In *As I Lay Dying*, the narrator reflects on the nature of words and actions, contrasting their paths. Words are described as quick and harmless, rising straight up, while actions are heavy and bound to the earth, creating a significant distance between mere expression and the reality of experience. This suggests that there is a disconnect between what people say and what they truly feel or do.

Furthermore, the narrator muses on the concepts of sin, love, and fear, suggesting that these terms are incomprehensible to those who have never genuinely encountered them. This implies that understanding these emotions requires personal experience, and those who rely solely on words without engaging in the realities of life cannot fully grasp their significance. Thus, forgetting the mere words associated with these feelings might be the first step towards true comprehension.