In English, which relies heavily on stress placement, the way words are emphasized can dramatically change their meaning. A simple shift in stress can transform a verb into a noun or alter the perception of an action. This characteristic of the language highlights the potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations in communication.

Ian McEwan's "Amsterdam" illustrates how this linguistic nuance can lead to significant consequences. When the act of refusing something morally objectionable shifts from a simple "to refuse" to "refuse," it transforms into an overwhelming burden, suggesting that our choices can sometimes feel like insurmountable obstacles, overshadowed by the weight of their implications.