Welcome
Whether you’re reading The Giver with a book club, a class, or just a friend, these questions will help you dig into Lois Lowry’s book.
There are twelve questions in five groups. The first four groups avoid the ending, and the last group is full of spoilers, so I’ll warn you before we get there.
The Community
Question one. Why does the community value sameness so much? Would you call it kind, cruel, or both?
Question two. Think about the rules, like the daily apology, the assigned spouses, and the lifelong jobs. Which rule would be hardest for you to live with, and why do people accept so many small limits without asking questions?
Question three. The community has no color, no music, and no memory of the past. What do people gain, and what do they lose?
Jonas
Question four. Jonas is twelve when the book begins. How does his age shape his choices? Would an adult in his place have acted the same way?
Question five. At the start, Jonas says he feels frightened, and then decides the word is wrong. Why is he so careful about words, and how does his language change as he receives more memories?
Memory and Pain
Question six. The Giver gives Jonas memories of snow, color, music, and love, and also of pain and war. Which memory would you most want to receive, and which would you want to avoid?
Question seven. Lowry suggests that joy and pain come together. Do you agree? Could a world without pain also have real happiness?
Question eight. Is it fair that one person carries all the memories for everyone else? What does that say about the cost of comfort?
The Giver
Question nine. The Giver is kind to Jonas, but he has carried a heavy secret for years. Was he right to carry it alone? What would you have done in his place?
Spoiler Questions
Now a warning. These last questions give away the ending, so if you haven’t finished the book, pause here.
Question ten. What do you think happens to Jonas and Gabriel at the end? Is the sled ride hopeful, tragic, or both?
Question eleven. Why does Lowry leave the ending open? Would a clear answer have made the book better, or worse?
Question twelve. When Jonas leaves, his memories are meant to return to the community. Do you think the people would be ready for them?
Wrap Up
If your group only has time for one question, pick this one: what does the book say about the price of safety?
Share your answers in the comments, and thanks for reading along. See you next time.
