Final answer:
The contrast between a woman looking at her reflection in a painting and a story lies in their emotional responses and how they interact with their images, revealing different approaches to self-perception and introspection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The representation of a woman considering her reflection in the painting contrasts with that in the story by the way the characters perceive and interact with their reflections. In the painting, there's a sense of ambivalence and a complex vantage point, while in the story, the woman experiences a transformation of emotions as noted by her rapidly changing color and the way she attends to her hair. The act of looking into a mirror or reflection acts as a pivotal moment for introspection and self-assessment in both narratives, yet the manner of contemplation differs, suggesting diverse interpretations of self-image and the effect of observation on one's psyche.