The Ways We Lie
By: Kaitlyn Joong & Michael Waldron
Important Quotes
Quote1: “Four lies in the course of a day, none of which I felt the least
bit guilty about.”
Explanation: This quote came after the narrator went through a
list of lies that she told throughout the course of the day, and
none of which she felt any remorse for. The importance of this
sentence is that it sets up one of the major themes of the essay,
which is that people lie every day, and it is just a part of life. In
this sentence, the narrator is admitting that she is a compulsive
liar, but all of the lies that she admitted too were none that we
(the audience) do not commit on a daily basis ourselves. The lies
she told were not severe or dangerous to anyone (that she knows
of), and all they did was make her life a little bit easier for her.
Therefore, since these lies did not appear to harm anyone, she
has to remorse for telling them.
Quote 2:”We exaggerate, we minimize, we avoid confrontation, we
spare people’s feelings, we conveniently forget, we keep secrets, we justify
lying to the big-guy institution.”
Explanation: In other words, people lie for different reason. The
controlling idea of this sentence is that people lie to make life
easier for themselves, and they do so in a variety of different
ways. People lie about the actual course of events in a story or
recollection, they lie to protect others, they omit certain pieces of
information, and then they try to justify it. All in all, people lie
all the time, and not all of them are as obvious and blatant as a
flat out deception. Also, not all lies are told with the intention to
inflict harm. However, one cannot argue with the problem that
no matter what type of lie is used, it is utilized with the intention
to deceive another person, and that is difficult to justify.
SOAPSTone
Speaker: Stephanie
Ericcson
Occasion: An essay
published in Utne Reader
in 1992.
Audience: The general
public (since everyone
lies).
Purpose: To inform the
audience of the
numerous lies that people
use on a daily basis.
Subject: The types of lies
people tell.
Tone: Informal
THE LOREM IPSUMS
SPRING 2016
Quotes continued
Quote 3: “Sure I lie, but it doesn’t hurt anything. Or does it?”
Important Themes
Theme 1: Different Lies for different
occasions.
In this essay, the narrator goes
through the extended list of lies that we
as humans use on a daily basis. One
reoccurring theme in this list was that
each lie applied to a different life
scenario. For instance, if one merely
wants to avoid an uncomfortable
situation or a confrontation, such as
going out to lunch with a friend, the liar
may use a “white lie” to talk their way
out of the situation. Another type of lie
known as a “groupthink” lie may be
applied by an individual who finds them
self in a group and prefers to express
loyalty to the group and its choices
instead of this individual’s own values.
In the essay, for each particular type of
lie, the narrator provided an example and
explanation to when each lie should be
applied, showing that each of these lies
had particular usages intended for them,
however, a few lies can often overlap on
a particular situation.
Explanation: This sentence is recognizing the fact that no
matter how small or insignificant a lie is, it may have
unexpected repercussions. When one person lies, the other
person is deceived, and if the person lied to discovers this
deception, it could put a heavy strain on the relationship
between the two individuals. The narrator also recognizes the
fact that justifying lying makes a person no better then a
“corporate robber” or a “slick politician”, meaning that
although their intentions and goals may be different, their
actions are the same. One also must recognize the fact that a
liar is often plagued by guilt, which can only be cured by
revealing the truth, which has consequences in of itself. Of
course, one also must recognize the fact that when one person
lies, another person looses. Meaning that one person (the one
being lied to) is often tricked or manipulated to benefit the
liar, which makes them the “looser” of the scenario. Thus,
although lying can make life easier for a person at times, it
almost always is followed by repercussions.
Theme 2: Lying is a part of life.
In the essay, the narrator clearly specified that every
human being tell a lie at some point or another. The narrator
does not say that this is a disgraceful aspect of being human,
but instead that it is a part of life. Humans lie for a variety of
reasons, and not all of them are to inflict harm or pain on
someone else. Often, a lie is told to spare the feelings of a
person one cares about, or they are told for the intent of
making life or a story sound more interesting. Either way,
with the multitude of lies available at human disposal, it is
nearly impossible to not use at least one, even if by accident.
Telling the occasional lie also does not degrade a person to
being considered “dishonest”, as the narrator says, because at
one point or another everyone has to lie. Thus, one can see
that lying is a part of being human, and that does not always
make lying bad or evil, it only makes it a part of living.
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THE LOREM IPSUMS
Rhetorical Structure
Logos
SPRING 2016
Ethos
The author uses logos throughout the essay to
prove that all of her points about lying are valid. First,
The essay begins with a brief anecdote of the
the author uses the dictionary definition of a lie to state
narrator’s typical day. In this anecdote, the author
the overall idea of what a lie is, and then she proceeds to
establishes the fact that she, like everyone else, tells a long
delve into the topic and discuss each particular type of
list of lies throughout the course of a day in order to make
lie. The author begins each topic with a quote that
her life easier. By doing so, the author establishes her
supports her stance on a particular topic and makes her
credibility by proving that she is not perfect and she is
argument seem more valid. Then she defines each lie as
comparable to every other human being in her
actions. She then uses her credibility to talk to relate to
best as she can, and then backs up each description with
the audience instead of condemn them as if she is
an example to make it more relatable, proving that she
superior in her morals to them.
does in fact know what she is talking about.
