Home > Topic > Dr. Larch
1 " When an orphan is depressed," wrote Wilbur Larch, " he is attracted to telling lies. A lie is at least a vigorous enterprise, it keeps you on your toes by making you suddenly responsible for what happens because of it. You must be alert to lie, and stay alert to keep your lie a secret. Orphans are not the masters of their fates; they are the last to believe you if you tell them that other people are also not in charge of theirs. When you lie, it makes you feel in charge of your life. Telling lies is very seductive to orphans. I know," Dr. Larch wrote. " I know because I tell them, too. I love to lie. When you lie, you feel as if you have cheated fate--your own, and everybody else's. "
2 " And what were the rules at St. Cloud's? What were Larch's rules? Which rules did Dr. Larch observe, which ones did he break, or replace--and with what confidence? "
― John Irving , The Cider House Rules
