In Margaret Atwood's "Morning in the Burned House," the speaker reflects on profound emotional change, using vivid imagery to convey a sense of loss and transformation. The quote highlights a drastic shift, suggesting that while physical changes might be stark, the speaker's internal experience has altered even more deeply, akin to how an object loses its color when submerged in water.

This metaphor delves into the theme of grief and the impact of life's challenges on the human spirit. The speaker's heart, rather than hair, losing its vibrancy emphasizes that emotional turmoil often leaves a more lasting mark than superficial appearances, capturing the essence of what it means to endure personal hardship.