The Lie

The Lie is one of Vonnegut's most intriguing stories. Which is more dangerous—a lie told in self-defense or a lie which is lived? Young Eli Remenzel is expected to attend the school founded by his family but has failed the entrance exams. Afraid of family disapproval, he destroyed the letter which carried the bad news and is being taken by his influential father to register for his first term. When his father, secure in his position as financial benefactor to the school, learns that his son has not been accepted, he reverses his moral attitude and attempts to use his influence to overturn the decision. A lie told in fear and a lie lived. The beauty of Vonnegut's story is the feeling that both father and son will survive the situation and that their relationship may, in fact, be strengthened by it.