The Giver Chapters 1-3

Read the selection from Chapter 1. What can the reader conclude about Jonas?

“Now, thinking about the feeling of fear as he pedaled home along the river path, he remembered that moment of palpable, stomach-sinking terror when the aircraft had streaked above. It was not what he was feeling now with December approaching. He searched for the right word to describe his own feelings.”

• He loves the ride home.

• He is thoughtful and careful.

• He always knows how he is feeling.

• He is always confused about his feelings.

Why are the events in Chapter 1 important to the plot?

• Jonas would like to tell his family that he is apprehensive. This foreshadows that Jonas has an easygoing personality.

• Asher shows that he is inattentive and the rest of the story will likely be about him.

• Jonas’ thoughts reveal that he is beginning to feel uncomfortable and lead to suspense for what will happen in the rest of the story.

• Jonas’ father describes a newchild who will now become the main character.

What does the point of view of the book help the reader understand?

• The third-person point of view equally gives the thoughts and actions of all characters.

• The first-person point of view details the relationship between Jonas' mother and father.

• The third-person point of view focuses on Jonas' opinions.

• The first-person point of view shares the father’s desire to help Jonas trust the Committee of Elders.

Which event from Chapter 2 shows that Jonas is a rule follower and is surprised when other members of the community may not follow the rules like him?

• His parents talk to him about the Ceremony of Twelve

• His father looks up the name of one of the newchildren.

• Lily comes down in her nightclothes looking for her comfort object.

• His father recalls that Asher laughed at everything as a newchild.

Reread this sentence from Chapter 2. What does this dialogue reveal about the father’s thoughts regarding Jonas’ feelings about the Ceremony of 12?

[Jonas' father]: “Of course the Elders are so careful in their observations and selections.”

• The father believes Jonas’ feeling of nervousness is ridiculous.

• The father is disappointed because his son does not trust the Elders.

• The father understands Jonas’ feelings but does not know how to make him feel better.

• The father thinks Jonas does not have to worry about his Assignment.

Reread the selection from Chapter 2. In the paragraph, what does "reassured" mean?

Though he had been reassured by the talk with his parents, they hadn’t the slightest idea the assignment the Elders would be selecting for his future, or how he might feel about it when the day came.

• to change rapidly

• to show loyalty

• to understand clearly

• to feel less afraid

What does the discussion about the role of the birthmothers in Chapter 3 add to the story?

• It shows that being a birthmother is the highest honor in the community.

• It reveals that the community might not be perfect or fair for everyone.

• It shows the close relationship and love between Lily and her mother.

• It demonstrates why the father's job is so important.

Reread the selection from chapter 3 about the apple. The apple is a symbol. What does the apple represent for Jonas? (Hint: How does he feel about the apple?)

“He had held a magnifying glass to it. He had tossed it several times across the room, watching, and then rolled it around and around on his desktop, waiting for the thing to happen again.”

• The apple indicates food. Jonas will eat it.

• The apple represents curiosity and implies Jonas may be different than others.

• The apple symbolizes Jonas' relationship with Asher.

• The apple implies danger.

Reread the selection from Chapter 3. What does the word "remorse" mean?

No one had mentioned it, not even his parents, because the public announcement had been sufficient to produce the appropriate remorse. He had, of course, disposed of the apple and made his apology to the Recreation Director the next morning, before school.

• Approval

• Comfort

• Contentment

• Guilt

Reread the selection from Chapter 3. What does it mean to be "bewildered"?

Jonas thought again about the incident. He was still bewildered by it. Not by the announcement or the necessary apology; those were standard procedures; and he had deserved them --- but by the incident itself. He probably should have brought up his feelings of bewilderment that very evening when the family unit had shared their feelings of the day.

• Joyful

• Confused

• Embarrassed

• Happy