Importance of Words

Whether it is telling a person that he is loved, talking about one’s past, or dealing with politics in Communist Russia, Hannah provides a variety of examples of why words are important. Words are used to convey emotions and acceptance, just like they can convey disapproval and rejection. When a person does use words to convey his feelings or his life’s story, it is difficult for others to understand that person, as demonstrated by Meredith and Nina’s difficulties with their mother.

Even though Meredith is not sure if Anya is completely sane when she gives her advice, Meredith knows that her mother is right when she tells Meredith that she needs to tell Jeff that she loves him. Meredith considers what her mother has said and tries to remember “When had she last said those precious words to Jeff?” (103). There are...