"I hate the word lesbian; it tells you nothing; its only purpose is to inflame"

This quote by Jeanette Winterson talks to the power of language and how it can be utilized to both notify and irritate. Winterson is revealing her contempt for the word "lesbian" since it does not offer any significant information about the individual being described. Rather, it is utilized to stimulate a particular emotion or response from the listener. Winterson believes that the only purpose of the word "lesbian" is to irritate, and she is important of its use in this way. She is suggesting that language should be used to supply significant details and to promote understanding, instead of to incite unfavorable feelings. Winterson's quote is a suggestion of the power of language and how it can be utilized to both notify and inflame.