WITHOUT MERIT
THEME: THE PLANNED LIE
"That district championship football trophy was actually the start
of my collection. From there, I'd pick up random trophies from garage
sales or thrift shops anytime something shitty happened."
(Hoover 2)
Merit uses objects to create a version of herself that is not true.
The trophy is something she displays to make others think she has
achieved something meaningful, when in reality it hides how lonely
and disconnected she feels inside.
"Just thinking about Sagan, kis*ing her like he kis*ed me today
makes me so jealous. I would bleed green if someone stabbed me."
(Hoover 32)
People get confused with Merit and her Twin sister Honor. Even in
important moments, Honor's boyfriend mixes her up with someone else
which is her own twin sister. It is not a lie she says, but a lie she
lives with, because she feels like she is living as someone she is
not and tries to hide the truth.
Character Analysis: Merit Voss
Merit is a young girl struggling with loneliness and a desire for validation. Her actions, such as collecting trophies and living with hidden truths, show her internal conflict and the masks she wears to cope with her world.
Key Lesson
People may try to make things appear real, but the truth will always remain.