Archer's Voice

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses domestic violence, attempted rape, molestation, gun violence, and violence against children.

In Archer’s Voice, Mia Sheridan forms a commentary on the varied forms of interpersonal communication. In a sense, Bree and the townspeople must learn to speak Archer’s language. Archer’s inability to speak hinders his integration into Pelion society. The tragedy surrounding his injury makes the townspeople uncomfortable and unwilling to interact with him. Bree’s arrival and knowledge of sign language allows Archer to open the door to communicating with people; this aspect of the novel hence presents the tropes of the savior without a disability. At first Bree acts as a teacher and interpreter to Archer. When Archer first comes to visit Bree at the diner, Bree signs for him and he is able to order a coffee and communicate with Maggie, Melanie, and Liza (225-26).

Sheridan establishes a relationship between setting and communication in the novel. When Archer leaves Bree in Chapter 30, he goes into the world and learns that he can communicate with others without Bree’s help. Outside of Pelion, the world is ignorant of his past and trauma.