Integrity

Integrity, as Naomi says, is “the bedrock of everything we do” (343). This is true in academia, as Naomi means this statement, but it is also true in one’s relationship to other people, to oneself, and to the narratorial and readerly relationship. The necessity of integrity in academia drives the plot of The Devil and Webster. Nicholas Gall’s plagiarism, a betrayal of academic integrity, leads to the denial of his bid for tenure, which prompts the student protest that later becomes the Webster Dissent. Omar’s false persona, Omar Khayal rather than the real Eduardo Sombra, is also a breach of academic integrity, as Webster College admitted the fictive Omar with a full scholarship, thus bringing the entire college admissions process into question. Francine’s own misuse of Webster College’s trust in her integrity leads to her ultimate dismissal from her position as dean...