In Joyce Carol Oates' "We Were the Mulvaneys," the silence surrounding a traumatic event at High Point Farm highlights the deep societal stigma associated with it. The characters are unable to articulate or confront the reality of what has transpired. This silence represents the overwhelming shame and fear that accompany such experiences, creating a barrier that isolates individuals from discussing the issue openly.

The reluctance to name the event underscores the profound emotional impact on the community and the victims. The word "rape" becomes too heavy and taboo to utter, illustrating how such acts can shatter lives while simultaneously leaving individuals trapped in their own unspoken suffering. It emphasizes the need for recognition and dialogue about difficult realities, emphasizing the struggle victims face in reclaiming their voices.