THEME IN THE GIVER THEME Watch the video

THEME IN THE GIVER

THEME Watch the video and complete the following: 1. Describe this video in one word. 2. Describe this video in one sentence. 3. What message did you get from this video?

THEME The general idea or insight about life that a work of literature reveals Do not confuse theme with subject; a subject can usually be expressed in a few words, whereas theme is the message that the writer wishes to convey (or make known) about that subject. Themes are universal, meaning they repeat often through various literatures.

THEME IN THE GIVER Working individually, write three possible THEME STATEMENTS Discuss Choose the best ONE and write three REASONS why you feel this is the best theme for the novel, The Giver. Remember the do’s and don’ts of theme… Themes do NOT include any characters (a theme statement can be interchangeable with other novels/movies/plays) Themes are NOT one word! Themes are an OPINION. You must be able to support your theme statement with evidence from the novel.

A 1 THEMES Things aren’t always what they seem. It is always important to take risks for what is right. (Brandon Morris) Everything comes at a cost, even perfection. (Samantha) There’s no such thing as a perfect world; there always flaws. Don’t blindly follow your society; question things. (Tyler D. ) You can’t always get what you want. (Tarik) Some rules are meant to be broken. (Ashley) Our society is not perfect; with our flaws comes our humanity. (Mikhael)

A 2 THEMES Taking risks saves lives (Maura) Knowledge changes your mindset (Nolly) Ignorance is bliss (Leila) Wisdom comes from experience (Erin) Something good can come from something bad (Dylan, Gabe & Brianne) Not everyone is happy in a perfect world (Brianne and Lois) Knowledge comes with a price (Leila) Life should not always be pleasurable (Gabe)

A 3 THEME Pain comes with pleasure (Alicya) You can’t know pleasure if you haven’t experienced pain (Alicya modified) Nobody/nothing is perfect (Jason) There’s more to life than being trapped in perfection (Summer) The truth can hurt (Alicya) There’s always a screw-up in the makeshift of perfect (AJ A. ) Everything comes at a price (Alicya) You’re not always being told to do the right thing (Jason) Perfection is an illusion (Alicya) There’s no hiding from the past (Kris) Do not be afraid to stand up against what is wrong (Kris) Sometimes the most terrible things are actually right in front of you (Conrad)

B 1 THEMES Knowledge is power (Brian) Maturing is the best thing in life (Matt) The small things in life mean the most (Kiana) For all light there is darkness (Miles) Realizing the truth now is better than realizing it later on (or never (Athena) Having the freedom to make our own choices is a privilege (Kimmie) Everyone has the right for freedom (Chris J. ) Freedom isn’t free (Brian) Change is never impossible (Dia) It’s ok to question authority (Miles) Experiencing life is worth the risks (Kimmie)

B 2 THEMES Perfect can never happen (Alex C) Love is powerful thing (Anthony) Rules are made to be broken/challenged (Ryan) Nothing is perfect (Emma) Don’t be afraid to venture forth into the unknown (Devin) Be yourself; don’t let society change you (Jose) The world you live in is not always what you expect it to be (Nassandra) No pain, no gain (Nick A. ) Thinking for yourself is one of the best things you can do (Audrey) Choice is a great thing and without it, we lose what makes us individuals (AJ H. ) The truth can hurt (Alex) Individuality makes you who you are (Tiara) Where there is pain, there is pleasure (Sayrend) Ignorance is both bliss and a curse (Liam) You are the one to decide your fate, not the others around you (Rick) Sometimes going by your own rules is the better option (Ryan) What you are told/grow up with, isn’t always right (Audrey) Knowledge is power; without it we cannot become who we are meant to be (AJ H. ) Pushing forward keeps you stronger (Nick N. ) Society can never fully control people (Emma) Let your emotions run free; you’re never going to know what’s going to happen (DZ)

INTRODUCTIONS The Giver, written by Lois Lowry (1993), is an _____ novel where a ----- (generic statement; ex: where a twelve year old boy named Jonas learns the truth of his society). Jonas struggles with many conflicts which keeps the reader engaged in the plot. The are many underlying themes in The Giver making it an appropriate book for eighth grade students who are going through many of the same things that the main character does. While often challenged by adults, this book is an important one that needs to be read and understood.