Pathos
The author makes various appeals to the audience’s
another person. In each of her examples, the author
emotions throughout the essay. Starting with her brief
presents real life circumstances that the audience can
anecdote about her daily lies, the author begins to make the
relate to, and therefore many people do feel a pang of
audience feel more relatable to the topic at hand. She then
guilt or regret if she states and example of a lie that they
uses rhetorical questions to make the audience question what
may have personally committed.
lies they have told and how they may have indirectly hurt
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THE LOREM IPSUMS
SPRING 2016
Organization / Structure
Syntax
The author begins the essay with a brief
anecdote and a few rhetorical questions, then
she moves on to discuss each type of lie. For
each subject, she begins with a quote, then
moves on to define the type of lie she will
discuss.
This is followed by a specific
example of that type of lie. The author then
ends the essay with a few more general
statements about lying and a few rhetorical
questions and quotes.
Diction
For the most part, the diction is informal
and collective. The author refrained from being
pedantic or scholarly, and instead used mainly
commonplace and easily understood words. The
main aspect of diction she used was the collective
“we” and the personal “I” voice to show that
everyone lies and everyone knows exactly what
she is talking about. It also makes the essay more
personal and reflective for both the audience and
the author.
Rhetorical Questions
Thematic Characterization:
Ethics & Morals
For the most part, the rhetorical
questions are utilized in the beginning and end
of the essay. They are mainly used a way to
make both the audience and author reflect on all
of the lies they have told and the consequences
of them. These questions are specifically
designed to capture the audience’s attention and
make them relate to the topic
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THE LOREM IPSUMS
SPRING 2016
The World Of Doublespeak
Important Quotes
SOAPSTone
Speaker: William Lutz
Occasion: First Chapter
in Lutz’s book,
Doublespeak
Audience: The general
population
Purpose: To inform the
audience of the usages of
doublespeak and how to
recognize it
Subject: Doublespeak (a
form of lying)
Tone: Informative
Quote1: “Doublespeak is language that pretends to communicate but
really doesn’t.”
Explanation: In other words, doublespeak is language that is
used to mislead an individual. Doublespeak is basically another
form of lying that exists when one uses certain word choices that
distort the true meaning of a statement. When one uses
doublespeak, it appears as though they are just rewording a true
statement. In actuality, they may be manipulating the truth in
order to deceive other individuals into believing what they want
them to think. Thus, not only does this sentence state the
definition of doublespeak, it also sets up the argument for the
potential dangers of its usage.
Quote 2: “It is language that makes the bad seem good, the negative
appear positive, the unpleasant appear attractive or at least tolerable.”
Explanation: This quote further delves into what the meaning
and usage of doublespeak is. It basically states that doublespeak
has the ability to completely change how one interprets a
statement without altering the fundamental truths of a fact. It
can make a bad situation or statement seem less appalling or
even at times make something evil appear good. That is what
makes doublespeak incredibly dangerous to the uninformed.
They may not be able to realize that the person using
doublespeak is not only using fancy and confusing rhetoric, they
are actually manipulating both information and the audience in
order to benefit them self in some way.
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Rhetorical Structure
Logos
Ethos
The author uses numerous examples of
logos throughout the essay. Mainly, the uses
logos through his specific examples of when
certain organizations, such as the U.S.
government, use doublespeak against the public.
Throughout the essay, the author mainly uses
factual examples in a satirical way, and by
doing so, he adds to the logic of his own
audience by comically pointing out the flaws in
other people’s reasoning.
In this essay, the author establishes his credibility
by being an active campaigner against misleading and
irresponsible language. In 1996, he also received the
George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to
Honesty and Clarity in Public Language. Throughout the
essay, the author provides further credibility by
explaining how to spot doublespeak, the different kinds of
doublespeak, and the dangers of them. He in detail
answers all questions the reader my have.
Pathos
In the essay, the author’s primary appeals
author effectively points out the times that the general
towards the audience’s pathos are towards there
public has been blatantly lied to through the use of
feelings of anger and mistrust of the government as
doublespeak, and this is intended to anger people. The
well as many other people who normally take
author also insights fear into the audience by pointing out
advantage of doublespeak and use it against the
the times that the government has mislead people and this
general public. By stating specific examples, the
often makes people fearful of the governments actions.
Organization / Structure
Syntax
Diction
The author starts the essay with
hypothetical
examples
with
sarcastic
explanations in quotation marks. The use of
quotation marks is further used to continue
sarcastic remarks throughout the piece. The
author then continues to define then explain
in detail what doublespeak is and how to spot
the four kinds of it. In each kind of
doublespeak explanation, each having its own
paragraph gives examples to further explain it.
