The Truth In Chinua Avi's Nothing But The Truth

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The book Nothing But The Truth demonstrated ninth grader Philip Malloy of Harrison New Hampshire’s suspension as he sang the “Star Spangled Banner” during homeroom. His story spreads and eventually becomes a national news story. The book takes readers through many different perspectives and changes of characters to show the theme. Avi conveys the theme people often subjectify truth to make themselves seem superior.

One way Avi presents the theme of the novel is through change in the main characters. Originally, Miss Narwin, Phillip’s homeroom teacher, was opposed to the suspension of Phillip. In a conversation with Dr. Panelli she said, “Did you really have to suspend him?...He’s a really nice boy.” (Avi 90) Later in the book, on page 206, …show more content…

Nothing But The Truth is a book written in many different parts from teachers, students, and newscasters. Due to this, readers can see how different people tell the same story. For example, in a conversation between Philip's parents and him about Miss Narwin yelling at him, Phillip explains the incident as, “Yeah. Right. Hum. No big deal.” (Avi 53) Whereas the principal, Dr. Panelli explains Phillips punishment to his mom as, “Disturbing a class.” (Avi 84) Phillip explains his side as a less disastrous action in order to make himself look right. Dr. Panelli also tries to make himself look right by accusing Phillip in a more harsh way. Both of these character apply their opinion to the truth to make themselves look superior over one another. Miss Darwin's point of view on this event varied from the others. She was on the fence. She thought Phillip was just trying to make an incident and something must’ve been bothering him at home. She thought it was rude and distracting to the class but at the same time did not blame it on Phillip. She chose to be lenient to both sides to look superior to both opinions already presented. The different point of views presented in Nothing But The Truth evidently led to the theme of the

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