Lies and Survival

Lies play an intricate (yet crucial) role within The Man in the High Castle. Although lies are embedded everywhere in the text, the introductions of each character present significant lies that largely effect their individual characterizations.

At the beginning of novel, the reader meets Robert Childan--the owner of American Artistic Handcrafts. Childan lies while he conducts business; he puts on a fake facade to greet customers and pretends to be interested in their lives and culture. In reality, Childan has resentment towards his buyers. Childan concealment of his ethnocentrism plays a large role in this story; when he shows the truthful pride for his culture and his people through defending Edfrank's Jewelry, the reader sees a change in Childan's attitudes towards this post-WWII world and his role in society.

The reader immediately learns that Frank Frink (Fink) is Jewish with his introduction. Frank's whole identity intertwined in one huge lie; in a post-axis-winning war, it is illegal to be Jewish. In order to survive, Frank must function with a new, fake identity. When his true identity is reveled, Frank's life is in serve jeopardy and the reader believes that he faces certain death. In this instance, one lie makes the difference between life and death.

Lies are also intertwined with the relationships of main characters. Specifically, Mr. Tagomi relationship with Mr. Baynes, another main character, is a complete lie. Although Mr. Tagomi believes Mr. Baynes to be a Swede business partner, Mr. Barnes in reality is a Jewish spy looking to communicate with the Japanese forces. Fostering this lying relationship means that the Japanese are prepared for a potential potent German attack--one that would shake the careful balance of power in this post-war world.

Juliana Frink's relationship with Joe, the driver, is an equally important lie. Joe conceals his true identity to take advantage of Juliana's appealing looks. In turn, Juliana is the key to Joe's plan to murder Hawthrone. When Joe's true identity is revealed, the plan is completely unraveled and ultimately leads to Joe's death.

Overall, all these lies speak volumes about life in a post-WWII distopia. For each character, lies are essential to survive. Whether lies are used to conduct business, push political agendas, or live in an un-accepting culture, deception helps to promote life rather than end it. Without these lies, we see each character’s life begin to change and in many times, for the worst.