In Margaret Atwood's "Surfacing," the notion that animals exist fully without the need for language suggests a profound connection to the essence of being. The quote emphasizes that animals express their existence and identity through their actions and presence, rather than through spoken communication. This idea challenges the human inclination to define oneself and others through language and illustrates a different form of knowing and relating to the world.

Atwood invites readers to reflect on the significance of speech and the role it plays in human culture. By suggesting that animals 'are' rather than 'talk,' the author highlights a potential purity in non-verbal existence. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of communication, suggesting that meaningful connections can transcend words and that existence itself can be a form of expression.