How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"[Edith] provided only as much information as you needed to meet the goals of our experiments," says David. "And in many cases, that meant oversimplifying, omitting, and even outright falsehood." (15.4-15.5)
So many plot points in this book arise from lies. However, if Edith had told the truth—that the people of Chicago are genetic experiments—would they still have tried to leave? Would things have been as (relatively) peaceful as they were?
Quote #8
"[Tori] gave her life defending us," Tris says with surprising gentleness. "Without her, none of us would have made it out." (18.42)
We're not sure if Tris knows she's lying here or not. All Tori did was run into a patrol, accidentally get shot, and die. There was no heroism involved. Is Tris lying to herself, or is she just giving Tori's brother, George, an enhanced version of what happened so he won't be as sad about his sister's death?
Quote #9
[Edith] delivered a skillful manipulation in that video, which was intended to keep us contained and dedicated to the vision of the Bureau. […] I wonder if Edith Prior believed her own words, or if she just said them because she had to. (22.98)
This is a good question. Was Edith lying voluntarily? If she had been lied to, she could have believed the lies and just passed them along. Is that the same as lying deliberately?