In "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales," Margaret Atwood explores the complex relationship between wealth and communication. The phrase "Money does talk, but it has a limited vocabulary" suggests that while money can influence and drive conversations, its power is not infinite and lacks depth. Money can often convey status or authority, but it cannot express the full range of human emotions and experiences.

Atwood's work illustrates how financial power can affect personal relationships and interactions, highlighting the superficiality that can accompany monetary influence. Through her tales, she emphasizes that true understanding and connection transcend financial transactions, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on money to navigate the complexities of human life.