The Poor Relation's Story by Charles Dickens

   After reading the story, I did not comprehend the deep meaning and grand scheme provided by Dickens. In fact, I did not understand why Dickens worte such an intricate story. However, thanks to the study essay written by Professor Mamoru Kadota, I understood the story very well and was amazed at Dickens grand design.

The story develops this way:

1.    The protagonist first tells a story which sounds true but it is embedded with a few skillful lies.

2.    He suddenly denies the story by saying “The story I have so far told you is a lie.”

3.    He then proceeds to tell a second story that sounds true, but this is again a lie, a bigger lie, that is 180 degrees opposite to what really takes place around him. The story, however, describes how his dream has come true.

4.    In the end he finishes his story with a punch line that tells his second story is also a lie.

     　　The writer is behind the scene and manipulates the protagonist AND the readers. The readers will wonder what is true and what is fake. This true-or-fake story is up to date reflecting the present world full of fake news