Actions Louder than Words

In the beginning of the critically acclaimed episode, Hush, Buffy’s college professor gives a lecture on the complexities of language, and how words are sometimes inadequate for proper communication. It is my belief that it is the goal of Joss Whedon in this episode to prove precisely that. Having had their voices taken by the horrifying Gentlemen, the populace of Sunnydale erupts in anarchy, as they are unsure of how to function without oral language. Through the use of irony, Whedon attempts to show the viewer that our modern society relies far too greatly on the spoken word when there are times when action can prove much more fruitful. The primary example of this of course is Buffy and Riley’s inability to get past awkward conversation to share a kiss. This changes however, when the town is reduced to silence and Buffy and Riley have nothing to prevent them from acting upon their desires. This example show the deficiencies of the spoken word, as societal norms insisting they must speak before expressing their feeling has limited their interactions greatly. In addition to this statement, I also believe that Whedon is intending to express the point that our society today is far more concerned with talk rather than action, a commentary that extends to anywhere from the household to the government.