Derek Byrne Mrs. Danforth English II Period D 10/5/2014 Prompt 2 - Honesty Honesty is essential to a healthy relationship as it creates a bond of trust and truth between individuals of any nature or character. Countless works of literature and media express how honesty will prevail over dishonesty in many situations. Each situation clearly explains that despite how it seems easier to lie to avoid conflict, telling the truth will result in a more positive outcome. This outcome is the very bond that can strengthen any type of relationship. Lying to prevent hurting someone’s feelings creates a weak bond surrounded by uncertainty and distrust. Samwise Gamgee of The Lord of the Rings book series was honest and loyal to his companion Frodo, even …show more content…
Atticus always tells the truth to Scout, even at her much younger age of six years. Although the truth can be hard to hear for Scout, as it causes her to question her faith in humanity, she eventually accepts it anyway. The reason she accepts it is because she has a deep trust in her father. This trust was formed by years of complete honesty and certainty. The way Atticus tells the truth to get his message across is remarkable. He does not lie to Scout to avoid hurting her feelings or make her upset in any way. Instead, he uses metaphors and examples to help explain it to Scout. Atticus is kind is doing so and very gentle when he speaks. Using methods such as these, it is much simpler to tell someone the truth without hurting their feelings. For example, Scout once asked her father if their family was poor. Instead of saying that they are just fine and their financial situation is stable, Atticus gently explains that they really are poor. Despite the fact that Atticus is a successful lawyer, The Great Depression at the time affected many families’ financial situations across America. This was very important for Scout to know for the future ahead. It is this kind of honesty that builds such a solid relationship between the two individuals. Because of the gentle way the truth was told, there was no need to lie to avoid emotionally hurting or upsetting Scout. Afterward, Scout will look up to Atticus and turn to him with her questions, knowing that she will get the most honest answer from him. Brutal honesty can therefore be countered if the truth is told in the correct