The terrible fish in line 18 of the poem represents the aging woman's distorted self-perception—the individual she believes she has become as a result of the natural process of growing older.
This vivid imagery is employed as a powerful simile, comparing the now old woman to a monstrous entity. It evokes the unsettling vision of a creature, like a monster emerging from the depths of a lake, a stark and often harsh reflection of the significant changes that occur with advancing age. This representation delves deeper than mere physical alteration, embodying the woman's internal struggle and her perception of her own altered identity.
Key aspects symbolized by the "terrible fish" include:
- Altered Self-Image: It underscores a profound shift in her physical appearance, which she perceives as grotesque or undesirable, leading to a sense of unfamiliarity with her own reflection.
- The Impact of Aging: The fish embodies the relentless progression of time and the natural, often challenging, changes that features about oneself undergo, causing a potential feeling of being unrecognizable or disfigured.
- A Reflection of Inner Turmoil: The descriptor "terrible" suggests a sense of fear, disappointment, or even horror at the person she now sees, contrasting sharply with her youthful self. This emotional weight highlights the psychological toll of aging when perceived negatively.
This striking metaphor effectively conveys the themes of aging and self-perception, illustrating the often difficult reality of how individuals might view their own transformation over the years.
