In "Requiem for a Nun," William Faulkner explores the different ways men and women perceive and value communication. He suggests that men often focus on the content of what is being said, valuing the words and the logical arguments presented. This indicates a tendency to weigh the merits of the speaker based on their statements.

In contrast, Faulkner asserts that women prioritize the essence of the individual speaking rather than the specific words they use. For them, the character and presence of the speaker hold more significance, highlighting a deeper emotional connection to communication. This difference underlines the varied approaches to understanding and relating to one another across genders.