"It is harder to kill a whisper than even a shouted calumny"

This quote by Mary Stewart speaks with the power of words and how they can stick around in the minds of individuals. A whisper is a subtle, peaceful remark that can be quickly neglected, however it can still have an enduring effect. Even if the whisper is not heard by many people, it can still be kept in mind and duplicated. On the other hand, a yelled calumny is a loud, public accusation that can be heard by many people. Nevertheless, it can be forgotten or dismissed more quickly than a whisper. This quote suggests that words, even those that are whispered, can have an enduring impact and can be more difficult to kill than a screamed calumny. It is a pointer to be conscious of the words we use and the power they have.