"Words are only painted fire; a look is the fire itself"

This quote by Mark Twain speaks with the power of communication and how words can be used to communicate feeling and meaning. He is suggesting that words resemble a painting, they can be utilized to create a vivid image, however they are not the like the real thing. An appearance, on the other hand, is the fire itself. It is a direct expression of feeling and can be more powerful than words. Twain is suggesting that words can be used to produce a powerful image, however an appearance can be much more powerful. It can communicate a sensation or feeling that words can not. An appearance can be a powerful tool for interaction and can be used to convey a message that words can not. Twain is recommending that words can be used to produce a powerful image, but a look can be much more powerful.