The Ultimate Gift

Hard physical labor is the last thing Jason wants to do, yet at the end of a month of post-hole digging he takes great joy in it. Describe two reasons why Jason’s attitude changes. What does this have to do with ideas of work and meaning present in the novel?

Emily, the little girl with a fatal disease, profoundly influences Jason. What is it about her that so impresses him? How does this affect Jason’s growth as a person? What does this have to do with the 12 tasks?

Explain how Nathan teaches Jason about the value of family. Why does Jason decide that Red’s Home for Boys is the core of his new family? What does this say about the novel’s view of family?

Jason got a college degree but regarded it as trivial until he met the people of an Amazon village. What characteristic about them teaches Jason the value of education, and why? How does this reflect the novel’s larger theme of work and labor?

Explain how problems, laughter, and dreams each contribute to a person’s ability to add value to others. How is this reflected in the 12 tasks and the ultimate gift Jason receives?

How can Jason be grateful for such things as his big bank account, beautiful house, and expensive car if he receives them without effort? What does this say about the novel’s view of meaning and work?

Describe how you might convert your activities—school, work, friendships, hobbies—into ways of giving to others. Would this enhance or diminish your satisfaction with each activity, and why? How does this relate to the tasks Jason completes?

Imagine that you can plan your last day on earth so that you can express your heartfelt feelings to those you love. To whom might you wish to speak? What would you want to say to them or wish for them? What does this say about the novel’s ideas of meaning and love? How would your choices parallel what Jason learns from his tasks?