The Meanings Of A Word By Gloria Naylor Summary

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Gloria Naylor begins her essay “The Meanings of a Word” with an analysis of words, their meaning, and why the power placed behind a word is more important than the word itself. This entire essay seemed to be about the weight a word can carry, and how no matter the permanent structure of the word itself, the weight can be shifted and transformed into something completely different. Specifically, the essay is about the word nigger, which feels as though it’s italicized constantly as some sort of defense mechanism for the writer. She goes on to describe the first time she heard the word, but by the end of the essay, we understand that this is only the first time that she recognized a hint of the cruel meaning behind it, because it is likely she heard the word many times before. This solidifies the idea that it is not actually the word that contains the power, nor the definition, but the connotation that the word …show more content…

In the same swing it can show you the best decision of your life, followed by a profound realization that it was actually your worst. It drastically influences words, turning “love” from a primal, unwavering desire to a background noise that holds together the fabric of one’s personal reality. “Dreams” alter between hopeful aspirations and lost opportunities. “Home” begins as some sort of containment chamber, but slowly reveals itself as a complex web of nostalgic memories, feelings, and relationships that represent an unmatched level of warmth and comfort. “Self” originates with a false confidence and structure, only for the façade to eventually crumble and shine light upon miles of unharvested land and incomplete blueprints, patiently waiting for their potential to be realized. Of course, these are just my experiences with these words. Countless interpretations can be found, and each of them are constantly evolving. Just goes to show the kind of silly and abstract disaster that words can

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