Reply To: Honesty vs popularity

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January 23, 2025 at 7:35 am #33363

I enjoyed rereading the entire chapter from which this quote from Ephraim was taken. It is part of Martha and Ephraim’s conversation when she returns home from viewing the body of Joshua Burgess where she gives her judgement that he was murdered, a judgement disputed by Dr. Page. Ephraim tells Martha she has “charmed” Amos Pollard who is working up the courage to court Hannah to which Martha protests that she is “miles away from charm.” She recognizes Ephraim is trying to lighten the mood, to make it easier for her to tell him what she has seen and said.

Martha also recognizes the truth of Ephraim’s comments. She is respected because she is honest even in the face of conflict. Martha has and will choose honesty even as she fears that one of her sons may have been involved in the death of Burgess. Both Ephraim and Martha realize what may come and what it will demand of them. They recognize that the price of honesty may be more than Martha’s popularity among the people of Hallowell.

I think Martha’s answer to honesty vs popularity is clear and she is ready for the cost. It can be very difficult sometimes to confront that choice. It is not always an obvious or clear cut choice. Popularity is more nuanced than the idea of being well-regarded. Being welcomed and included, at work, in one’s social circle or community, is a pretty basic need. And honesty may mean more than stating the facts correctly. If it means speaking one’s truth or speaking at all, the costs can look pretty steep. I hope I would choose honesty. In some ways this is a timely discussion given the social and political challenges we face.

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