"Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birthmothers produce newchildren, who are assigned to appropriate family units: one male, one female, to each. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. The community is a precisely choreographed world without conflict, inequality, divorce, unemployment, injustice... or choice.

"Everyone is the same.

"Except Jonas.

"At the Ceremony of Twelve, the community's twelve-year-olds eagerly accept their predetermined Life Assignments. But Jonas is chosen for something special. He begins instruction in his life's work with a mysterious old man known only as The Giver. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test - when he must try to save someone he loves - he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?" - Citation provided below!

Through this class, students will read Lois Lowry's dystopian classic, The Giver. Through Socratic Seminar discussions, students will discuss, debate, and analyze the novel. We will focus on dystopian elements, literary elements, and analysis of the different parts of a story (character development, conflict, foreshadowing, symbolism, theme, etc.). See below for a list of topics for our class discussions!

Citation:
          Lowry, Lois. The Giver. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1993.