What does "like a fan belt" convey (Poetic Help)?

Question

I am reading a poem “Barbie Doll" by: Marge Piercy and I need to know what the lines "Her good nature wore out like a fan belt"

Does this mean it was sudden? Or slow? or what? please help

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Fan belts take a long time to wear out, but when they do there's a sudden snap. I guess it means she couldn't take it any more and snapped.

Source(s):

Your mom.

Answer 2

The fan belt mention in this line is used as imagery to describe how one’s facade can wear out over time, as hers did.

(Fan Belt is a belt driven by the crankshaft that drives a fan that pulls air through the radiator)