"A sailor without rudder or compass, tossed on a stormy sea--a traveller lost on a wide-spread heath, without landmark or star to him--such have I been: more lost, more hopeless than either. A nearing ship, a gleam from some far cot, may save them; but I have no beacon..."See in text(The Mortal Immortal)
Notice how Winzy uses similes as a point of comparison: he is like a lost ship assaulted by the elements and a directionless person who cannot find a way out of a barren wasteland. Though those two lost wanders may yet be saved—either by another ship or a shelter in which to rest—Winzy has no hope of something saving him by chance. His joy of youth has now turned to despair at his unceasing existence, which is now without purpose.
"with smiles of enchanting archness and a step like a fawn--this mincing, simpering, jealous old woman...."See in text(The Mortal Immortal)
Notice how the new description of aging Bertha recalls the unpleasantness Winzy associated with her previous guardian. Again, those of a certain age are portrayed as having developed negative personality traits—contrasting with Winzy’s joy in eternal youth.