He then finishes the essay by explaining the
dangers of doublespeak. The author ends the
essay using the collective “we”.
Throughout the essay, the author
maintains a scholarly diction. His choice
of diction showed his extensive
knowledge on language specifically
doublespeak. He also uses the collective
“we” in the final paragraph to show unity
in the fight to detect doublespeak in
everyday conversation as well as
arguments.
Rhetorical Questions
The author utilizes rhetorical questioning
specifically in the paragraphs how to spot
doublespeak and the dangers of doublespeak. For
example he asks, “How can you spot
doublespeak?” then follows to answer it in detail.
He also uses rhetorical questions telling his
readers to ask themselves questions to help them
identify if doublespeak language appears in
conversation. The author further uses rhetorical
questions to convey a sarcastic tone.
Thematic Characterization:
Morals & Ethics
Why I Went to the Woods
Important Quotes
SOAPSTone
Quote1: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to
front only the essential facts of life . . . discover that I had not lived” pg.
644
Speaker: Henry David
Thoreau
Explanation: Thoreau introduces the topic and develops his tone
for the rest of the essay by starting his piece with this sentence.
He wanted to get away from the fast-paced, materialistic society.
He believed that by removing himself from society and going
into the woods to live a simple life. This simple life he tried so
hard to convince his readers to follow consisted of growing one’s
own food and subsistent living. Thoreau wished to get the most
from his life by focusing less on materialistic goals, rather spend
time reading, writing, and time to think. He is explaining why he
went into the woods; to make time for nature and discover what
he can do with the free time to do what he loves.
Occasion: Excerpted
from the second chapter
of Walden explaining
why he “went into the
woods”
Quote 2: “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!” pg. 645
Explanation: This use of repetition by Thoreau signifies the
importance and central topic of his piece. He is stressing the need
for everyone to life simple lives in nature, away from the various
distractions and materialistic world. He follows this call for
simplicity by giving various examples on how to do so. Thoreau
wants everyone to not waste moments of his or her lives and
time by being “asleep” in routine. In essence, he is rejecting the
use of technology as well as he repeats the need of simplicity.
Audience: The general
population, specifically
those who do not live in
simplicity
Purpose: To show how
little we really need to
live our lives, to have an
appreciation for what are
truly essential, and to
have a respect for the
natural world
Subject: To live in
Simplicity, Nature
Tone: Preachy and
Pedantic
Rhetorical Structure
Logos
Ethos
The author uses numerous examples of
logos throughout the essay. Mainly, the uses
logos through his specific examples of when
certain organizations, such as the U.S.
government, use doublespeak against the public.
Throughout the essay, the author mainly uses
factual examples in a satirical way, and by
doing so, he adds to the logic of his own
audience by comically pointing out the flaws in
other people’s reasoning.
Thoreau establishes his ethos, or credibility by
demonstrating his knowledge of the simple lifestyle
because he explains how he has been living it. His
confidence in his diction and ability to convey logical
examples to support his ideas such as allusions to the
German Confederacy, God, and more. He effectively
conveys his message to uplift his ethos.
Pathos
Thoreau appeals to emotion
through his examples of how time is
limited. He describes, “Time is but the
stream I got afishing in… how shallow it
is.” He gives various examples of what
one must do with their lives instead of
living in a fast-pace society. In simplicity,
he gives a sense of peace and happiness.
Organization / Structure
Syntax
Thoreau begins his essay with
his own explanation of why he went to
the woods. He does so to introduce his
topic for the rest of his essay. He uses
long continuous sentences throughout
with a few simple sentences such as
“simplicity, simplicity, simplicity” for
emphasis. The uses of italics are also
used to give an emphasis on words
such as “they” and “lives”. He ends the
essay using all short sentences to
contrast the elongated sentences to give
a new tone to the essay.
Rhetorical Questions
Thoreau uses rhetorical questioning
throughout his essay. In his second
paragraph he utilizes the use of rhetorical
questioning to express his belief that life is
lived “too fast” and that the workers are
“sound sleepers” stuck in a routine. He then
continues the use of this rhetorical
questioning to capture the main idea of going
into nature and the unnecessary aspects of
life.
Thematic Characterization:
Diction
His strategic use of diction
throughout his essay emphasizes his
Transcendentalist beliefs of simplicity.
He uses words such as “shopping sea of
civilized life, “superficial”, “rigid
economy”, and more to describe
society as it is. He continuously uses
the “I” term to connect himself with his
readers to show his own personal
beliefs with specific examples to
strengthen his argument.
Imagery
Thoreau
uses
extensive
imagery throughout his essay. He
describes if we confess the truth
“burn” “flames” “burn it must”. He
also uses “mosquito wing” “”let the
bells ring” “terrible rapid” to give the
imagery of death, and when the time
comes to not be afraid if one has
lived their life living it to the best of
their ability. To live in nature and
simplicity and use ones time well.
Self- Discovery, Nature, Morals, Ethics