In The Body of Christopher Creed, truth isn't just about not lying, it's about learning the best ways of living, and being a true friend. In a town filled with people who like to tell themselves half-truths, Torey becomes obsessed with looking the whole truth in the eye, whether he's assessing the kinds of people his popular crew friends are or trying to wrap his mind around the enigma that is Bo. He takes good hard looks at himself time and again, though we're not quite sure he ultimately gives himself the whole truth and nothing but. We'll leave that one up to you.
Questions About Truth
- What qualifies as truth to Torey? Does his definition change throughout the book? If so, when and why?
- How is truth treated by the residents of Steepleton? Does everyone have pretty much the same relationship to it? Do different groups have different takes on truth?
- Who is supposed to tell the truth according to Torey? Do they all do so? Who doesn't? Why don't they?
- What does Torey discover about truth?
- Does Torey ever tell himself the whole truth about who he is and how he acts in the world?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Truth equals power in this book, so people hold tight to it in order to maintain control.
Torey is never completely honest with himself, as evidenced by his treatment of Leo.