How we cite our quotes: line
Quote #4
In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman
Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish (17-18)
These lines show the importance of appearances to the woman as time passes, transforming her. The transformation in these two lines, from young girl to old woman, is the part of the poem that all women – and all people (men don't stay little boys forever) – can expect. If they're like the woman in this poem, they'll anticipate it with fear.