In Margaret Atwood's "Hag-Seed," a character expresses skepticism about the true nature of smuggling, particularly when it comes to Felix, an old actor who seems harmless. The smile shared between the characters suggests a playful disbelief in the idea that someone like Felix could be involved in anything nefarious. However, the character's inner thoughts reveal a deeper concern about the power of language and ideas, which can carry more weight than physical contraband.

The passage emphasizes that while tangible items can be detected, the impact of words is significant and often overlooked. Words can spread influence and ideas that are far more dangerous than material goods, highlighting the theme that communication and expression hold immense power that scanners cannot detect. This tension between physical presence and the intangible effects of language is a central theme in the narrative.