This fragmented quote from Gregory Maguire's "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" reflects a poignant contemplation on the insufficiency and superficiality of language. The phrase "How shallow the words are, really" immediately suggests a skepticism about the depth and efficacy of verbal communication. Language, often touted as the primary medium of expressing thought and emotion, is here questioned for its capacity to truly convey underlying feelings or complex realities.

Iris's realization, "One might as well say, , thinks Iris; that about covers the same terrain, doesn't it?" reinforces this canonicity in the non-expressive nature of words. This incomplete yet evocative reflection signals an understanding that words can become redundant or fail to reach the essence of what one intends to communicate. It alludes to the idea that certain truths or perspectives transcend vocabulary or conventional speech, hinting at the limits of linguistic representation.

This fragment also invites the reader to consider the challenges of communication — how people often grapple with articulating their inner experiences, especially those laden with emotional or social complexity, as vividly portrayed in Maguire's novel. The quote encapsulates the recurring theme in literature and life that sometimes silence or the gaps between words communicate more powerfully than language itself.

In the broader context of "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister," a retelling of the Cinderella tale from a different perspective, such reflections gain an extra layer of meaning. It insinuates a struggle to express marginalized experiences that do not fit neatly into conventional narratives or language. Ultimately, this quote resonates as a meditation on the limitations of words and the inherent challenges in bridging inner consciousness with external expression.