The
Giver is a science fiction children’s novel written by Lois Lowry (1993). Within The
Giver, a young boy named Jonas approaches his “Ceremony of Twelve,” where
he would be given the assignment of the new Receiver (Lowry, 1993, p. 14). The new life Assignment and the insight that
it brought quickly changes Jonas’ perception of the community in which he
belongs; with his newfound knowledge as Receiver, Jonas must make a life
changing decision that could impact the community dramatically.
The
Giver is classified as a science fiction novel in which the author explores
a theoretically futuristic society influenced by scientific developments
(Galda, Cullinan, & Sipe, 2010). Lowry
(1993) created a believable and detailed world/setting that allowed the reader
to vividly imagine such occurrences within the novel. With such scientific
advances portrayed, both the writer and readers are able to contemplate the
possible consequences of the events that occurred (Galda et al., 2010). The plot and the events are consistent throughout
the novel, and are greatly influenced by the scientific advances within the
community. Science fiction novels such
as The Giver are also known for their
in-depth characterization. Each
character, whether Jonas, Mother, Father, or Asher are described in great
detail, allowing for readers to become acquainted with each individual, and his
or her contribution to society. Jonas,
however, is multidimensional, and grows throughout the story. The style of The Giver is also greatly influenced by word choice (diction) and
sentence structure (syntax); within the novel, Lowry (1993) uses phrases such
as “the Old,” “Ceremony of Twelve,” “’Jonas has been selected,’” “’…the Capacity to See Beyond,’” “’We thank you for
your childhood,’” and many more phrases to fit within the futuristic community
she created (p. 44; 45; 60; 63; 64). Lastly,
The Giver allows readers to
contemplate life within the science fiction novel, and question the
significance of memories, feelings, independence, and more (Galda et al.,
2010).
Galda et al., (2010) also discussed Lowry’s novels and
their dystopian stance. According to the
National Council of Teachers of English [NCTE] and the International Reading
Association [IRA] (2006), a dystopia is an imagined, futuristic universe “in
which oppressive societal control and the illusion of perfect society are
maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or
totalitarian control”. Dystopian societies
are often controlling, citizens are under surveillance and fear outside
communities, individuality is seen as a bad characteristic, and the society is
often thought to be a utopian society. Lastly,
the protagonist or main character may feel trapped and question the society’s
ways.
The author, Lois Lowry, wanted to be a writer since
she was a young girl (Scholastic Inc., 2013).
Writing was the subject that Lowry enjoyed the most while in
school. Lowry even called herself an introvert,
and said that as a child, she preferred to curl up and read rather than spend
time with friends. When writing became
her career, Lowry chose to write books of various styles and content, but a
theme she tended to stick to was “the importance of human connections”
(Scholastic Inc., 2013). Though the list
is quite extensive, several other of Lowry’s novels include A Summer to Die, Messenger, and Number the Stars.
For as long as I can remember, I have heard about
Lowry’s The Giver. Personally, I loved it! I ordered the book, and after 4 days, I
finished the novel and wanted to read more.
The Giver was the type of book
that made me feel what the characters were feeling; for example, when Jonas was
waiting for his Assignment, my heart was racing and I could not read fast
enough to find out what happened. This
book would be appropriate for 5th-7th graders, and I wish that I would have read this book when
I was young, and preferably at the age of 11; at this age, I could have questioned
what Assignment I would have been given, and if such a society would have been
right for me. After considering this
question, I think that I would have been assigned to an Instructor
(teacher).
Below are 2 motivational activities and reader response
questions that would be beneficial for students within the classroom:
1.
The first activity would be a writing
assignment in which students would write which Assignment he or she should be
assigned to by the Committee of Elders. Assignments
for the Twelves include Birthmother, Nurturer, Caretaker of the Old, Story
Teller, Laborer, Doctor, Instructor and more (Lowry, 1993). Students are to choose an assignment which he
or she feels fits him or her best.
Within the essay, students are to have an introduction, body, and
conclusion. In the body of the essay,
students need to explain why the Committee should or would pick him or her for
the Assignment. Also within the body,
students are to state which Assignment would be his or her least favorite, and
why they would not fit that Assignment.
2.
The
second assignment would be a classroom debate.
The students would be divided into 2 groups: Dystopia and Utopia. Students will support whether they think the
community in which Jonas lives is a dystopia or a utopia. Each group will be given the chance to visit
the computer lab and research either dystopia or utopia. After researching, students will take
evidence from The Giver to support
their position. With several days to
prep, the students will then engage in a friendly classroom debate. Students are to behave in a professional
manner, and are expected to be respectful to the opinions of others, and to
speak in-turn only.
Reader Response Questions:
1.
What was the author trying
to say about life and living through this book?
2.
If
you were Jonas, what would you have done towards the end of the book?
3.
If
Lowry were to write a sequel to The Giver,
what do you predict would happen next?
References
Galda,
L., Cullinan, B.E., Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the Child (7th
ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, Inc.
Lowry,
L. (1993). The Giver. New York, NY:
Random House, Inc.
NCTE
& IRA (2006). Dystopias:
Definition and Characteristics. Retrieved
from
tics.pdf
Scholastic Inc. (2013). Biography: Lois Lowry. Retrieved from
Scholastic Inc. (2013). “The Giver.” [online image]. Retrieved from
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