"Did you learn to whisper in a sawmill?" is a perplexing line from Cormac McCarthy's novel "Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West." This question reflects the unique and brutal environment in which the characters reside. The imagery evokes the harshness of the natural world and the subtle communication needed to survive amidst chaos and violence, suggesting that silence can be a protective measure in a savage landscape.

The novel explores themes of brutality, morality, and the human condition, focusing on the journey of the Kid through the desolate American West. McCarthy's prose is marked by vivid descriptions and philosophical musings, engaging readers in a profound contemplation of existence and the darker aspects of humanity. The quote encapsulates the tension between silence and noise, hinting at the complexities of communication and survival in a brutal world.