The Truth Behind The Proverb "Actions Speak Louder than Words": Analysis of Literature

To say only lasts the moment is it said, to do lasts the lifetime after it has been done. Considering Benjamin Franklin’s aphorism: “Well done is better than well said.” actions do speak louder than words. To prove this, excerpts from six different literature works and a personal experience will have to lend its knowledge.

In everyday life, as well as the past, actions have always spoke louder than words. For example in Maus II, a German soldier says, “if you know who she is, push her forward or you’ll all suffer!” (pg. 66) referring to Anja. Although at this time punishment was cruel and merciless, no one would give Anja up and suffered for her. This shows true friendship even in crucial circumstances. Another instance where actions spoke louder than words is in The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, when an African boy soon-to-be slave encountered techonology of the times and said, “I also first saw the quadrant... they at last took the notice of my surprise, and one of them… made my look through it” (pg. 10). Even though he was a slave, one mariner actually contained humane traits unlike other white men during that time period. The mariner’s intentions not only brought happiness to the young boy, but showed that not every white man was merciless and cruel. During the most darkest time periods, actions can always shine the light over the world.

Sometimes, even the smallest acts speak louder than saying it . For instance in The General History of Virginia by John Smith, it is said that at the end, “Pocahontas attendants brought him so much provision that saved many of their lives, that else for all this had starved with hunger” (pg.17). Multiple conflicts arose between the natives and the Europeans during their time together. To show their gratitude and sorryness, saving their lives was the least the natives could do rather than just saying thank you. In comparison, in Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Louie is heated and wants nothing to do with his current life, “Louie resisted, a spat ensued, and Louie threw some clothes into a bag and stormed toward the front door… ordered him to stay… his mother rushed to the kitchen and emerged with a sandwich… Louie stuffed it in his back and left” (pg. 15), Although Louie was a troublemaker and gave his parents a headache everyday, his parents love him regardless. Til the end they continue to share their love with him by a little act such as providing food. The smallest act of kindness can keep someone going.

Trying and failing is 100% better than saying and regretting not trying. To emphasize, in Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin attempted to better himself as a man but failed he said, “... I never arrived at perfection… but felt short, yet I was by the endeavor, a better, and a happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it…” (pg. 145). Benjamin learned through his efforts that perfection cannot be achieved. However, he does not feel regretful that he tried. In addition, in Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, “the minister felt for the child’s other hand and took it… rush of new life poured through him” (pg. 239). For a while now, Dimmesdale had been conflicted of accepting his sin. After this little act of fatherly duties, he feels that it is time for him to step up and be her father. People who don’t try to do something will never know the satisfaction of achieving it.

Everyone get’s in a argument with their parents now and then but when the argument gets out of hand… barriers are built. There was one instant in my life where this happened. I told my parents that I planned to go to the beach with my friends in two weeks and they were okay with it at the time. However when the day came, my father would not drop me off for a reason that is still unknown. An argument that would last a week erupted. So to say, I did not talk to my dad for awhile. An apology would not let him off the hook. After two weeks, he finally got on my good side. When I came home from school, he prepared my favorite meal and bought me boba, and apologized. I was truly touched and could not keep this grudge going. Actions do speak louder than words.

Literature works varying from autobiographies and biographies, such as Maus II, Unbroken, The General History of Virginia, The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, Scarlet Letter, and Autobiography, gives multiple examples proving that actions speak louder than words. Benjamin Franklin was not spewing out nonsense when he said that, “Well done is better than well said.” Whether represents love or care, or humane traits, or a token of gratitude or forgiveness, the effort put in always wins.