Big Little Lies

Before the story even begins, the novel suggests how problematic lying will be; it’s in the title: big, little, lies. Fittingly, the story goes on to demonstrate how even the smallest lies can have long term effects. For example, when Perry assaults Jane, he lies and gives her his cousin’s name, Saxon Banks. Compared to Perry’s other atrocities, giving a false name is a small lie. However, as the story progresses, even this small bit of misinformation causes a ripple effect. First, the lie sends Madeline down a misguided investigation. She Googles Saxon Banks and immediately hates him. Really, Saxon has done nothing wrong. The ripple effect continues and ramps up, this time with Celeste. Her opinion of her in-law falls apart, causing her grief. Even more detrimentally, Celeste excuses Perry’s abuse because she associates Jane’s assault with Saxon: “‘But you’re not as bad as him,’ she mumbled. […] Yes. That was key” (361). In the mystery of Saxon Banks, one small lie creates a domino effect of misinformed choices.

Another small lie occurs when Amabella points to Ziggy at orientation day. Late in the novel, we learn that Amabella apologizes to Ziggy for saying he bullied her.