The Other Side of Truth - Essay

For the past few classes, we've been working on our English essays. With evidence from the novel The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo, we were to write a persuasive essay on the following prompts; it is okay to lie if it is to protect someone you love OR you must lie no matter the price. Both points are arguable, however, I chose to write about it is okay to lie if it is to protect someone you love. Here it is...

Accepting Lying

Emma Chickles

The reality is that everyone has lied at least once. Some people are against dishonesty, nonetheless, the truth has brought conflicts to numerous people. Lying has been thought of as a sin, however, it can be used reasonably. The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo expresses the dangers of authorities of Nigeria, causing Sade and Femi to seek refuge in London. It is acceptable to lie if the purpose behind the lie was to protect. This will be illustrated by how lying can protect others, and how lying can protect one’s self.

Dishonesty can protect others in a variety of ways. Situations could occur when giving information about others is being demanded of. If this information is given away to strangers (or even the authorities in extreme cases), it would most likely put those whom the information is about in danger. If alike situations occur, lying is necessary. “What if the police in England sent the information to the police in Nigeria?” (Naidoo 82) - this was one of Sade’s thoughts as she was being interrogated. If she had given out the information about her family to the authorities, her family could have been in danger. It is arguable that lying to the authorities is unacceptable, regardless, if the truth had been stated, it could have brought an even higher price. Sade’s father was on bad terms with the authorities in Nigeria because he told the truth. Giving away private information, about others, or one’s self, can put more than those one loves in danger.

Besides protecting others, lying can protect one’s self.

“‘How do you know Doctor Solaja? Is he a friend - or a relative?’.

‘He’s our-’ Femi began.

‘Friend - a friend of the family,’ Sade interrupted” (Naidoo 60).

In the quote above, if Femi had admitted that Doctor Solaja was their uncle - their relative - Sade and Femi would have been taken to the police because it would be evident that they would have information regarding Doctor Solaja. If that had happened, the police would have found out that they had been illegally smuggled into London, on that occasion they could’ve been arrested. Sade had realized this certainty and spoke dishonestly. One has been taught to be honest, in spite of that, there is further importance to keep safe. It is evident that lying can protect yourself.

Would you lie if it was to protect those you care about, or yourself? From the novel, The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo, it is evident that lying can protect one’s family, friends and one’s self. Lying has changed the positions of numerous people today. Although, some people do believe that one must tell the truth no matter what. Even though lying shouldn’t be used frequently, lying is the best option to protect one’s self or people one loves.