Stitches: A Memoir Language and Communication Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Great-Grandfather Murphy tried to kill himself by drinking Drano. Although he lived, he never spoke another word. The poison had eaten away his vocal cords. (1.246)

The scientific ignorance that causes David to lose his right vocal cord is its own kind of poison.

Quote #5

"Ack?" (3.98)

The first time David tries to speak after the vocal cord surgery, this is all he can say. The background in this image is entirely black, with only David's head and shoulders against the operating table. When he went to sleep, he was surrounded by doctors and nurses whom he was able to speak to—but when he wakes up, his environment is as blank as his throat.

Quote #6

Your vocal cords make the sounds of your voice. Your curses and your prayers. (3.102)

In other words, your voice makes you who you are. David's voice has been taken away with no explanation, and he can no longer curse or pray—at least, not out loud.