In Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver, Rosemary was a young girl who was selected to be the Receiver of Memory before Jonas. She was the daughter of the Giver, the previous Receiver of Memory. Rosemary’s story is a tragic one, as she was unable to handle the emotional weight and pain that came with the memories she received.
Rosemary was given memories of both joy and pain, but the painful memories overwhelmed her. She struggled with the intense emotions and eventually requested to be released, which in the context of the community meant euthanasia. Her release had a profound impact on the Giver, who was deeply affected by her death. This event also led to changes in the community’s rules, ensuring that the Receiver of Memory would not be released in the future.
Rosemary’s story serves as a cautionary tale within the novel, highlighting the dangers of suppressing emotions and the importance of experiencing both joy and pain in life. Her brief tenure as the Receiver of Memory underscores the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role, and her ultimate fate adds a layer of tragedy to the narrative.