Mirror The poem "Mirror", written by Sylvia Plath, shows a mirror describing not only its own its existence, but also a woman 's, who is seeking its approval as she grows older. Plath repeatedly makes the mirror come alive, as it reflections reveal the struggle between the worlds reality and our own. Through out the poem, Plath uses several literary techniques to contribute to the overall meaning. "Mirror" begins by revealing that the narrator of this poem is a mirror. This poem is told from a first person point of view, and is free verse following no rhyme scheme. It is divided into two stanzas, the first depicting the mirror as hanging on a wall, the second as a lake. The poem begins with an image of a "silver and exact” (1) mirror, which
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The lake is reflecting a woman who is searching "for what she really is" (11). The lake reveals that the woman is looking for something deeper, beyond its depth. When the woman sees her reflection "she turns to those liars" (12), obviously not satisfied with what she sees. She uses the "candles or the moon" (12) in her attempt in altering her appearance. She believes that there light will make her appear more beautiful. Plath uses the lake as a symbol of the pressure the world puts on women. The world’s unattainable standards of beauty and perfection weigh heavily on the females perception of themselves, altering their self image. Plath reveals the woman’s physical frustration and distress by imagery, when describing her "tears and agitation of the hands" (14) toward the lake. But amidst the woman’s anger, the lake is proud and feels the power she has over her, claiming the "I am important to her" (15). This proves to be true, as the woman visits "each morning" (16). The woman’s continuous appearance shows her desire to change her reflection, and the way the lake views her. Plath uses this to symbolize the constant approval women try to gain, hoping to one day meet societal standards. The final lines encompass the passing of time, and the effect of growing old. The woman "has drowned a young girl" and has raised “an old woman" (17). She is experiencing the loss of beauty and youth, while an ominous future is "rising toward her day after day" (18). Plath describes this future using a startling simile "like a terrible fish" (18). This haunting final line leaves the readers with a ghastly
The lake is reflecting a woman who is searching "for what she really is" (11). The lake reveals that the woman is looking for something deeper, beyond its depth. When the woman sees her reflection "she turns to those liars" (12), obviously not satisfied with what she sees. She uses the "candles or the moon" (12) in her attempt in altering her appearance. She believes that there light will make her appear more beautiful. Plath uses the lake as a symbol of the pressure the world puts on women. The world’s unattainable standards of beauty and perfection weigh heavily on the females perception of themselves, altering their self image. Plath reveals the woman’s physical frustration and distress by imagery, when describing her "tears and agitation of the hands" (14) toward the lake. But amidst the woman’s anger, the lake is proud and feels the power she has over her, claiming the "I am important to her" (15). This proves to be true, as the woman visits "each morning" (16). The woman’s continuous appearance shows her desire to change her reflection, and the way the lake views her. Plath uses this to symbolize the constant approval women try to gain, hoping to one day meet societal standards. The final lines encompass the passing of time, and the effect of growing old. The woman "has drowned a young girl" and has raised “an old woman" (17). She is experiencing the loss of beauty and youth, while an ominous future is "rising toward her day after day" (18). Plath describes this future using a startling simile "like a terrible fish" (18). This haunting final line leaves the readers with a ghastly