Toni Morrison

In her Nobel Prize for Literature acceptance speech (1993,) Toni Morrison speaks of dangerous, insufficient, or meaningless use of language. She does this by bringing in an anecdote and a metaphor of a woman, some young people, and a bird. The authors purpose it to explore the power of language and the inappropriate ways people use this tool. Morrison establishes an impassioned tone with the audience as she receives this coveted prize for her work in literature.

1. Morrison clearly has a passion for language. At the same time, she is worried and frustrated about the way language has come to be used. One example she gave is how language is used to subjugate and oppress people. This is not, Morrison argues, the way in which language should be used. Another example that really stuck with me is when she mentions the fact that "there will be more diplomatic language to countenance rape, torture, assassination." This manipulation is terrifying, and it is real. We can so easily trivialize or twist someone's pain through the use of language. Political or law jargon can easily wipe any emotion or sympathy from a real issue. This is the type of irresponsibility Morrison is afraid of when it comes to language.


2. The old woman wants the children to understand how powerful language can be. She wants them to realize how valuable of a tool they hold in the hands, and to facilitate the continuation of language so that it does not die. The children, on the other hand, want the old woman to give them more than her short, vague response. They want pieces of wisdom, advice for their lives, stories from the past. In the end, after the children have expressed what they wanted to hear from the old woman, she remarks, "I trust you now. I trust you with the bird that is not in your hands because you have truly caught it..." She sees that these children have and will continue to use language in the way that it should and ensure its survival.


3. Absolutely. Without the metaphor it would be much harder to grasp Morrison's message. This is especially true considering the fact that this was an acceptance speech given aloud; it is more difficult to take in a point when you don't see it on paper, when you are unable to read it two, three times. The fable ties all the themes and points together so that it not only makes sense, but is interesting and memorable.