Arrogance: Connecting Fiction to Non

The Lie, written by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., is a story that stands as a mirror to reflect the ugly image of a condescending faction obsessed with grades and numbers, not actual learning. Even though it took place years ago, the sickening mind frames still exist in some of today’s people. They are namely the “elite group” or middle to upper class families. In the story, Doctor Remenzel is obsessed with Eli having a high standard of excellence, Eli getting special treatment because he is part of the higher group, and for those reasons, Eli is ashamed of himself, and terrified of telling his father and mother that he failed the entrance examinations. All of these things are examples of what happens in the arrogant sub culture which exists today.

During the beginning of the story, Doctor Remenzel is obsessed with the idea of his son Eli looking good. An example of this would be when Doctor Remenzel meets his friend Tom on the way to the school. “Doctor Remenzel pointed to the chaos of the back of Eli’s head; beamed that his news was the same.” The word beamed, and the whole fact that the Doctor had to point out that his son was too going there implies that he is proud and wants to show him off. A comment that Doctor Remenzel makes that implies his son is “better” than others is when referring to another person getting in, he makes the remark of, “If he’s smart enough.” The Doctor is obviously saying that Eli is much smarter than some.

This relates to the condescending faction because the parents of these children brag and feel the need to tell many people of their children’s accomplishments. Of course most parents are proud of their children, but sometimes they go too far. Once a parent begins bragging and telling everyone of their child’s progress, the child feels pressured and obligated to meet, or even exceed their accomplishments each time. This can put a lot of stress on a child. Doctor Remenzel seems selfish when he does such things. He is only thinking of himself, and how Eli’s getting into Whitehill School will reflect how much of a “good parent” he has been.

Another flaw of Doctor Remenzel that mirrors flaws in the condescending faction is the idea that Eli should get special treatment merely because he is of the “elite” or “higher” group. This does not show in the story until the end. In fact, the Doctor completely contradicts himself the entire time. Sylvia Remenzel is first to bring up the idea of giving Eli any sort of special behavior. Doctor Remenzel harshly declines the idea. An example of this would be when Doctor Remenzel says, “’Let me tell you in no uncertain terms…you are not to ask for anything special for Eli—not anything.’” The end of the story is when the doctor does just the opposite. Once he finds out Eli did not make it in, he thinks he can get Eli in by talking to the Board of Overseers, who happen to be friends of his or his father’s. Doctor Remenzel believes Eli should be automatically accepted just because he is a Remenzel, and once the chain is broken, no other Remenzels can attend the Whitehill School. An example of his thoughts would be when he says, “There’s a majority of the Board of Overseers in this room at this very moment… If there’s room for all these other people, there’s darn well room for Eli too.” It is both sad and pathetic that Doctor Remenzel’s pride is so great that he believes his reputation would be ruined if anymore of his family members were to attend or even visit Whitehill School.

The condescending faction generally has a very big ego, which is difficult to destroy. They believe no matter what the circumstances, if their child is different, then they deserve exclusive privileges. This is another selfish way of thinking. If one got special treatment because they are different, everyone would be treated elite, thus nullifying the entire idea of uniqueness. There would be no classification of “gifted”, and everyone would be the same.

The final point connecting this story to some of the people in our own selfish culture is the mere fact that Eli is terrified of telling Doctor Remenzel he failed the entrance examinations. Eli is ashamed of how his father would react, and what he would think of him. An example of Eli showing his fear is the following, “Eli had good reason for slumping, for actually hoping to die or disappear… Eli has found the awful notice in the mail and had torn it up.” This is a prime example because it shows that Eli was so frightened of becoming lower in his father’s eyes that he had to tear up the notice.

In the condescending faction, many students and children feel overly pressured to do the best. Not necessarily their best, but the best that can possibly be done. And when they fail (not reaching the very best would constitute “failing” in their case) they feel ashamed because they did not meet the expectations created by their parents or other authorities.

In conclusion the whole idea is alarming. How could anyone possibly get so egotistical and self-centered? The Lie is one prime example of how our culture has been divided and distorted. Some put their own well being into others, perhaps because of a missed opportunity, or maybe just because of their state of mind. Image, special privileges, and fear of disappointing are just some of the things that classify both the story and our sub culture. It is a wonder if we will ever stop putting so much on numbers and grades, and start focusing on what is really important: learning. The sub culture sure needs to.