Assumptions

Hendricks and Pekkanen provide an argument in this novel that making assumptions about any given situation is dangerous because it can cause a person to react incorrectly to that situation. For instance, Shields believes that Jess will undermine her ethical code for money, an assumption that turns out to be wrong. In the same way, Jess assumes that because Shields has made her promise to be honest, that Shields will return that honesty. In another instance, Jess carried a good deal of guilt because she assumed that Becky’s brain injury was all her fault.

Based on Jess’ answers to the questions presented in the morality study, Shields assumes that she will be able to manipulate Jess with the promise of money. While Jess does need money because she lives on a low income and her family is struggling with medical expenses because of Becky’s...