The Giver: Chapters 1-5 summarized

Idealized Utopia

A community or society that is conceived to be perfect and without problems.

Ceremony of Twelve

A significant event in which children are assigned their life assignments as they turn twelve years old.

Nurturer

A role in the community responsible for taking care of babies.

Telling of Feelings

A mandatory practice where families discuss their feelings every night.

Release

A term used in the community for a disgraceful punishment or for the process of letting go of individuals deemed unnecessary.

Comfort Objects

Items, often stuffed animals, given to children for emotional comfort.

Stirrings

Dreams or feelings of desire experienced during adolescence, requiring individuals to take daily pills to suppress them.

Volunteer Work

Mandated activity for children aged 8-11 to explore potential career paths.

Birthmother

A role in the community that is only valued for a short period of time (three years) for producing children.

Elderly Release Ceremony

A celebration of an elder's life that occurs at the time of their release from the community.