The palm tree symbolizes strength but, at the same time, constraint. The speaker compares the dancer’s body and demeanor to a palm tree. Specifically, “she seemed a proudly-swaying palm” (7). This description imparts a semblance of dignity onto the dancer, for she is proud and towers over the crowd. Generally associated with strength, the image of the tree gives the dancer an air of authority and grace. However, trees are also rooted and cannot move of their own accord, suggesting that the dancer also does not have complete control over her own life.

The speaker also intriguingly describes her as “grown lovelier for passing through a storm” (8). Generally, after a storm a tree will be damaged or haggard, not “lovelier.” Thus, the dancer’s beauty, according to the speaker, is derived from her perseverance and ability to figuratively weather storms.

Comparing her to a palm...