Olivetti

Both Ernest and Olivetti contribute to the motif of words and wordplay, as their interest in words and language showcases their intelligence and wit. Ernest, for example, prefers the dictionary to fictional stories or nonfictional accounts, and he even commits lists of definitions to memory. This trait also has the side effect of revealing his emotions and reactions, as certain situations cause him to recite key words mentally that indicate his inner emotional state. For instance, when the siblings and Felix argue over who will take Ernest to the new therapist, Ernest reacts by silently reciting dictionary words: “Disappear. Disappearance. Disappoint. Disappointment. Disapproval. Disapprove” (19). The combined connotation of these words suggests that he has become overwhelmed by his negativity and frustration at himself and others. Likewise, the prominence of the word “disappear” in the lineup shows that Beatrice’s absence is foremost in his mind. Complications arise when Ernest does not communicate with his parents or his siblings, and the resulting difficulties stand as a mute testament to The Importance of Communicating With Family Members.

In addition to engaging in these emotional matters, Ernest also shows that he is capable of wordplay and puns for comic effect when he pokes fun at his family and intentionally creates the malapropism “They were acting like a bunch of idioms” (162).