Page "Hush (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)" Paragraph 23

Without speech, the Scoobies resort to gestures or writing.

Humorous misperceptions arise from this gesturing when, for example, Buffy mimes driving in a stake — as though killing a vampire — too close to her pelvis, causing the Scoobies to think she is suggesting masturbating to rid the town of The Gentlemen.

In the belfry, while Buffy and Riley are fighting The Gentlemen, Buffy indicates that Riley should smash the box from her dream.

He misunderstands and breaks a jar beside it, looks up and grins, awaiting Buffy's approval.

The clumsiness of the characters ' gesturing is in direct contrast to the grace of The Gentlemen, who communicate easily through gestures and other visual signals.

Their communication is simple and direct ; nods, head tilts, and hand movements, achieve exactly what they want it to.

The Scoobies, however, are confused and accomplish the opposite of what they intend.

When they are rendered silent they are also rendered useless, unsure of how to fight The Gentlemen.

According to two Buffy essayists, part of the horror stemming from the arrival of The Gentlemen is the silence that makes the people of Sunnydale helpless, easy victims.