Class Notes for Chapter 1-4
Class Notes for Chapter 1-4
- What do you think of Jonas’ community?
- very exact and precise; everything is planned and organized (age groups, rituals, routines, ceremonies)
- everyone is identical; there is no individuality. People are monotone.
- Many decisions are made for you, like job and family
- there are many weird rituals, like the sharing of feelings at dinner
- families are not biological and the number of children is controlled/prescribed (one male, one female)
- information is shared and mistakes are called out publicly on the loudspeaker
- is there no color? no animals?
- children are grouped by ages and there are age-related ceremonies
- lots of rules and the rules are very strict and seem to demand perfection
- citizens are uneducated about certain topics (e.g., animals) OR very, very sheltered
- citizens excel at language skills
- people are extremely polite and formal
- everyone plays a role in society
- social classes still exist (e.g., night vs. day workers)
- people are confined to the community
- society seems very safe, people are overprotected
- people are “released”
- What are your initial impression of Release?
- leaving or being kicked out of the community into the “wild”
- removal from the perfect community to an imperfect (dystopian) community
- death/euthanasia
- government cover-up
- What are some examples of foreshadowing – what hints does Lowry give about upcoming events?
- the apple changing
- pills given to control the Stirrings
- Jonas doesn’t volunteer in just one place –suspense about what job he will get
- suspense around the Ceremony of Twelve, especially Jonas’ feelings about it
- Gabriel is “special” (underdeveloped but given extra care and attention)
- Jonas’ eyes are a rare color
- no one knows what animals are
- precision of language – so careful about finding the right words
- Why is “precision of language” so important in Jonas’ community?
- focus on language and “correct” usage of words
- Asher’s apology to his class and his incorrect use of “distraught”
- Jonas’ feelings about the Ceremony of Twelve:
- frightened
- excited
- apprehensive!!
- Society demands you say exactly what you mean (no sarcasm, hyperbole, or figurative language –very literal)
- constant correction – mistakes are not allowed
- well-mannered society
- aversion to words that are “too strong” (e.g., when sharing feelings)