Two of the cruelest, most primitive punishments our town deals out to those who fall from favor are the empty mailbox and the silent telephone.

Meaning of the quote

This quote is saying that the worst things a community can do to someone who has lost the respect or approval of others is to ignore them. When someone's mailbox is empty and their phone is silent, it means that no one is reaching out to them or communicating with them. This can make a person feel very lonely and isolated, which is a harsh punishment.

About Hedda Hopper

Hedda Hopper was an influential American gossip columnist who wrote for magazines and radio. She had a long-running feud with fellow columnist Louella Parsons, and was known for her support of the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings and the Hollywood blacklist.

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