“Is it wrong to trust in a beautiful lie if it helps you get through life?” (Toews, A Complicated Kindness 324)
With this quote, Toews expects the reader to finally understand Nomi’s philosophy on life. She makes it a point for the reader to wrap their minds around Nomi’s thoughts and actions, and to comprehend her psyche.
This is one of the last lines in the novel, and a crucial one in the development of theme and morals. The reader reflects on Nomi’s past encounters, her reactions and approaches toward issues at hand, and her complete persona.
Nomi leaves the reader wondering about their own definitions of a “beautiful lie”. She sheds insight on the subject of truth in life and how trusting in the truth may bring more harm than good. Nomi hoped with all her heart that her mother and sister would come home so that they could all be a family once more. She found herself believing in this “beautiful lie” to get by.
It is finally understood why Nomi acts the way she does. Toews decides that Nomi should say this line at the end of the novel to provide readers with the realization of the meaning of truth. What was thought to be pathetic, sickly carefree, and insecure of Nomi was entirely misconstrued. She simply wanted to believe in a lie because it made her happy. This lie gave her hope of a better future, and helped her through her daily life.
This quote was chosen to mirror one of the main themes in the novel – the pursuit of happiness. It explains how a lie doesn’t always bring harm. Maybe a lie can bring joy to a person. Maybe it’s the truth that can hurt. Toews proves that truth doesn’t always bring happiness, doesn’t always enlighten and it certainly doesn’t always make things right.
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2 comments:
A splendid analysis and wrap up of the novel.
Two points: Avoid the use of personal pronouns such as "we"; and use the present tense when referring to a novel, unless referring to events pre-story.
Thanks Mz. C! Advice duly noted!
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