Communication Quote by Sue Monk Kidd
““My speech impediment had been absent for some time now—four months and six days. I’d almost imagined myself cured. So when Mother swept into the room all of a sudden—me, in a paroxysm of adjustment to my surroundings, and Binah, tucking my possessions here and there—and asked if my new quarters were to my liking, I was stunned by my inability to answer her. The door slammed in my throat, and the silence hung there. Mother looked at me and sighed. When she left, I willed my eyes to remain dry and turned away from Binah. I couldn’t bear to hear one more Poor Miss Sarah.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd, 2002
The narrator feels trapped by a sudden loss of speech, highlighting how silence can be overwhelming and isolating when faced with expectations.
In simple terms: Losing speech feels like a wall that blocks communication.
Key Takeaway
Find ways to express yourself beyond words.
Themes
communication
silence
expectation
identity
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
personal
narrative
When to use this quote
- family visits
- therapy sessions
- public speaking
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
language loss
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you cope when you cannot speak?
- What non‑verbal tools help you connect?
A Different Perspective
The quote may exaggerate the impact of a brief speech lapse; not all silences are distressing.
