How many stories about supernatural creatures have you read in which the creatures in question were totally open and honest about who they were? Dracula doesn't have a sign in his front yard announcing that a vampire lives here. Dr. Jekyll isn't like, "Allow me to introduce you to my alter ego, Mr. Hyde." And the Samsas don't exactly post pics of their cockroach son on Facebook.
There's a certain amount of deceit that comes with being a supernatural creature, but in The Golem and the Jinni, we see that this is something human beings can relate to. Everyone wants to put their best face forward, whether the truth below the surface is human, golem, jinni, or something else entirely.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- Why does the Rabbi help the Golem pretend to be human? Use the text to support your answer.
- What is the most difficult thing for the Golem to do to "pass" as human? What about the Jinni? Are there similarities between the two? Only differences?
- Why aren't the Golem and Michael honest in their marriage? How does each person deceive the other?