The Giver

Book Projects

Choice #1 - A written response to the ending of the novel

Many people are dissatisfied with the ending ofThe Giver because it does not provide a definite explanation as to what happened? Did they die? Did they make it to Elsewhere? Did something else occur? You tell us. In a well organized essay, explain the ending ofThe Giver as you understand it.

The final product should look like this:

I. Summarize the ending as it is in the book.
II. State what you think is happening. Use any relevant evidence from the book to support your opinion of what is occurring at the end of the book.
IV. What objections might people have to your theory? Do they have a point? How might you respond to other ideas or theories?

Choice #2 - Role Play

With your classmates, role-play any of the following hypothetical scenes:

  • Father and Mother try to locate Jonas and Gabe on the day of their disappearance
  • The Giver comforts panicked citizens of the community
  • Jonas speaks to the inhabitants of one of the houses where brightly-colored lights twinkle in the window.
  • Ten years after their escape, Jonas attempts to describe the community to Gabe

*Play must be 3-5 minutes in length

*Written script must be turned in

*Dialogue must be accurate, in regards to the novel

*Props/simple costumes are encouraged.

*You must be well rehearsed—you are graded on both written script and actual performance

Choice #3 – The creation of your own utopian society

Jonas lived in a utopian society. Everything seemed to be perfect. You will create your own Utopia. Either on a poster, tri-fold stand up poster, or a booklet you will present your vision of a utopian society. The following criteria must be addressed: (all questions should be considered, but do not necessarily need to be answered individually).

A. Government and Values
In your perfect world, what would be the ideal form of government?
Who will be in charge and make decisions for your community?
How will the leader(s) be chosen? How long will they serve?
What do the people in your community value most? (You are founding ______because you want to live in a community where people are ...) Briefly describe five important values of your community.
B. Family:
In your perfect world what would be the ideal family?
How will families be formed? Who will decide who marries whom and who has children? How many children will be allowed in each family?
Who will care for the children? Who will take care of the elderly? Where? How?
Think of at least one original family ritual that all families of your community will observe (like celebrating Christmas with presents and a tree).
C. Education and Careers:
In your perfect world what would be the ideal way to learn?
Describe your school or place of education. What age will students pursue their education? Describe the building (or location). What will be taught, with what tools, and by whom? Will girls and boys be treated differently?
Who chooses what career each member of the community will pursue and how is it chosen?
How long must citizens have the same job?
4. Technology/Location:

Describe the level of technology for your community. Will your community have futuristic technology or go back to simpler times?
What methods of transportation will be used?
What about communication?
What will be your community’s source of energy?
Describe your community layout and location. (For example: Our community will be one large building … located on an island in the Pacific Ocean.)