✍️ DECK 3 — The Giver: Writer's Techniques

What is diction?

The writer's choice of specific words. Analysing diction means looking closely at the words chosen and explaining their connotations, effect and what they reveal.

What are connotations?

The feelings, ideas or associations connected to a word beyond its literal meaning.

How do you analyse diction?

Zoom in on a specific word → explain its connotations → explain its effect on the reader/character → link to the bigger idea or theme.

What is imagery?

Descriptive language that creates a vivid picture or appeals to the senses.

What are the five senses used in sensory imagery?

Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.

Why does Lowry use vivid imagery in the memories?

It makes the memories feel vivid and real and highlights Jonas's growing perceptiveness.

What is symbolism?

When an object, colour, place or image represents a deeper idea.

What does colour symbolise in The Giver?

Colour represents difference, individuality, awareness and the possibility of choice.

What is metaphor?

A comparison where one thing is described as being another thing, without using 'like' or 'as'.

What is a simile?

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

What is personification?

Giving human qualities, actions or emotions to something non-human.

What is repetition?

Repeating a word, phrase or idea to emphasise it or make it memorable.

How is repetition used in 'back and back and back'?

The repetition emphasises the long history of the community and suggests that its traditions and rules have existed for generations.

What is contrast?

Showing differences between two ideas, characters, settings or situations to emphasise them.

What are important contrasts in The Giver?

Sameness vs individuality, safety vs freedom, happiness vs pain, community vs Elsewhere, and appearance vs reality.

What is juxtaposition?

Placing contrasting ideas, images or situations close together so their differences become more noticeable.

How is juxtaposition used in The Giver?

The peaceful appearance of the community is contrasted with disturbing realities such as release.

What is foreshadowing?

Hints or clues that suggest something that will happen later in the story.

How does Gabriel contribute to foreshadowing?

Jonas's early attachment to Gabriel prepares the reader for Jonas eventually risking himself to protect Gabriel.

What is characterisation?

The way a writer reveals and develops a character's personality, thoughts, feelings, actions and relationships.

What does STEAL stand for?

Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions and Looks.

How can speech reveal characterisation?

What a character says can reveal their beliefs, personality, emotions and attitudes.

How can thoughts reveal characterisation?

A character's thoughts reveal feelings and ideas that may not be expressed aloud.

How can actions reveal characterisation?

What a character does reveals their choices, priorities, values and development.

How can effect on others reveal characterisation?

Other characters' reactions can show how a character is viewed and how strongly they influence people.

How can looks reveal characterisation?

Facial expressions, body language and appearance can communicate emotions or personality.

Can personal history be used for characterisation?

Yes. A character's past experiences and relationships can explain their personality and behaviour in the present.

What is tone?

The attitude or feeling conveyed by the writer or speaker.

What is mood?

The emotional atmosphere created for the reader.

What is an emotive word?

A word that creates a strong emotional response or feeling.

What is an emotive phrase?

A phrase containing emotionally powerful language that helps the reader understand the strength of a feeling.

What is a rhetorical question?

A question asked for effect rather than because the speaker expects an answer.

What is alliteration?

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words.

What is onomatopoeia?

A word that imitates or suggests the sound it describes.

What is irony?

A contrast between what is expected or appears to be true and what is actually true.

How is irony present in the idea of 'release'?

The word sounds harmless or positive, but its actual reality is disturbing.

What is internal conflict?

A struggle within a character's thoughts or emotions.

What is external conflict?

A struggle between a character and another person, group, system, environment or outside force.

What is setting?

The time, place and environment in which a story occurs.

Why is setting important in The Giver?

The controlled community and natural Elsewhere reflect the conflict between safety, control, freedom and uncertainty.

What is narrative perspective?

The viewpoint from which the story is told and the information the reader receives.

How does narrative perspective affect The Giver?

Following Jonas's experiences means the reader discovers the truth and changes in the community as Jonas does.

What is structural contrast?

Using differences between events, settings or moments in the story to highlight a change or idea.

How does Lowry use structural contrast?

She contrasts Jonas's early acceptance of the community with his later rejection of it.

What is an extended metaphor?

A metaphor that continues across a longer section of a text.

What is foreshadowing used for?

It prepares the reader for later events, creates suspense and can make later events feel meaningful.

What is a motif?

A recurring image, idea, object or pattern that develops a larger theme.

What is anaphora?

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

What is hyperbole?

Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

What is euphemism?

A milder or less direct expression used instead of a more disturbing or unpleasant one.

How is euphemism important in The Giver?

The word 'release' hides the true nature of what happens, helping the community make a disturbing act sound acceptable.

What is a semantic field?

A group of words connected by a particular idea or topic.

How can a semantic field help analysis?

A repeated group of related words can create a particular atmosphere or reinforce a theme.

What is the effect of word choice?

Word choice can shape mood, reveal character, create imagery, emphasise themes and influence how the reader responds.

What is the difference between diction and imagery?

Diction focuses on the writer's specific word choices, while imagery focuses on language that creates sensory pictures or experiences.

What is the difference between tone and mood?

Tone is the attitude of the writer or speaker; mood is the feeling created in the reader.

What is the difference between contrast and juxtaposition?

Both highlight differences, but juxtaposition specifically involves placing contrasting ideas or images close together.

How should you analyse a writer's technique?

Identify the technique → give evidence → zoom in on the important word/feature → explain the effect → explain what it reveals → link back to the question/theme.

What should you avoid when analysing techniques?

Do not simply name the technique. Explain why the writer used it and what the specific language makes the reader think or feel.