The Giver

I. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lowry, Lois. 1993. THE GIVER. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

II. PLOT SUMMARY

Jonas, a young boy about to turn twelve, lives in an utopian society with rules for living that creates a world of sameness. Each family is limited to having only two children, and women chosen as “Birthmothers” deliver those children. The Elders give each person in this society a job, so choosing one’s life is not an option. Jonas is chosen to be the new “Receiver of Memory,” and he learns the truth about the world he lives in. It is not as perfect as it may seem.

III. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this modern fantasy and science fiction novel, it is the setting that draws the reader into the story. Thorough a subtle description, the reader comes to find out that the world Jonas lives in is far different from our own world. The rules of the world have been altered, and this new society’s rules play an important role in Jonas’s life. Lowry’s writing style is straightforward, and pulls the reader into the action of this fantasy. From the first chapter, there is a sense of mystery created in the text. The suspense of the airplane overhead helps the reader understand that this story takes place in a very different type of society.

The characters in THE GIVER are revealed through the observations of Jonas, the young protagonist at the center of the story. The experiences and thoughts of Jonas introduce the reader to his family and friends. From the beginning, the reader is drawn into the complex thoughts of Jonas as he tries to find precise words to describe how he feels about the upcoming Assignment Ceremony. Each character is unique and presented in a full way. The reader sees the strengths and weaknesses of Jonas and his family. In fact, it is an alarming scene where Jonas discovers his father has to kill a baby who is not thriving properly, that Jonas comes to hate this supposed utopian society.

Perhaps the most effective aspect to the story is the plot. From the first chapter, the reader is drawn into the anxiety Jonas is experiencing as he awaits his assignment from the Elders. As he experiences the unknown, the drama and anticipation in the plot make this a true page-turner. The original plot line makes this story unpredictable and exciting, and as Jonas discovers his Assignment, the mystery continues. He is selected to be the “Receiver of Memory,” and as the plot continues, it us clearly building to a climax. The story is well constructed, engaging and exciting.

The theme of THE GIVER is certainly the strength of the story. By creating a character that young people can identify with, the questions he asks are relevant and will bring the reader to ask questions about their own life and world around them. The book raises many questions about life without moralizing. Instead, the reader is intrigued and pulled into the plot, bringing the reader on a unique journey of discovery about life and its purpose. What if everyone were the same? What if we had no choices, and our lives were decided for us? What if everyone had to be perfect? These questions and many more are raised in THE GIVER, making it an excellent novel to spark conversation and debate. Even the ending leaves the reader with many questions.

IV. REVIEW EXCERPTS

1994 Newbery Medal Winner

“The author makes real abstract concepts, such as the meaning of a life in which there are virtually no choices to be made and no experiences with deep feelings. This tightly plotted story and its believable characters will stay with readers for a long time.” –School Library Journal

“With a storyline that hints at Christian allegory and an eerie futuristic setting, this intriguing novel calls to mind John Christopher's Tripods trilogy and Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. Lowry is once again in top form--raising many questions while answering few, and unwinding a tale fit for the most adventurous readers.” –Publishers Weekly

V. CONNECTIONS

**Discuss “Utopia” and have students create rules they think would create a perfect world.

**Using these rules, discuss the changes and consequences following the rules would create.