Fourteen years ago, Robert Feldman of the University of Massachusetts conducted a study; he found that people lie two to three times in a ten-minute conversation. At this rate, a person would tell about 18 lies in the span of 1 hour or 216 times in 12 hours (Feldman). That was in 2002, and it would be no surprise if those numbers have sky-rocketed since then. “The Ways We Lie”, by Stephanie Ericsson, is an essay that first appeared as a cover article in 1993 in the January issue of the Utne Reader. Ericsson uses this essay to describe various lies, how lies are told, and the role lies play in peoples’ lives. In his 2011 romantic comedy film, Something Borrowed, director Luke Greenfield develops a story that shows how lies can affect lives through…show more content… Ericsson expresses the academic tone by using credible sources and the use of a definition. She writes, “Webster’s definition of lie is specific: 1. a false statement or action especially made with the intent to deceive; 2. anything that gives or is meant to give a false impression” (121). She uses a great variation of personal and academic language throughout the essay. She conveys a personal tone through the use of an anecdote: “[I told] four lies in the course of a day, none of which I felt the least bit guilty about” (120). This allows the reader to connect and admit that he or she is a liar because of Ericsson’s willingness to admit that she is a liar. On the other hand, Something Borrowed takes advantage of music and clothes to show a familiar, conversational tone. The opening scene is the best example of this. “Shake It” by Lil’ Wendy is played in the background while middle-aged women enter a downtown bar. This song is extremely upbeat which starts the movie off fast and interesting. The women entering are wearing revealing, provocative clothing. The use of this flashy type of clothing shows the casualty of the movie because they are examples of the common images seen throughout a day (Something Borrowed). Regardless of the different tones used, “The Ways We Lie” and Something Borrowed appeal to their individual audiences in effective
