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The Pillars of Society 15
It seems to be the psychology of a lie that it
can never stand alone. Consul Bernick is com
pelled to weave a network of lies to sustain his
foundation. In the disguise of a good husband,
he upbraids, nags, and tortures his wife on the
slightest provocation. In the mask of a devoted
father, he tyrannizes and bullies his only child as
only a despot used to being obeyed can do. Un
der the cloak of a benevolent citizen he buys up
public land for his own profit. Posing as a true
Christian, he even goes so far as to jeopardize
human life. Because of business considerations
he sends The Indian Girl, an unseaworthy, rotten
vessel, on a voyage, although he is assured
by one of his most capable and faithful workers
that the ship cannot make the journey, that it is
sure to go down. But Consul Bernick is a pillar
of society; he needs the respect and good will of
his fellow citizens. He must go from precipice
to precipice, to keep up appearances.
Lona alone sees the abyss facing him, and tells
him :
"
What does it matter whether such a so
ciety is supported or not? What is it that passes
current here? Lies and shams nothing else.
Here are you, the first man in the town, living in
wealth and pride, in power and honor, you, who
have set the brand of crime upon an innocent
man." She might have added, many innocent
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