"The Lie" Essay

The Easy Way Out

Can you honestly confess that you have never told a lie? If yes, you have most likely just told your “first” lie. Unfortunately, everyone has told a lie no matter what the story is behind it. But have you ever told a lie which ends up ruining your family’s line of tradition? Now there are few people that can truthfully answer that question as yes. Eli Remenzel, the main character in “The Lie” written by Kurt Vonnegut Junior can be, if not the only, one of the few that can answer that question yes. This short story contains an excellent moral that can save someone from trouble. Eli was looking for the easy way out by telling his lie, but sometimes the easy way out comes with a consequence.
There are many different types of lies that come with different consequences. But the worst consequence is the guilt you get after your lie is discovered. Convincing citizens to prevent lying would be an easy job, but would they come through? New technology is being invented everyday to make our lives easier, which at the same time is making us lazier. It is not only making our bodies lazier, but our minds as well. It is like our minds have been hypnotized by today’s technology to take the easy way out. That is why lying is so hard to prevent these days. A lie is obviously the easy way out in a bad situation, but sometimes before someone lies they don’t think about the outcome that could occur days, months, or years later. Technology and lying have changed our society in so many ways it is unimaginable, which is what is told in “The Lie”. This comedic short story is a great example for the world to see about the outcomes of lies.
A comedy begins with normalcy, as “The Lie” did while Eli and his father were driving to his new boarding school. Next a conflict arises when the reader finds out that Eli ripped up his grades so his parent wouldn’t find out that he was flunking. Then the conflict is released when Then the conflict is released when the truth is discovered, “I tore his letter up.” Said Eli.” The conflict is then resolved when Eli’s parents understand because they put him under so much pressure. Then their lives return to normalcy as they go back home and not worry about this boarding school ever again. This story is not only a comedic short story but it is also a man vs. man short story.
This short story is man vs. man in two different ways. Eli’s lie is the reason for this theme because he is lying to both his parents and himself. “If I were you,” she said to Eli, “I’d be so excited I could hardly stand it.” His parents were clearly very proud and excited for him. But he physically lied to his parents about his grades and mentally lied to himself about the kind of person he is. Eli’s parents were very disappointed about Eli’s decision to lie, and Eli was mad at himself that he let himself do this. He knew that was not the person he really is, but a simple lie can change your thoughts. This man vs. man short story is an excellent example of not only being honest to people around you, but to yourself as well.
The easy way out is tempting sometimes, but comes along with terrible outcomes. Lying is one of those easy escapes that are very attempting to use when in a situation, as Eli did. A simple lie can ruin important relationships that will be needed later in life. Preventing use of lies is one of the many subjects our society has to attempt to begin using. You may not be able to get the world to stop choosing the easy way out, but you can surely make a small step towards it by convincing yourself not to first.

No More Mister Nice Guy Response

In the UpFront magazing I read an article talking about changing Mickey Mouses appearance. They say that because of kids texting and technology they don't relate to the old, innocent Mickey. They are guessing that a more fiestier and mischievious Mickey would attract more teenagers these days, I honestly disagree. Mickey has been famous for his sweet voice and nice acts so why change him? Teenagers are not into Mickey Mouse anymore but the younger kids most definately are. Mickey has his own show that kids adore and he is kind of like a fiction role model to them. So if they take the original Mickey away they will lose even more interest from the younger kids who truly adore him.