The Arrogance of The Lie by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

The Arrogance of The Lie

The Lie, written by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., is a story that stands as a mirror to reflect the ugly image of a condescending faction obsessed with grades and numbers, not actual learning. Even though it took place years ago, the sickening mind frames still exist in some of today’s people. They are namely the “elite group” or middle to upper class families. In the story, Doctor Remenzel is obsessed with Eli having a high standard of excellence, Eli getting special treatment because he is part of the higher group, and for those reasons, Eli is ashamed of himself, and terrified of telling his father and mother that he failed the entrance examinations. All of these things are examples of what happens in the arrogant sub culture which exists today.

During the beginning of the story, Doctor Remenzel is obsessed with the idea of his son Eli looking good. An example of this would be when Doctor Remenzel meets his friend Tom on the way to the school. “Doctor Remenzel pointed to the chaos of the back of Eli’s head; beamed that his news was the same.” The word beamed, and the whole fact that the Doctor had to point out that his son was too going there implies that he is proud and wants to show him off. A comment that Doctor Remenzel makes that implies his son is “better” than others is when referring to another person getting in, he makes the remark of, “If he’s smart enough.” The Doctor is obviously saying that Eli is much smarter than some.

This relates to the condescending faction because the parents of these...

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...d constitute “failing” in their case) they feel ashamed because they did not meet the expectations created by their parents or other authorities.

In conclusion the whole idea is alarming. How could anyone possibly get so egotistical and self-centered? The Lie is one prime example of how our culture has been divided and distorted. Some put their own well being into others, perhaps because of a missed opportunity, or maybe just because of their state of mind. Image, special privileges, and fear of disappointing are just some of the things that classify both the story and our sub culture. It is a wonder if we will ever stop putting so much on numbers and grades, and start focusing on what is really important: learning. The sub culture sure needs to.