To Kill a Mockingbird Group

Question:

blessme
blessme
Student
High School - 12th Grade

In regards to Chapter 22 of To Kill a Mockingbird, IS telling the truth cynical?

In Chapter 22, after commenting to Alexandra about his aunt's acoholism, Dill asks, "Telling the truth is not cynical, is it?"

Is telling the truth really cynical? If that's the case, when might telling the truth appear cynical?

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Posted by blessme on Sunday November 8, 2009 at 4:39 AM and tagged with alcoholism, aunt alexandra, chapter 22, cynicism, dill, to kill a mockingbird.

Answers:


  1. pohnpei397 Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    I would argue that telling the truth is never actually cynical.  However, I can see where it might appear to be that way in one particular kind of circumstance.

    Telling the truth could seem cynical when truth hurts an idealized view of something (like a hero) that someone holds.  That's because it would seem like it's meant to tear down idealism, which to me is the opposite of cynicism.

    Some examples:

    • Telling a kid there's no Santa Claus might seem cynical.
    • Pointing out that Thomas Jefferson wasn't such a great guy because he owned slaves and (probably) even had children with one of them.

     

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    Posted by pohnpei397 on Sunday November 8, 2009 at 7:24 AM


  2. jk180 Teacher
    College - Senior

    eNotes Editor

    It may be worthwhile, too, to look at the character who says this. According to a number of sources, Dill is a stand-in for Truman Capote. In my (admittedly limited) understanding of Capote, he seems to cultivate a aesthete-like standard of conduct. Like Oscar Wilde before him, he can present half-serious quips such as the one you've quoted.

    See. for example, a previous discussion of Dill's lies.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/q-and-a/kill-...

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    Posted by jk180 on Sunday November 8, 2009 at 12:25 PM