Benito Cereno Lies and Deceit Quotes

Melville makes it sound like Delano just isn't smart enough to tell a lie. What do you think, Shmoopers? Is skillful lying dependent on intellect?

Talk about a masterful lie. Babo is so convincing that Delano buys it, hook, line, and sinker. How much do you want to bet that Babo had cut Cereno's neck quite a few times?

Lying almost seems like a relief to Cereno. Is this because he's placating Babo, or saving his own life? What other reasons could there be for lying to be comforting to Cereno?