The Giver Study Guide Questions Chapters 1-23
The Giver Book Summary
The Giver by Lois Lowry is a dystopian novel set in a highly controlled, utopian-like society where pain, suffering, and individuality are eliminated. However, this apparent perfection comes at the cost of emotional depth, free will, and true humanity.
Plot Summary
The story follows Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy living in this seemingly idyllic community. At the age of twelve, children are assigned their life-long roles during a ceremony. Jonas is selected for a special and rare role: The Receiver of Memory, a position of high honor and responsibility.
Jonas begins his training with The Giver, an elderly man who holds all the memories of the past — emotions, sensations, and experiences that the rest of the society has been shielded from. As The Giver transfers these memories to Jonas, he learns about the pleasures of love, joy, and freedom but also the pain of loss, fear, and suffering.