knowledge: The community has a limited understanding of the world beyond their borders, and certain
memories are suppressed.
31. What values does the book’s society embrace and encourage?
The society in The Giver places a strong emphasis on conformity, sameness, and community. They value
equality, peace, and safety above all else. Individuality and personal expression are discouraged, and the
community works together to maintain a harmonious and predictable existence.
32. What is interdependence? Give an example of interdependence from your own
experiences.
Interdependence is a state of being mutually dependent on each other. In other words, individuals or groups
rely on one another to survive or function. For example, in a school, teachers depend on students to learn and
participate, while students depend on teachers to provide instruction and guidance.
33. What is the difference in the book between loss and release? Why do you think that the
author points out
the distinction? On what page is the distinction made?
In The Giver, loss is the experience of losing something that was once present, such as a loved one or a
possession. Release is a more deliberate act of letting go, often involving the elimination of something deemed
detrimental to the community. The author points out the distinction to emphasize the ethical implications of
release, as it involves a decision to end a life. This distinction is typically made on page 59.
34. How does the author build the interest in Jonas’ Ceremony of Twelve?
The author builds interest in Jonas' Ceremony of Twelve by:
• Creating anticipation: The ceremony is a significant event in the lives of all young people, and the
author hints at its importance.
• Highlighting the unknown: Jonas is unsure of what to expect, adding to the reader's curiosity.
• Introducing new elements: The introduction of the Elders and the concept of Assignments creates a
sense of mystery and intrigue.
35. Who makes the important decisions in the book’s society?
In The Giver society, the Elders make the important decisions. They are a group of respected and experienced
individuals who have been chosen to oversee the community and ensure its well-being.
