What is the theme of the story a mother in mannville?

Even people with integrity may be less than honest in order to protect themselves, their independence, and self-worth.

Jerry wanted to feel a sense of self-worth, but knew in his heart that his fantasy of being a normal child with a normal home wasn't a reality. "Jerry, whose heart couldn't lie" (Rawlings 1). Jerry desired to attain this dream, so he told stories to make it seem more like a reality to protect his self-worth from plummeting.