Graceling Theme of Lies and Deceit

Graceling is full of disguises, deceptions, and lies—most of them for a good cause.

Yeah, we know—it's hard to think of lies and deceit in a positive light; but more often than not in this book we find ourselves excusing the characters' duplicity by recognizing it as essential. You've probably heard the expression the ends justify the means, right? The idea being that if the end result is positive, it doesn't really matter what you do to get there. And in Graceling, that seems to be a fair amount of the time.

The disguises, deceptions, and lies are necessary… except when they aren't. And toward the end of the book we get a good reminder that when lies and deceit are bad, they're very bad—very bad. Disturbing even.

1. At one point Po says, "Don't feel too kindly toward me, Katsa. Neither of us is blameless as a friend" (12.91). Katsa, of course, has just hauled off and hit him, nearly breaking his jaw. But what has Po done to potentially injure their friendship? Considering their offenses, who do you think it would be easier to forgive and why?
2. Clark Kent. Peter Parker. Diana Prince. Bruce Wayne. All of these characters lied about their identities and abilities in order to accomplish great things. But we can't all be superheroes. Still, are there situations when it would be okay for an average, ordinary person to lie to and deceive others? Explain.
3. Leck's lies, of course, are sincerely troubling, but are there any other lies or deceptions in the book with which you find serious fault? Remember to consider self-deception. Are there any characters that deceive themselves into believing something that could be harmful?
4. Have you ever lied in order to accomplish something that was ultimately positive and beneficial? When, and how did that turn out for you?
5. What do you think of the fact that it's trying to tell the truth that ultimately gets Leck killed?

If the characters in Graceling had simply stood up to the corrupt kings from the beginning, none of their lies and deceptions would have been necessary.

Nearly every time a character tells the truth in Graceling, she or he is punished, whereas most lying results in great accomplishments or increased power. Because of this, Kristin Cashore sends the message to her readers that lies and deceit are preferable to truth.