Short Fiction · Chapter
An Expensive Veracity explained
A Houston man, inspired by Sam Jones's sermons against lying, resolves to tell the absolute truth.
What happens
A Houston man, inspired by Sam Jones's sermons against lying, resolves to tell the absolute truth. His blunt honesty at breakfast offends his wife, and his harsh comment to his wealthy aunt costs him an $8,000 inheritance.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The story contrasts the social value of polite lies with the harsh consequences of brutal honesty.
Humor and Irony
The irony of the man's truth-telling leading to financial loss and social discord is central to the humor.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator recounts the story of the Houston man's costly experiment with truth-telling.
Key passages
“How are the biscuit, Henry?”
How are the biscuits, Henry?
The wife asks about the biscuits at breakfast.
“Rather heavy, and about half done.”
They are rather heavy and about half-baked.
Henry's blunt truth about the biscuits.
“Yes, you do. It's a good thing your horse has a blind bridle on, for if he got a sight of you he'd run away and break your neck.”
Yes, you do look a fright. It's fortunate your horse is wearing blinders, because if he saw you, he'd bolt and break your neck.
Henry's brutally honest response to his aunt's self-deprecating remark.