her own marriage had been arranged, would things have turned out any worse than they did? Is it fair, to send inexperienced young girls out into the wild forest to fend for themselves? Girls with big bones and maybe not the smallest of feet. What would help would be a wise woman, some gnarly old crone who would step out from behind a tree, who would give advice, who would say No, not this one, who would say Beauty is only skin deep, in men as well as women, who would see down as far as the heart. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? An older woman knows. But how much older do you have to get before you acquire that kind of wisdom?
The passage reflects on the struggles faced by young women navigating a world that can feel dangerous and overwhelming. It questions whether their lives would have been better had their marriages been arranged, suggesting that unaware youth may lack the necessary tools to make safe and informed decisions. It highlights the vulnerability of girls who may not meet conventional standards of beauty, emphasizing the need for guidance in their formative years.
The idea of a wise, older woman who can provide insight and advice is central to the narrative. This character symbolizes the kind of support that young women desperately need, someone who can look beyond superficial qualities and discern true character. The contemplation of the age required to gain such wisdom raises important questions about life experience and understanding, echoing the sentiment that older generations have much to offer in terms of guidance and protection from the darker aspects of life.
