Words.

2/12/2013

Words are very powerful. They can be used as a "weapon" to create change, for power, for growth, for survival, and for ultimate success.

Why do words have so much power?
How can one effectively use their words as a weapon?
Why are spoken words more powerful that any other "weapon" in the world?

Are words used as a weapon in the novel? How and by whom?

28 Comments

Christeena

2/13/2013 07:18:54 am

There's a saying that is "Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt me". I do not believe in this saying at all. There have been plenty of times where someone has said something to me and it hurt badly. I think words have so much power because of the way a person may use them. The tone in their voice or it may be the truth that was said. It almost feels like you were slapped across the face but through voice. Words are more powerful because everyone has emotions. That one little thing you say could ruin that person's day or maybe for a longer period of time. Sometimes, if the person keeps hearing these hurtful words, it can lead to more drastic things..
I think words are being used as a weapon in the novel because of the Jim Crow Laws. Atticus has said that he won't defend his client all the way because of discrimination and from all of the things people have been saying.

Cara Kirn

2/17/2013 07:52:12 am

I agree completely with you. That saying isnt really that good of a saying anyway. How many times have we heard of people getting bullied and them not being able to take the bullying anymore so they kill themselves?

Ms. Moore

2/19/2013 11:13:47 am

I agree. Words certainly can pack a mean punch when used to harm. As someone who was bullied growing up, I always used to say "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will ALWAYS hurt me." Now, as an old lady, I can honestly say that things do get better.

And while words are often used to harm... they have also been used to help, to heal and to celebrate!!!! :)

Bobby Noonan

2/28/2013 09:57:24 pm

I agree completely with what you are saying. That's saying is completely false because words will affect us even if we for think so. I also don think tht everyone doesnt realize the power that our words have. Some may say something jokingly but the other person may take a huge offense to it. We all need to watch what we say so that we don't hurt anyone . Mr. grande always said "build tem up don't tear them down"

Ian VanGenderen

3/5/2013 07:10:45 am

Very good thinking Mr. Noonan I agree with you here...for once. Words stick with a person forever whereas fighting/weapons will fade away after a while.

Emily Disharoon

3/17/2013 09:15:57 am

I agree with you christeena. There are people bullied everyday just by words and they are still getting hurt from it. And it does depend on the person behing the words to get the true meaning out of it.

Emily Todd

2/16/2013 12:17:58 am

Words have leverage and power behind them only because of the person who says them. I someone throws their opinions and words around, nobody will pay much attention to what they have to say. If someone tends to not say much, more value will be attributed to their words. Words can't be taken back. Once they are said, they are heard.
In the story, many people would listen to what Boo has to say because he says so little. Boo could possibly use this tool as a weapon. He would be listened to if he spoke out against society. But if Scout complains or makes a stand, it is much less notable because she is already outspoken.
One can effectively use their words as a weapon by choosing their words wisely and carefully. If you have a serious, wise demeanor, your speech will have a sharper point to hurt others.
Mrs. Dubose uses words as a weapon, but they have a blunt edge. Her words have little impact because the person behind them is frail and old. She uses them to often, so they have little meaning.

Ms. Moore

2/19/2013 11:15:48 am

Good point Emily, words do lose some of their power once they are repeated again... and again...and again.

Abigail Thomas

3/12/2013 11:19:35 am

I agree. Once words are said, there is no taking them back. Well said.

Marissa Bratten

3/11/2013 08:30:17 am

I agree because she is right words only have a powerful meaning if the person saying them wants to be heard. But when a person is constantly talking all the time most of their words are never heard because most words they say have no meaning. Atleast not a meaning that is as powerful as others.

Vanessa

2/18/2013 02:03:51 am

Are words used as a weapon in the novel? How and by whom?
While complements are flattering and can make you feel good about yourself temporarily, negative words have a lasting impression on you and can change your attitude towards someone (or even yourself) forever. That's why words can be so powerful, especially as a weapon. When someone says something condescending or insulting to you, it often can hurt far more than any physical attack. Everyone has emotions, whether they choose to express them or not, so words are the easiest most effective weapon that someone can use. You don't have to be bigger or stronger to be able to bring someone down, and that's why many might say that spoken words are more powerful than any other weapon in the world. Many characters in this novel use words as a weapon. For example, Francis says condescending things about Atticus and his children that hurt Scout so much that she can no longer contain her anger. He uses a tone so demeaning that the words aren't even what get to her, it's how he says them.

