Dishonesty

Lies and dishonesty are prominent motifs in the novel, and the narrative uses these motifs as a way of exploring the destructive nature of such habits. For example, Felix largely functions as an embodiment of these motifs. One of the first things that the reader learns about Felix is that he has a habit of casually telling lies to strangers. The narrator states in narration, “We had once been in on it together, or at least I’d thought we had” (17). In other words, the narrator eventually learns that she is simply another victim of Felix’s habitual dishonesty. The novel does not necessarily dwell on the motivations for dishonesty, but instead gives more focus to the wanton and deleterious nature of lying. Consistent dishonesty makes it impossible for people to truly know or understand each other, as it is inimical to emotional vulnerability.

Felix’s...