The lies and deceit that occur in Sold are underhanded and often lies of omission. In fact, the lies are often found in what is unsaid. For instance, Lakshmi's never really told what work she will do until she is in not in a position to say no.
But the lies don't end there. At Happiness House, deception becomes more complicated. There are Mumtaz's lies to Lakshmi about her debt and to Anita about the nature of Americans; and there are the ways in which Lakshmi and the other girls (and Harish) deceive themselves to make their situations more livable. We're stuck wondering which lies are unforgiveable and which lies help the girls in the house survive, because one thing's for certain: not all lies are created equal in this book.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- What is the worst lie told to Lakshmi in the novel and why? Who tells it to her?
- Are any of the lies and deceit in the novel unexpected? Why or why not?
- In what ways does Lakshmi deceive herself about her chances of escaping Happiness House and why might she do this?
- What are the consequences of lies and deception in the novel, if any, and what does McCormick want to imply with these consequences?
Chew on This
Lakshmi must lie to herself to maintain her identity.
Mumtaz's lies to the girls are a kindness.