Write a review paper on the Nancy Johnson’s The Kindest Lie critical thinking essay.Task: Nancy Johnson’s Kindest Lie begins with a lie upon which a life (beliefs, values, customs) is
built. Interrogate the lie (and its implications) that is at the heart of this novel. What does
your investigation reveal (those same beliefs, values, customs) at the individual, familial, and
communal levels? Understand that Johnson’s novel is not simply a “black book” about “black
things.” African American lives are more than the oppression that they experience, so do your
best to avoid a “white gaze” lens that simply pathologizes Black life. Black experiences are both
American and human. Certainly, Ruth shares her own confusions, vulnerabilities, and inner-
turmoil in the journey she takes to discover not only the identity of her son but also her own
self-awareness. Every writer writes in response to problems in our society and in our world.
Whether it is a short story (such as Jackson’s “After You, My Dear Alphonse,” a news item, or—
in this case—a novel), these stories shed light on how we live our everyday lives: family,
community, education, social, political, socio-economic status, class, religion—to name a few.
In closely examining the problems and issues Johnson’s novel raises, understand that in your
essay you will “characterize” Ruth and interrogate her “lie” for what it reveals about her as an
individual as well has the “lies” that are perpetuated by her family and community. Look to
Ruth’s own questions, analyses, and conclusions as she encounters problems, seeks
understandings, comes to realizations (and there are plenty such musings throughout the
novel). On what is Nancy Johnson attempting to shed light? What can we learn from it? Why is
it important?
Note: And just in case you are tempted, please do not simply lump everything under the broad
canopy of racism (systemic oppression and other such terms). Doing so prevents “deeper dives”
into the issues and would result in a general, vague, and frankly, uninteresting analysis, and you
risk “missing the boat,” if you confine your analysis to the limits of such a lens. Do not use any
other outside sources. Use ONLY the two sources listed on the Works Cited page.
Tips For Success: Start by making a list of the implications of the “lies” told/perpetuated in the
novel and why each is important. What are the issues? Decide which issue(s) you want to delve
deeper into. DO NOT try to cover all issues. Choose something that you want to explore further
with your deep dive. We cannot properly understand Ruth without also understanding and
characterizing those around her—those who had a hand in influencing her development and
growth, so be sure to include discussions of these individuals and what they represent. With
The Kindest Lie, Johnson asks us to self-reflect—as individuals and as a society. Employ the
“close reading” and “critical analysis” skills you have practiced in this class in order to help you
dig beneath the surface of the obvious in order to build a strong (and unique) case J. What do
you see as Johnson’s critique of both individual and communal responsibilities? What have you
learned about yourself and others? Have you realized that you have made assumptions about
others that may be incorrect? Go to the reading responses you have written in order to revisit
your thoughts and conclusions. What can you build upon?
