Class Notes for Chapter 1-4

  1. 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”
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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)