Ms. Moore

2/19/2013 11:20:32 am

The spoken word is a very powerful tool, I agree Vanessa. Have any of the characters use their words to build someone up rather than tear them down?

Vanessa Bennish

3/3/2013 11:22:43 pm

I actually cannot think of an example where a character does use words to build someone up right off the top of my head, which shows just how judgemental and selfish the people in maycomb really are. I can think of multiple situations where they used words to bring someone down, but not vice versa. It is sad that that is such a common occurance.

Jenna

2/20/2013 04:51:08 am

Vanessa you took words right out of my mouth i think that it is defiantly true when you say words that are hurtful and then come back to haunt you in the end because they do hurt alot. i have expiernced first hand that makes people not trust one another and takes its toll on peoples state of mind and that's why kids act out at school.

Susana Padley

3/17/2013 03:03:58 am

I agree Vanessa. I think words can be more powerful than physical pain and in some cases, emotional pain may lead to physical pain. You are right that everyone has emotions even when people do not show it. Great Job!

Kyle Skilling

2/20/2013 06:47:30 am

I do not really believe that words can be used as a weapon. Words are just words. It is all about perception. How you percieve the words may be what hurts but the words do not hurt. The saying "Actions speak louder than words" is really a kicker. Someones actions say a lot more about thier character than the noises that come out of their mouth. If someone wanted to "use words as a weapon" they can't. Words are not a weapon. Words do not cause harm, the perception of words cause harm. In order for words to not cause harm, the perciever must ignore mean taunts and just move on.

Emily Todd

2/20/2013 10:22:52 am

I guess perception of words does play a lot into the power behind words. Maybe some words are percieved to be hurtful more than others, and hence they are stronger weapons?

Ian VanGenderen

3/5/2013 07:15:53 am

I get what you're saying here Kyle. That words are only a weapon if that person chooses to take it offensively or truly take them to heart. But in other ways if a person is constantly then eventually they will start to believe them. Also it's not necessarily the words that cause the harm, but the ridicule that they can cause most certainly can cause harm. So I agree and disagree with you on this one because sometimes it takes a while to develop a thick "skin" and to shrug them off, but if you berate someone before the "skin" is made it could really harm that person.

Amber Truitt

3/17/2013 06:16:28 am

I actually disagree because though I see what you're saying, words do hurt. Yes actions speak louder than words but speaking those words is an action. Perception is a big part of it but like Ian pointed out if those words are repetitive than its more believable.

Abigail Thomas

2/23/2013 09:22:49 am

Words have so much power, and meaning to them. But it depends on the person who you're listening to. When people who don't mean too much to you, tell you things, you really don't take it to heart, or think much of it. Although, when a person you who you love, or care about deeply tells you something, could be sweet, could be hurtful, could make the biggest impact on your life. Words really can't be taken back once they are said. Once somebody tells you something, it's burned inside your head. Words can be forgiven, but never forgotten. In an example, if you somebody tells you something painful, those words can alter your meaning on life, and how you look at that person. Like the old saying "The truth hurts". Or if the same words are often said by many others, that person may begin to believe what others say, and that can lead to more physical actions being done. Words are used as a weapon in this novel because Francis says rude remarks about Atticus and his children that hurt Scout very badly.

Brandon Camarena

3/5/2013 05:03:37 am

I think the reason why words are so powerful because it is the main way how we communicate. Also most people do not have the courage to speak up and say something about a problem. I think this is because they lack courage and you need courage to state something and stand behind it. One can effectively use words as a weapon because in a time of need or desperation such as in a battle men need inspiration and a general can provide that by giving a encouraging speech. This can also be done with sports teams and other such things. I also think that actions are just as important as words because without actions words are sometimes useless. I do think that words can at times be more powerful than weapons because some people might have the speaking skills to change the way that people think. An example would be Hitler. He basically brain washed all of Germany into going into world war II. I think at times words are used as weapons when the people of may comb call Atticus a "****** lover" and make fun of him with other words. Most of the words used as attacks in the novel are mostly hate words.

