The Truth About Lying: Questions
1. Vocabulary: Define the following words
Assailing
Compulsively
Concede
Contradictory
Intrigues
Mellifluous
Presumptuous
Supersede
Triangulation
Unsolicited
2. What do you think about the title? What is its significance in context of the essay?
3. What literary device is used in the title of the essay?
4. “…Saying nice things to someone doesn’t cost anything” is a counter argument is Viorst’s section of
“Social Lies”; however her friend believes otherwise.
a. What does he say?
b. What is the connotation of his statement?
c. What is ironic about his “silence” and what is your opinion of it?
5. Viorst “admits” to lying many times throughout the article. Why is this interesting in context of the
meaning or purpose of this essay?
6. She says in the “Peace-Keeping Lies” section that when she tells this kind of lie, she feels she is
“dodging responsibility, [she] feel[s] … guilty.” Where does guilt come from? How is guilt developed
and who determines the presence of guilt in an individual and/or in society?
7.
a. Is lying courageous or cruel? What makes this question a challenging one?
b. Under peace-keeping lies, Dave and Elaine have a debate: who is correct? Why is it a tricky
question?
8. “I used to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing every dumb thing you ever did
to your husband… Have I changed my mind!” Explain how Laura’s reaction speaks to the concept of
lying.
9. Explain the word “just”. How can lies be “just”? What decides what is “just”?
10. She talks about playing God in the essay; what are your feelings on this issue, and how does it
present itself in society? What two concepts does she connect to the notion of “playing God”? Where
else is this seen?
11. “…We can never be sure once we start to juggle lies, just where they’ll land…” What literary device
is being used here?
12. Explain how your feelings may change as you read the example used in the “Trust-Keeping Lies”
section.
a. What is the ultimate conflict that the friends face? ________________ vs. __________________
b. Answer all the author’s questions in this section.
c. Why do the questions become more and more difficult to answer?
13. What literary device is used when she states, “What about you”, at points throughout the essay?
14. “You can’t regain the trust that lies lose?” What literary device is being used? What does it mean in
context of the essay?
15. What is the thesis of the essay?