The Giver Lesson Plan

In chapter five, Jonas has his first Stirring, or experience of sexual desire. He learns that everyone takes a pill to stop their Stirrings, or natural desires. Why do you think this is a rule? How would you react if you had to do this?

Students might talk about how sexuality is perceived to be a threat to the order of the society. If citizens were allowed to experience their sexuality, they might not accept the choice of mate that the Society makes for them. Sexuality could threaten the order that Jonas' Community has worked so hard to create. If your classroom (and district) is mature enough for such a discussion, ask students if sexuality is suppressed by their own...