Question

As you read The Giver, did you think of Jonas as a hero? At what point did he seem heroic to you, if at all? You may answer these questions differently than other readers of the novel, and that’s okay.

Silhouette of a boy and a girl both reading a book with a sunset sky in the background.
Think about the most important events in The Giver, and try to identify at least one scene that matches up with a stage or event in the hero’s journey. Locate your file containing this module’s journal assignment, paste the prompt below at the end of the document, and label the entry with this lesson’s title. Then, type a response to the prompt.

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Journal
Describe a scene from The Giver that helps support the claim that the novel is a story about a hero on a quest. If you think The Giver is not that kind of story, describe a scene that makes the plot seem different from a hero’s journey.

When you have written a complete and detailed answer to the journal prompt, save the file so that you can open it again for the next lesson with a journal assignment. (You will submit your journal to your teacher for grading once or twice during the module.)

Answer 1

In The Giver, Jonas can be seen as a hero as he embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his community and the world beyond. One scene that supports this claim is when Jonas decides to leave the community and sets out on a dangerous journey to find Elsewhere. He faces numerous obstacles along the way, such as extreme weather conditions and a lack of food and water. However, despite the challenges, Jonas remains determined to complete his mission and discover the truth.

This scene can be seen as part of the hero's journey, specifically the stage of "the road of trials" where the hero faces various challenges and obstacles in their quest. Jonas must overcome these challenges and stay focused on his goal, even when it seems impossible.

Overall, The Giver can be seen as a hero's journey as Jonas sets out on a quest to discover the truth and save his community. His bravery and determination make him a hero, even if his journey is not a traditional one.