The speaker’s attitude undergoes a change because he is posed a question. The old woman’s question, “What else can an old woman do on hills as wretched as these?’ makes him realise the wretched life of the old woman. The word ‘wretched’ used with reference to a pilgrim centre makes it clear that places of worship will have no value if people at such places suffer. The question stumps the speaker and he is filled with admiration for the woman who has remained on the wretched hill resolutely. Though ugly and old, she is shatterproof. At this point, there is a sudden reversal of role. The speaker, who had until then considered the old woman insignificant and worthless, suddenly realises that it is he who is insignificant because he has not seen the kind of struggle the old woman has witnessed in her life. Her strength and forbearance are stronger than his.
