Wolves have been menacing us / since woods were only acorns
-- Speaker (Lines 6-7)

Importance: Here as well as in traditional fairy tales, wolves are used as a metaphor for predatory men. This line uses animalic and forested imagery to engage with the fairy tale metaphor. Its underlying meaning, however, is that nothing has really changed since the world began. This moment creates a connection and feeling of solidarity with women across time.

Only jeweled words / should escape our lips / Nothing that hisses / or snarls
-- Speaker (Lines 27-30)

Importance: This line references the fairy tale Diamonds and Toads, in which two sisters are gifted with magical abilities: one produces precious gems whenever she speaks, while the other’s voice produces toads and snakes. The speaker uses this story as a metaphor for what is expected of women: kindness and humbleness, rather than arrogance or aggression (traits which can be interpreted as self awareness and self respect).

You would give...
-- Speaker (Lines 51-54)