Howl drops several references to Shakespeare in this passage, which makes sense given his upbringing and the education he received in contemporary Wales. Despite Howl’s insistence that the curse isn’t coming true, Sophie perceives that it is—especially with Howl’s hair looking so fair these days. As Howl describes Miss Angorian’s heart, his word choice stands out. Rather than being “heartless,” like he is, she essentially has a small, shriveled heart. In this regard, then, they’re entirely different.