Thursday, April 22nd
• Bellwork: Euphemism
• The Giver and Gathering Blue
– Group 1: Finish!
– Group 2: Keep on trekking. You should be around
chapter 14-16 (pp. 130-154).
– Finish questions and any other work in packet that is
not done (at this point, pages 6-27 should be
finished!)
Homework: Vocab quiz tomorrow if you’re not
walking the whole period. Bring PE clothes if
you are 
Euphemism
On page 13-14 in your packet. Copy the definition, then look at the
words with a partner and write a brief definition for each. #9-11 should
be longer—two or three sentences. Take 12 minutes.
• Definition: the substitution of an agreeable or
inoffensive expression for one that may offend
or suggest something unpleasant.
• For example, instead of saying someone died,
we say they “passed away.”
• In The Giver, many words are used to cover up
or hide the true meaning.
• Discuss with a partner to answer #9-11 in a
few sentences each.
1. Release (pg. 2)
Murder of those who do not belong
2. Feelings (pg. 4)
Invasion of privacy by sharing the day’s events
3. Animals (pg. 5)
Used to describe someone who was different
4. Nurturer (pg. 7)
Someone who takes care of the children, also tests,
weighs, judges, and kills them when needed
5. Stirrings (pg. 37)
Physical, sexual desire for another person
6. Replacement Child (pg. 44)
A new child to replace one who died
7. Elsewhere (pg. 78)
A cemetery or place where the dead go, maybe
incinerator
8. Comfort Object (pg. 18)
Stuffed animal; an object used to keep kids happy
9.
How does Jonas's community use euphemism to distance itself from
the realities of their world? Be specific and provide an example
from the novel.
The most common way is their use of the word Release. The community used
the term as a taboo, yet they never site exactly what it means. They use
Release for the Old, for infants who do not develop, and for offenders. In
fact, members of the community can even apply for Release if they want
to go away. Members, in general, do not know what it means, so the
community is even hiding itself from itself.
10. How does our society use euphemism to distance the realities of
death, bodily functions, aging, etc.? Give at least two examples.
At many funerals, you hear ministers speak of death as a “coming home”
experience, assuming the deceased has gone to a better place. Often,
one may say that death is a celebration. Also, people who are old are
often termed mature.
11. What are the benefits and disadvantages to such uses of language?
Provide at least one pro and one con.
One benefit is that feelings are spared. People would get offended if people
just spoke literally about things. In many cases, euphemisms make
others feel good. However, a major disadvantage of euphemisms is that
reality gets sugar-coated. Many times, the truth needs to be stated just
as it truly is. Most people try to save feelings and not offend.