Dillard discusses the concept of the world as being "old and ragged." How does she relate that to the natural world and her own life?

Dillard is surprised to realize also that the world can become "new and whole," not just "old and ragged." Dillard wishes that she could believe that the shredded and pecked edges of life represent a kind of beauty, but she cannot. However, at the least, she can say that there is not foulness at the core of beauty. She also can say that the new is at once present with the old. Dillard says she has both been bitten and has done her share of biting. At least that is real. The sense of realness delights and frees Dillard.