Deception in Literature New

How does one write characters who are convincingly deceptive? Is writing fiction an act of deception in itself? In this course, we will explore the various shades of lying in literature, investigate why characters who lie are often more interesting than those who don’t, and identify the nuanced, precarious relationship between lying and fiction, parsing the difference between lies intended to deceive versus fictions crafted to articulate an emotional truth. 

Starting our journey with The Odyssey by Homer and moving through texts like The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, Passing by Nella Larsen, and The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, we will trace the tradition of portraying not only deceptive characters but also the rich emotional charge between the liar and deceived, as well as the change in self-perception and worldview that occurs when one recognizes oneself as someone who can be manipulated. 

Through close readings, class discussions, and writing exercises, students will learn to craft complex characters whose lies shape their identities and relationships. We will explore how deception can serve as a narrative tool to create tension, develop plot, and reveal hidden truths about both the characters and the world they inhabit. Ultimately, this course will offer a deeper understanding of how the art of lying in literature mirrors the human experience, challenging our assumptions about truth, trust, and the boundaries between fiction and reality.