How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
But the word siege, like a talismanic power, in my father's metaphor, wafting back my uncle Toby's fancy, quick as a note could follow the touch—he open'd his ears. (3.41.2)
Like spells, words have power to make things happen. We know this: in a marriage ceremony, you have to agree ("I do") before it's valid. They're so powerful that Toby is helpless to change his behavior: as soon as he hears the word 'siege,' he starts thinking about fortifications.
Quote #8
The best word, in the best language of the best world, must have suffered under such combinations. (6.1.34)
Again, words don't have fixed meanings. They can change when people start using them differently or when they gain new associations. Tristram refers to this (probably ironically) as "suffering," but language can gain a lot when it changes. If it couldn't change, we'd never be able to "friend," to "tweet," or, thanks to Shakespeare, to "puke."
Quote #9
There are two certain words, which I have been told will force any horse, or ass, or mule, to go up a hill whether he will or no; be he never so obstinate or ill-will'd, the moment he hears them utter'd, he obeys. They are words magic! cried the abbess in the utmost horror—No; replied Margarita calmly—but they are words sinful. (7.24.2)
Here's another example of words being both powerful and dangerous, and maybe dangerous because they are powerful. Swearing at horses makes them move, but it might make you move—in the wrong direction—at the same time. Like rubbing your head and your tummy?