Stella means that humans often underestimate her capabilities and intentions because of her age. She perceives her old age not as a weakness, but as a strategic advantage, a "disguise" that makes others believe she is too frail or docile to cause trouble or be a threat.
In the context of her life, particularly after experiencing neglect, Stella understands that her elderly appearance leads humans to believe she is harmless and incapable of significant action or mischief. This allows her to observe, process, and potentially plan without drawing suspicion. It implies a shrewd intelligence on Stella's part, as she manipulates the perceptions of those around her by leveraging their assumptions about aging. She sees her perceived frailty as a cloak, enabling her to maintain a low profile while still retaining her inner strength and awareness.
The concept can be broken down into a few key aspects:
- Underestimation by Humans: Stella recognizes that humans tend to dismiss older animals as less capable, intelligent, or prone to misbehavior.
- Strategic Advantage: She views this misjudgment as a benefit. If people think she's too old to be a problem, they're less likely to scrutinize her actions or intentions closely.
- Hidden Strength: Despite her physical condition, which may show signs of past neglect, Stella possesses a keen mind and an observant nature. Her "disguise" allows her inner resilience and awareness to remain largely unnoticed.
- Freedom of Action (or Inaction): By appearing docile, she gains a certain freedom from interference, allowing her to observe her surroundings and the behavior of others without being perceived as a threat or a curious entity.
Ultimately, Stella's statement highlights her wisdom and her ability to understand and even exploit human perceptions for her own purposes, turning what might seem like a vulnerability into a form of protection or leverage.
