In The Rules of Survival, Nikki isn't exactly a stellar mom or role model. She is constantly lying in order to get her own way, and the kids watch her trick people time and again. When she starts dating Murdoch, she's able to hide her craziness for a while, but eventually she cracks up. After Murdoch dumps her, though, Nikki takes her lying and scheming ways to a whole other level, even getting her new dude to beat her up so she can claim Murdoch attacked her. No matter the consequences, Nikki is set on lying and cheating her way through life.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- Why do you think that Murdoch sees through Nikki's lies when other guys don't? Does he always, or is there a particular moment when it becomes clear to him?
- How do Nikki's lies affect her children and how they trust other people? Use the text to support your answer.
- Why does Matthew decide to provide an alibi for Murdoch after Nikki accuses him of attacking her?
Chew on This
Nikki gets away with so much because she is an excellent liar when it comes to men. She uses her skills of deception to seduce men and get them to believe her far-fetched sob stories.
Matthew decides to call out Nikki on lying about Murdoch attacking her, not because he worries about Murdoch, but because another adult—Aunt Bobbie—finally believes him.