In the book, The Giver, why was it important for the community to have someone who could "see beyond?"
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/giver/
Please read this carefully.
In the dystopian society depicted in the book "The Giver," it was important for the community to have someone who could "see beyond" because it allowed them to acquire knowledge and experience beyond what was controlled and restricted by their government. This person, known as the Receiver of Memory, was responsible for remembering and preserving the collective memories of the past, which included both positive and negative aspects of human existence.
To understand why having someone who could "see beyond" was important, let's delve into the world of "The Giver." In this community, conformity and uniformity were highly valued, resulting in the suppression of individuality and the elimination of emotional and physical pain. Memories of the past, which were deemed too burdensome for the citizens, were erased and only the Receiver of Memory held these memories.
The Receiver of Memory played a crucial role in the community for several reasons. First and foremost, having access to historical memories provided the leadership with wisdom and guidance. By understanding the mistakes and successes of the past, they could make more informed decisions and prevent the repetition of past mistakes. The Receiver served as a source of knowledge and insight, helping the community avoid pitfalls and navigate challenges.
Moreover, the Receiver's ability to perceive emotions and experiences allowed them to appreciate the full range of human emotions, from joy and love to pain and suffering. While the community aimed to eliminate suffering by eliminating memories of pain, this also resulted in a society devoid of true depth and meaning. Through the Receiver, the community could access the richness of human experience, realizing that emotions and memories, both positive and negative, are essential for personal growth and understanding.
In summary, the ability to "see beyond" was important for the community in "The Giver" because it provided them with wisdom, guidance, and a deeper understanding of human experiences. The Receiver of Memory fulfilled this role by preserving the collective memories of the past and allowing the community to access their true history, emotions, and the knowledge required to make informed decisions.