Importance of Books and Words

Books are important to Patty, and she buys them with the money her grandmother gives her. Patty often memorizes words from the dictionary. Her vocabulary gives her a sense of power. Patty manipulates words as she daydreams, and as she tells her outrageous lies. Anton’s words of encouragement and advice help heal Patty’s fragile esteem, and he also shares with her a book of Emerson’s essays. Patty’s words, in conjunction with her curiosity, give her the aptitude to become a journalist. She puts these words to use when she writes letters to, and eventually an article for, the newspaper.