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What has happened to the previous receiver who was selected in The Giver?

The Receiver who came before Jonas made a request for release that was granted.


Ironically, the previous Receiver was the Giver's own daughter, Rosemary, whom he loved; he lost her ten years ago. At first, she was very enthusiastic about her new role, and he gave her weeks of happy memories, memories that made her laugh in delight. But, she knew that she would have to have difficult memories; it was her responsibility. So, although the Giver did not impose physical pain upon her, he did give her loss and loneliness as he transferred the memory of a child who is taken from his parents. "She appeared stunned by this one,"the Giver tells Jonas.



The Giver continues, "I backed off, gave her more little delights. But, everything changed, once she knew about pain. I could see it in her eyes."



Still, she insisted that the Giver not spare her; she said it was her duty, and she was right. Nevertheless, the Giver could not bring himself to give her physical pain. But he gave her many types of anguish, such as poverty, hunger, and loneliness. 
Finally, one afternoon, they finished for the day. The Giver tried to end positively by giving Rosemary something cheerful and happy. "But the times of laughter were gone by then," he tells Jonas. Rosemary stood up, came to the Giver, and kissed his cheek. Later, the Giver learned that she was released.

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