Language is depicted as a living, dynamic entity, shaped by time and experience. Each word carries the marks of its history, enriched by the voices that have spoken it. This idea suggests that language is not static but rather evolves as people use it, embodying the complexities and richness of human experience.

The metaphor of language as a necklace or a noose emphasizes its multifaceted nature; it can weigh heavily on us or serve as a form of identity and expression. Atwood illustrates how words hold power, acting as both nurturing forces and those that can consume, reflecting the duality of language as both a vital mother and a predatory vampire.