This evocative line portrays a character who is emotionally fortified by multiple layers of defense—reservations and hostility. Such a person might have experienced deep wounds or betrayals that led them to build walls around their innermost feelings, showing a reluctance to be vulnerable. The metaphor of 'a hundred fences' vividly illustrates a complex, almost impenetrable barrier that prevents others from truly understanding or reaching the individual. It speaks to the universal human tendency to withdraw or protect oneself from perceived threats, especially when past pain or disappointment makes openness seem risky. The accumulation of 'reserve and anger' suggests a layered personality, where patience and composure may mask underlying frustration or pain. These fences may serve as both protection and prison: safeguarding the person but also isolating them from meaningful connection. Such a stance, while sometimes necessary for survival, can also hinder personal growth and human intimacy. It raises questions about the path to vulnerability—what the individual fears most and whether those emotional barriers can ever be truly dismantled. In literature, characters with such defenses often undergo journeys of self-discovery that challenge their beliefs about trust and intimacy. This quote encapsulates a complex emotional armor, reminding us of the importance of empathy and patience when engaging with guarded individuals, and perhaps reflecting on our own fences that prevent genuine connections.