The Giver by Lois Lowry: Chapters 9-13

Chapter 9

1. Jonas tells himself several times that things can’t change between him and his best friend, Asher. Do you think they can? Do you think they will?
2. Why does Jonas find the final rule in his instructions, “You may lie,” so unsettling?

Chapter 10

1. What do you think it means to live in a place where no doors are ever locked?
2. Jonas says, “I thought there was only us. I thought there was only now.” Do you think that’s a good way to live?

Chapter 11

1. Can you imagine giving up such things as snow and hills because they are impractical?

Chapter 12

1. Imagine a world without color. What color would you miss most?
2. What value, if any, is there to Sameness?

Chapter 13

1. Do you agree with Jonas that people have to be protected from wrong choices?
2. As Jonas continues his training, he often finds himself angry with his group mates and his family. Why?
3. The Giver says that without memories, knowledge is meaningless. What does he mean?

Activity for Chapters 9-13: BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE

In the past three chapters, we have learned that the citizens of The Community are unable to see color. Jonas is able to see beyond and is beginning to see the color red and green. Follow the instructions below to complete this activity.

1. Pick your favorite scene from the book so far.

2. You will have to draw this scene twice.

3. The first time you draw the scene, it will be in black and white.

4. The second time you draw this scene, color everything that has color in real life.

5. After you are finished drawing and coloring your picture, write a paragraph that explains what you think is good about having color and what is bad about having color in our lives today.