The narrator describes the young boy's mother as being "a simple soul, incapable of lying, even when it is for her own good". Do you think this is a good quality or a bad quality? Is it ever ok to lie? Justify your answer.

I think that as we get older and the world gets darker and more complicated, moral absolutes become problematic. There are many instances when lying is wrong but necessary. One may lie to save others from torment and pain. Consider a mother being told that her son died in the war. Even though he died a brutal and painful death, it might be better to tell the mother that her son died instantly to saver her further torment and pain. I think, however, that this question is looking for your opinion rather than mine.