it. But when a man's words are taken from him and poisoned, it's the same as poisoning the man. He could not speak, for how his own tongue would be fouled. Words were his all. I felt I'd witnessed a murder, just as he'd seen his friend murdered in Mexico. Only this time they left the body living.
The quote reflects on the profound impact of language and expression on a person's identity. It emphasizes that when a man's words are distorted or taken away, it's akin to destroying his essence. Words are essential to his being, and without them, he feels unable to communicate or advocate for himself, which creates a form of suffering similar to physical violence.
This notion resonates deeply with the author's portrayal of the connection between language and personal integrity. The speaker equates the silencing of one's voice to witnessing a murder, highlighting the emotional violence inflicted when a person's ability to express themselves is compromised. This reveals the significance of words in shaping relationships and reality.