Themes

We've discussed "theme" as the big ideas that the author is trying to convey to the reader; theme is the message that you are to take away from the reading when you are finished. The theme of a novel is usually one that we can apply to our own lives.

What do you think that the author was trying to say through the story in The Giver?

How does it inform what you think about your own life?

Have you learned anything new about the world? others? yourself?

The Blog

For me, this has been an interesting way to keep the discussion going beyond the walls of the classroom. I've especially liked sitting back, resisting the urge to answer a question, and watch other people volunteer their ideas. I like the idea of using the blog to continue talking about different topics with the sophomores of Montessori. I'm curious about what you think. Please post reflective comments about the process of participating in an online conversation.

The End

What do you think happens to Jonas and Gabe at the end of The Giver? To the community?

Jonas's Escape Plan

Question: Do you think that Jonas's escape is intended to help Jonas, the community, or both? Explain your thinking (based on the text).

You may start discussing this here by clicking on the "comments" link.

Blog Reminders

1) You may post by clicking on "anonymous," however you need to sign your name to your post to receive credit for posting.

2) Please read what other people have written so that you may respond to other people's comments.

3) Feel free to start new conversations, ask questions, and try out new ideas. Take risks in your thinking!

4) Get started by viewing the comments on The Giver below.

The Giver

Let's discuss the book here...
some interesting questions that we have discussed are related to the idea of individual vs. society. Although we all seem to agree that we would not want "sameness," the arguments to be made for a society without violence, war, competition, crime, etc. are strong. On page 111, the Giver talks about when the Committee of Elders sought advice about families having more than two children. The Giver advised against it after bringing back the memory of starvation an warfare due to overpopulation. Maybe if we were poor and hungry we'd be more inclined toward the idea of a "utopia." What do you think?