The Giver

JOURNAL ENTRIES

While we are reading The Giver, you will be asked to complete journal entries. The entries will require you to provide thoughtful responses to topics discussed in class. You are responsible for completing the entries and turning them in by the end of the unit. If you are absent, you are responsible for any missed work and entries.

You must include: A colorful cover sheet

Completed Journal Entries

Your entries will be graded on: Neatness (typed or in ink)

Writing mechanics

Completeness

Journal Entry #1

A. What is your idea of a perfect community? What qualities does it have? Are you totally free to do what you want? Should you be? What kinds of things would happen if everyone could do whatever they wanted?

B. What clues are there that other communities exist? Look back in the chapter and use quotation marks and page number to identify the exact words that clue you in.

Journal Entry # 2 (after reading Chapter 2)

A. (pg. 9) Why is Jonas feeling apprehensive?

B. What are your thoughts about Jonas and his family? How are they similar/different to families that you know?

Journal Entry # 3 (after reading Chapter 3)

Describe what happens with Jonas and the apple. What importance does this have?

Journal Entry # 4 (after reading Chapters 4-5)

List 5 difference between the ‘community’ in the novel and the one in which we live. Explain how you think these differences are significant to the novel.

Journal Entry # 5 (after reading Chapter 8)

  1. What would our lives be like if we had “elders” in our community? What would YOUR assignment be, and why?
  2. At what point in someone’s life are they no longer considered to be a child?

Journal Entry # 6 (after Chapter 9)

For what reason(s) can the new Receiver lie? Who else might also be able to lie? Why do you think lying isn’t allowed in the Community?

Journal Entry #7

Make a list of things that are painful (remember, emotional pain, too). Choose the most painful and write a letter to Jonas trying to describe to him what you feel. Remember, he has no memories of any feelings.

Journal Entry # 8

What does the Giver mean when he says, “they know nothing…”

Journal Entry #9

Jonas says, “Why can’t everyone have the memories? It would seem easier if the memories were shared…we wouldn’t have to bear so much ourselves.” Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

Journal Entry # 10 (after chapter 17)

  1. What is love?? Use words, symbols, pictures, phrases to describe love.
  2. Are Jonas’s parents in love? Do they love Jonas?? If they do not understand love, are they capable of loving? Explain your answer.

(in class) Journal Entry # 11 (before reading Chapter 18)

Where do people go when they are released?

Journal Entry #12

What is your reaction to being released now? What do you think about the community now? About Jonas’s father? What do you think will happen now?

Journal Entry #13

Where do you draw the line between safety and freedom? Consider the world in which we live (surveillance cameras, security checks…) and the world in which Jonas lives…..

Journal Entry # 14

  1. There are many euphemisms in The Giver. Think of at least one and explain its significance/purpose in the novel.
  2. What are some euphemisms in our society today?? Explain your answer

** A euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or less offensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to listener; or to make it less troublesome for the speaker.**

End of Novel # 15

Describe the ending to the novel. What is your interpretation ? Why do you think Lois Lowry chose the ending to be so ambiguous? What are some different interpretations?