What a stupid exercise," said her dæmon after five minutes. "Words belong in contexts, not pegged out like biological specimens.
In "The Beautiful Savage" by Philip Pullman, the character reflects on the nature of language through a conversation with her dæmon. The dæmon expresses frustration with the idea of isolating words from their meanings, suggesting that words only hold significance when they are used in context. This perspective highlights the limitations of analyzing language in a detached manner, mirroring the intricacies of communication where the situational context shapes understanding. The discussion raises important questions about how meaning is derived and the importance of narrative and context in interpreting words effectively.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
