Deceit

The theme of deceit is one of the most prevalent themes in the book. It begins with the cover up of the death of Peter Middleton and continues until the end of the book. Micky has to resort to deceit to cover his expenses at school and does so by stealing and cheating at cards. Peter Middleton knows he stole the coins from the schoolmaster and is killed by Micky to silence him. Micky does not want to return to Cordova and uses Edward and the death of Peter as a way into the Pilaster family and English society.

Micky also deceives Tonio by making him believe that he is a good friend while he is ruining him. He cheats at cards to make Tonio lose and owe Edward more than he can ever repay. He then arranges a public confrontation that humiliates Tonio so he leaves London...