Deception

A Moon for the Misbegotten examines deception. The major point of deceit in the play is when Hogan lies to Josie about Jim breaking his promise. This is an intentional act of deception. There is nothing accidental about it. In order to achieve his goal, Hogan uses everything he knows about his daughter and manipulates things accordingly so she will react exactly how he wants her to react. His motives may be noble but does that make the deception valid?

There are other points of deception throughout the play. Mike does not leave in the open. He runs away in secret. It is easier for him to avoid facing his domineering father and slink away.

Josie deceives everyone - possibly herself - about her being with many men. She is in fact a virgin, yet she has sculpted such a tale that even the men whom she rejects...