In her novel "Expensive People," Joyce Carol Oates explores the themes of deception and truth through the lens of societal expectations and personal identity. The quote, "When there is no longer any point in lying, no one will lie," suggests that lies are often a response to external pressures or the need for acceptance. Oates implies that once these pressures diminish, honesty becomes the default mode of existence. This reflection on honesty raises questions about the nature of individual motivations in a world rife with social facades.

The narrative in "Expensive People" delves into the complexities of personal behavior, revealing how the characters navigate their realities amidst a landscape filled with lies. Oates crafts a world where the struggle between authenticity and pretense is central to human experience. Through her character's journeys, the reader is prompted to consider what it means to be truthful, and under what circumstances people choose to mislead themselves and others. This resonates with the core idea of the quote, emphasizing the profound impact of context on the truthfulness of individuals.