The Giver - Personal Connections

Goal: Reflect on and apply personal connections to the text

In the novel, Jonas and his community experience "stirrings" at the age of 11 or 12. After they have reported this, they are required begin taking pills to subside and prevent these stirrings from occurring. What is “stirrings” a euphemism for and do you think that the lack of this inhibits true emotional connection in the community? Explain. Do you believe that without these feelings true love can exist? Why or why not?

Please click on the comments link, respond to this prompt, read the other students' comments and reply to one other classmates' comments. Each posting and classmate response should be at least 10 sentences. In your responses to your classmates, consider whether you agree or disagree to this posting and explain why.

The Giver - Society Connections

Goal: Analyze the relationship between the relationship between a literary text and its historical, social and/or political context

What are some similarities between our society and the society in The Giver?

The Giver pictures a community in which every person and his or her experience is precisely the same. The climate is controlled, and competition is eliminated in favor of a community in which everyone works for the common good. What advantages might "sameness" have for a community? Is this loss of diversity worthwhile? Explain.

Please click on the comments link, respond to this prompt, read the other students' comments and reply to one other classmates' comments. Each posting and classmate response should be at least 10 sentences. In your responses to your classmates, consider whether you agree or disagree to this posting and explain why.