Deception and Truth

Farnie's schemes, including the plagiarism incident and his borrowing of money, along with Gethryn's secretive actions, explore the consequences of lying and the value of honesty in a school community.

Farnie deceives his father to obtain extra pocket money, and Gethryn warns him about the deceptive Monk.

Pringle's plan to ghostwrite Lorimer's poem for personal gain introduces a theme of deception.

Farnie deceives Monk and Danvers about his financial status, and later uses deception to avoid roll-call.

Farnie's theft and subsequent flight are driven by his need to conceal his earlier misdeeds from Monk and the school authorities.