In Lois Lowry's immensely popular dystopian novel, The Giver, protagonist Jonas is chosen to be the community's next "Receiver of Memory." The Receiver of Memory held a vital role in this community, for, in order to sustain peace, the community had purged itself of memories, love, and colors. The Receiver is the only community member who remembers the time before this "Sameness;" it is his or her job to use the memories of the past to help the community make wise decisions in the future.
The reason the Elders chose Jonas for this great honor (and responsibility) is that he possesses the rare capacity "to see beyond." Examples of this ability include his sensitivity, his dreams, and his limited ability to see colors (for instance, he knew that an apple was red).
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