Final answer:
In 'The Giver', the previous Receiver, Rosemary, was unable to handle the memories and chose to end her own life. This reveals the weight and responsibility of being the Receiver and foreshadows the potential consequences for Jonas. The revelation adds depth to the central themes of the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel 'The Giver', the Giver reveals that the previous Receiver, Rosemary, was unable to handle the memories and requested to be released. The Giver explains that Rosemary's pain and sadness from the memories she received were too overwhelming for her, leading her to choose to end her own life.
This information is significant because it highlights the immense weight and responsibility that comes with being the Receiver of Memory. It also foreshadows the potential consequences of Jonas, the current Receiver, experiencing the memories of pain and suffering that the Giver transfers to him.
Overall, the revelation about the previous Receiver helps to deepen the understanding of the central themes in the novel, such as the importance of individuality, the dangers of conformity, and the power of memories.