Haley Wolfersberger

3/9/2013 09:31:20 am

I agree that words are so powerful because they are the main way we communicate. You have to be able to express everything in words. All of your emotions can be expressed in the way you say something and also the body language you use while saying it. Some people are better at using words than others. They have a talent where they can persuade anyone who listens to agree with them. There are so many words to choose from also. It is like having a room filled with every type of gun and knife and weapon you could ever imagine to inflict harm on someone. Depending on the battle you can decide which words will cause the most pain and the most harm. At the same time you can also use words to apologize or to help someone to feel better. The beautiful thing with words is that they can also be used to reverse the harm they inflicted. Words are used as a weapon in this novel by many people. Those who speak about Boo Radley are using words to hurt him even if he can not hear them. He is still known to the town as a bad person and a frightening person. The children and the parents of the children who call Atticus names are causing pain to Scout as well as to Atticus. Words are also used to help in this novel. Atticus is the perfect example of a person talented in their use of words. He always has a way to explain something and it always makes sense and leaves you with an understanding to the original question. All of the hurt done to Scout by words is reversed by the words Atticus says to her.

Abigail Thomas

3/12/2013 10:18:34 am

Words can mean a lot to some people. Many people take words to heart, and some don't even pay attention to words that are said. Words can be used in many different forms, such as compliments. When you compliment somebody, that person's outlook on you can completely change, and you both could have a stronger friendship. On the other hand, words can hurt people. Such as talking about others behind their back. Words that are said badly about a person, can affect a person's view on life, and their self. Words can break many people. Words can tear somebody's life in half. And words can be turn into something physical, if it's self harm, or violence. Words are a very powerful tool. Words is the only thing in world that has the ability to build somebody up, and tear somebody down, emotionally. Many characters in this novel use words as a weapon. For example, Francis states hurtful things about Atticus and his children that make Scout angry. He uses a tone so demeaning that the words aren't even what get to her, it's how he says them.

Tara Ward

3/16/2013 08:13:19 am

Words are power because of how they affect human beings. The right word, with the right sound, spoken at the right moment could change the course of events. A word by itself is good but different people use different word combinations. The person speaking also affects how the words are taken by others. If it is a very serious person who only speaks when they have something to say people tend to listen to them when they do speak because others know it wont just be jibberish. Scout wielded her words wisely (without knowing) when she spoke to Mr. Cunningham in the mob scene at the jail. The words she chose, the way she said them, and that fact that she was a little girl amplified her words. Bullying is an example of words being missused. Being called ugly when you're already down could bring you down even further. But maybe when called the same word by the same person when you are having a good day would have a different effect. There have been times when i am not feeling so good but then someone says something funny and most of the times totally irrelevant and it feels like the world's been lifted off my shoulders. Yes, words have power but you also have to think about when they are said, who is saying them, and to whom they are being said.

Susana Padley

3/17/2013 02:55:31 am

I have noticed that if you were given a list of compliments and postive words about you but one negative comment, you would focus more on the negative comment. You would wonder why someone felt the way they did and what you have done to deserve hate. Words are very powerful whether it is recognized or not. Negative words and comments will emotionally bring you down which I believe can hurt more than physical pain. I have noticed that in Maycomb, people say many awful things to eachother. They use their words as a weapon to defend themselves. For example, Atticus was insulted by many townspeople because he defended Tom Robinson. They found that is was an easy way to demonstrate their hate.

Sarah Bell Stuchlik

3/17/2013 07:49:37 am

Words are powerful because they target the mind which is the basis of "you". To make your words effective, you must think of your goal. Put yourself in their shoes. what is a truth that would hurt? What is something they would be ashamed of? Then you bring it to the forefront. This is what the people do with words. Sticks and Stones will break my bones, but words will ultimately kill me.

Emily Disharoon

3/17/2013 09:10:53 am

words are so powerful because some people really take it to heart. It depends on who you are saying these words to though some people are really sensitive. People can use their words as a weapon by trying to bring people down or maybe by trying to make a change in the world. Spoken words are more powerful then any other because words have an emotional meaning unlike other weapons do. In the novel words are being used as a weapon. Like when scout and jem are being called certain names at school by their classmates.

Jona Katzke

3/17/2013 01:28:56 pm

I agree with you Emily. Words have an emotional meaning and can hurt but as well help people. Spoken words can mean many different things depending on how you say them.

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