2. Describe the old Receiver of Memory

Rosemary was the last person selected to be Receiver of Memories, some ten years ago. After five weeks, distressed by the painful memories passed on by The Giver, she had gone to the Chief of Elders and requested Release (forbidden in Jonas's rules, but not in hers). On her demise, the five weeks' worth of memories had come back to the people, causing them much anguish. The outcome is remembered as a terrible failure.

In Chapter 20 The Giver tells Jonas, in a dramatic declaration, that Rosemary was his daughter. Whether he means this figuratively or literally is another matter readers will decide for themselves.