Final answer:
The moon represents a source of comfort and a constant companion for Gerda, reflecting deep emotional and symbolic significances in literature. Its poetic and mystical allure persists despite scientific exploration. The moon can signify various things, including a guard during the night, a change in perspective, and an anchor during personal turmoil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The moon becomes Gerda's "loyal friend" as it provides a consistent and comforting presence in the night sky, offering a sense of solace and familiarity. The moon signifies comfort in times of distress, a motherly figure to rest and recover under, and a mystical entity intertwined with both the solitude and the poetry of the night. Its appearances in literature often mirror emotions, mark the passage of time, and contribute to the setting's atmosphere.
For Gerda, the moon's reliable cycles are like those of a steadfast companion during hardships. Similarly, the poetry of the moon is reflected in the notion that even with scientific advancements, such as the Apollo landings, the moon retains its romantic and mysterious allure, which resonates with people's emotions and inspires wonder.
Additionally, in literary contexts, the moon takes on various symbolic meanings. For example, in the quote from "The Lady of Shalott," the reaper refers to the moon as the "fairy Lady of Shalott," representing an ethereal presence guiding the night.
The perception of the moon changes with the context—its mystery can be seen as ruined or enhanced by lunar exploration, depending on personal viewpoints. Moreover, the excerpts given illustrate how the moon is seen as something that changes with the light, and by extension, with perspective, affecting individuals deeply on both a literal and metaphorical level.