Sylvia Plath's quote from her poem "Ariel" suggests a profound connection between beauty and destruction. By likening the moon to a person, she emphasizes the allure and captivating nature of the individual, suggesting they possess an ethereal beauty. The moon’s smile indicates a warmth and charm, yet the comparison hints at a deeper, more complex emotional impact that beauty can have.

This duality in the impression left by this person implies that while they may be stunning, they also carry an inherent danger or ability to cause harm. This intertwining of beauty and annihilation reflects the tension in relationships and the potential for love to be both uplifting and devastating, a central theme in Plath's work.