And most wonderful of all are words, and how they make friends one with another, being oft associated, until not even obituary notices them do part.
This quote beautifully captures the essence and magic of words—their ability to form bonds much like friendships. Words, when combined thoughtfully, create meaning and deep connections, resonating with readers or listeners much like close companions would with each other. It suggests a lively interplay where words don't merely exist in isolation but collaborate, joining forces to produce complex and powerful expressions. This imagery of words making friends endows language with life and personality, implying an organic and harmonious relationship between them. Further, the mention of 'not even obituary notices them do part' introduces a poetic paradox, implying that even at the end or in death (symbolized by an obituary), the companionship and interrelation of words endure unbroken. This may reflect on the immortality and lasting impact of written expression, suggesting that words continue to thrive and interact beyond time or conclusion. As a quote from O. Henry's "Whirligigs," this passage reminds us of the importance and beauty of communication — how storytelling, language, and the connection of words have the power to sustain relationships and preserve memories. It also celebrates the creative and almost magical prowess of language in shaping human experience and understanding. Overall, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the nuanced and intricate ways words come together to convey emotion, thought, and history, making language an eternal and wondrous companion.