In Alice Munro's "Lives of Girls and Women," the author reflects on the evolving roles of women and girls, suggesting that significant changes are on the horizon. However, these changes will not come automatically; they require active participation from women themselves. Historically, women have often defined their identities primarily through their relationships with men, leading to a life that resembles that of domestic animals, rather than one of independence and self-determination.

Munro emphasizes the need for women to seek lives of their own and to break free from being merely defined by their connections to men. The quote from Tennyson illustrates this dependency, comparing women’s status with that of a beloved pet. Yet, despite these constraints, there remains a natural desire for motherhood and family, indicating a complexity in women's aspirations and identities. The call to action is a powerful reminder that change depends on women's choices and efforts.