Jonas' instructions do not allow any time for recreational activities, and what is most shocking to Jonas is that some of the instructions directly contradict the rules that he has followed throughout his life. Because behavior in his community is based on respect and politeness, he has never dared to ask questions or be rude, but his instructions indicate that now he can. He is not to discuss his dreams or accept medication for pain that has to do with his training. Jonas feels scared when he thinks about the "indescribable" pain that will be inflicted upon him during his training. However, he doesn't really know what pain is, for pain is "beyond his comprehension." And he can lie. Jonas has never intentionally lied. He recalls an incident when he used the word "starving" rather than "hungry." Accused of lying, he was told that no one in the community was, or ever would be, starving. Precision of language prohibits any lying and controls inappropriate thoughts. For the first time, Jonas is faced with the possibility that his entire community could be based on a lie, and every single person could be lying. And if people are lying, then the community itself and its utopian ideals are also lies.
Along with the obvious changes in Jonas' life, such as the nameplate that is changed on his bicycle by the Maintenance Crew during the night, Lowry reveals details about the current Receiver's accommodations, called the Annex, that indicate that Jonas' life has dramatically changed and will never be the same. Jonas is surprised to find that the doors at the Annex can be locked. He is unaware of any other doors in the community that lock. Also, The Receiver's furniture is different: It has curved lines and is decorative. In all other dwellings in the community, the furniture is the same: functional. The fabrics on the current Receiver's chairs and bed are luxurious, and, to Jonas' amazement, the walls are lined from top to bottom with shelves holding thousands of books. He hadn't known that so many books existed. The only books he knew about were his school books, the training manuals, reference books, and, of course, the Book of Rules. By limiting the citizens' access to books, the Committee of Elders is able to exert control over the community. Allowing people to be exposed to different ideas, places, or characters found in books jeopardizes Sameness; books represent knowledge, which in turn represents individual freedom to make choices in life.
