The GiverBy Lois Lowry

English 9Daily JournalNotesChoices Activity

Today is Monday, 26 November 2012

What is a Utopian Society?

If you were given the chance to recreate society to create a Utopia, what factors are essential to making this a successful reality?

Daily Journal

Author: Lois LowryGenre: Science FictionSetting: Futuristic Society, where choices

have been eliminated for its citizens. Utopia

1. The Giver Notes

Characters: Jonas- The main character of the novel. He is

11/12 year old and must choose between a world of “sameness” or one of joy, pain, and surprises after he is assigned the job of The Receiver.

Lily- 7/8 year old sister of Jonas Asher- Jonas’ best friend. Assigned the role of

Director of Recreation. Fiona- A friend to Jonas and she is assigned the

role of Caretaker of the Old. The Giver- Was the community’s Receiver, however,

now he has become The Giver as he trains Jonas in his new assignment.

Gabriel- An infant Jonas’ father brings home in hopes of helping him before he is released from the community.

Themes- the overarching idea or issue the author is trying to make through the characters and situations in the story. Making Choices- As Jonas completes his

training for his new Assignment as The Receiver, he is faced with several choices.

The Importance of Memory- This is one of the most important themes in the novel. Members of the community must decide the importance of memory to human life.

Individuality- Throughout the novel, Jonas must decide if “sameness” is more important and beneficial to human life than being an individual (being who you are).

Classifying: Making Choices.

On a separate sheet of paper, brainstorm things you do every day.

List as many things as you can. (at least 20)

2. Choices Activity

Classify each activity on your list as either1) Completely your choice,2)You have some choice, or 3)You have no choice in the

matter

You will share your answers with the class.

Completely your choice

You have some choice

You have no choice in the matter