The Giver and Equilibrium Comparative Assignment
** Note to parents: We are preparing to view a movie entitled Equilibrium in our English 9 class. This show
is a companion to our novel The Giver, and promotes rich discussion towards similar themes between the
novel and the movie. Although this movie is rated R by the MPAA for violence, I wanted to inform parents of
it’s use in our English class. If you are concerned in any way, please let me know and I will arrange for
alternate plans during the viewing. Thank you – Mr. Rahn **
On a single sheet of paper, create two vertical columns: The Left one will say “The Giver” and the right one
will say “Equilibrium”. Make notes of the similarities and differences between the book and movie in these
areas:
Structures 1) Protective systems against outsiders 2) Leaders\Government structure 3) Centers for
meetings/ceremonies 4) Living area for the residents - single/multi-family dwellings
Issues 1) Treatment of gender 2) Treatment of “Others” 3) Treatment of “Feeling” 4) Controlling your
destiny
Eg.
(Put Spaces after each!! – to be stapled to essay)
The Giver
Structures
Equilibrium
Structures
1. Protective systems
Protective systems
2. Leaders/Government
Leaders/Government
3. Meeting Center
Meeting Center
4. Living Area
Living Area
Issues
Issues
1. Love
Love
2. Treatment of “Others”
Treatment of “Others”
3. Treatment of “Feeling”
Treatment of “Feeling”
4. Controlling your own destiny
Controlling your own destiny
Essay Topic - In a well-constructed multi-paragraph essay of about 300-350 words, answer this
question:
“Stoicism” is a philosophy which claims that emotions (feelings) cloud one’s judgement and result in bad
decision-making. Discuss how both “The Giver” and “Equilibrium” use Stoicism in their utopian society.
Include examples from both stories to support your argument. HINT: “Stoicism” is the word for the
philosophy, and one who follows it is called a “Stoic”
The essay contains 3 paragraphs:
1) An Intro Paragraph with: a) An indirect intro sentence b) A Thesis statement – Topic sentence
including novel author and movie director. Equilibrium was produced in 2002 and directed by Kurt
Wimmer. C) A couple of transitional sentences to lead into ..
2) A Body Paragraph – Compare both stories, and use examples from your column sheet to support
your thesis statement.
3) A Concluding Paragraph: 2-3 sentences which wrap up your essay. Say something about the topic in
general or perhaps implications (consequences) of following the stoic philosophy.