The Giver
by: Lois Lowry
Name _________KEY____________
Literature Chapters 6-8
1. What two things did the family have to do in order for Gabriel to be allowed a second year of Nurturing?
The first thing the family had to do in order for Gabriel to be allowed a second year of Nurturing was Jonas’ father went in front of the Committee to plea on Gabriel’s behalf, so that he can be labeled uncertain. Then the family had to sign a contract saying that they would not become attached to Gabriel.
2. Contrast the Ceremony of Loss and the Murmur-of-Replacement Ceremony. What do you think was the difference between RELEASE and LOSS based on the way the community used these words?
The Ceremony of Loss is when a member of the community was accidentally “lost.” For example, the little four, Caleb, had wandered away and had accidentally fallen into the river. During the Ceremony of Loss, the community murmured the name of the lost person throughout the entire day, gradually decreasing in frequency and growing softer in volume until the child was no longer thought about again.
The Murmur of Replacement Ceremony was when the community repeated the name of the lost child for the first time since the loss. This was performed when the family received another child. The community would repeatedly say the name of the replacement child growing louder in volume.
The difference between Release and Loss was based on the way the community used these words. Loss was an accidental death. Release was intentionally removing someone from the community. It can be for various reasons (transgressions, old age, inadequate newchild, or by request).
3. Describe the discipline method for Threes. Why had Asher been punished for confusing the words “snack” and “smack”?
The discipline method for Threes was the use of the discipline wand: a thin, flexible wand that stung painfully when it was wielded. Threes received a quick smack across the hands for a minor misbehavior; three sharper smacks on the bare legs was given for a second offense. Asher had been punished for confusing the words “snack” and “smack” because precision of language was very important to the community. Being three years old, the discipline wand was used on Asher to teach him the correct word.
4. What set the Ceremony of Twelve apart from all other age ceremonies? What is Asher’s assignment? What is Fiona’s assignment?
The Ceremony of Twelve was set apart from all other age ceremonies because this was the last of the ceremonies. Twelve symbolizes the end of childhood and the beginning of adult responsibilities. Asher’s assignment was Assistant Director of Recreation. Fiona’s assignment was Caregiver of the Old.
5. Why did the community make the distinction between “selection” for Receiver of Memory and “Assignment” for all other occupations?
The community made the distinction between “selection” for Receiver of Memory and “Assignment” for all other occupations because being “selected” emphasizes the importance of the job to the community. It makes the job sound special and unique.
6. What was unusual about the appearance of the bearded Elder? What was significant about this characteristic?
What was unusual about the appearance of the bearded Elder was that he had pale eyes. What was significant about this characteristic was that we know that Jonas and Gabriel also have pale eyes. This information sets up a connection between these characters.
7. What is the cliffhanger at the end of Chapter Eight?
The cliffhanger at the end of Chapter Eight was Jonas didn’t know what the training for Receiver of Memory would be like.