In Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin," the narrative emphasizes the profound significance of silence, suggesting that unspoken moments can convey deeper emotions than words. The way people interact non-verbally—such as pressing lips together, turning away, or casting quick glances—reveals underlying tensions and unvoiced feelings, indicating that silence often holds more weight than dialogue. This suggests that what remains unexpressed can speak volumes about a person's state of mind or the complexities of their relationships.
The description of physical gestures, like drawn-up shoulders as if bearing a burden, illustrates the emotional toll that silence can inflict. Atwood uses these details to highlight the struggles of her characters, demonstrating how silence can be both a shield and a source of conflict. By focusing on these nuanced interactions, the author invites readers to consider the unarticulated thoughts and feelings that lie beneath the surface, enriching the depth of human communication.