Mirror - seen poetry

Question 1

What primary figure of speech is used?

Answer 1

Personification of the mirror

Question 2

What traits are attributed to the mirror in the first stanza?

Answer 2

1. having no preconceptions (no pre-formed judgement/prejudice)
2. reflects immediately (swallow)
3. unmisted: no bias
4. not cruel: mirror absolves himself of guilt
5. truthful
6. god-like.
7. imprisons others (four-cornered)
8. meditate: mirror at mercy of whoever passes in front of him

Question 3

Comment on the use of the pink-speckled wall

Answer 3

1. objective, impartial. saying what is there
2. represents a woman’s skin; has imperfections

Question 4

Comment on the use of “my heart”

Answer 4

suggests the mirror has emotions; close relationship with wall

Question 5

comment on the use of “it flickers”

Answer 5

it may represent every time a person stands in front of the mirror. the abruptness of the statement may suggest that the mirror is resentful of this.

Question 6

Comment on the use of “lake”:

Answer 6

The mirror is a lake; allusion to the myth of Narcissus who was obsessed with his reflection. Compulsive behaviour in which shr searches for her identity

Question 7

Explain the woman’s search in stanza 2

Answer 7

she is in despair (innuendo); she is searching for her meaning/identity/purpose – it is deeper than she thinks it is.

Question 8

does “reflect it faithfully” convey objectivity?

Answer 8

yes, it does

Question 9

What is the effect of rewards?

Answer 9

IS the mirror delighted by the woman’s distress? is he irritated by her visits?

Question 10

explain the relationship between the woman and the mirror

Answer 10

she “comes and goes” she is within the mirror’s grip. she cannot find a conclusive answer. the woman needs the mirror

Question 11

Explain the phrase “she has drowned a young girl”

Answer 11

-> The poet uses the passive voice; suggesting the drowning is a result of her actions. each time she visits the mirror, she has drowned her a little more.
-> day after day: compulsive behaviour

Question 12

comment on the simile

Answer 12

the reality is horrific to the woman: old age is conquering her. the image is repugnant: confirming her fears that she will be undesirable.

Question 13

comment on the structure of the poem

Answer 13

mirror pov before woman pov: we think about her with mirror objectivity in mind

caesuras: sudden mid line interruptions emulate distress

same length for each stanza: mirorring them

Question 14

What is the mirror’s tone?

Answer 14

PONTIFICAL then Cynical/detached

Question 15

Comment on the punctuation.

Answer 15

mirror asseriveness/ inability to be challenged (first 6 lines)

Question 16

comment on the use of pronouns

Answer 16

I of mirror at beginning: self-assertive
us and i : greater intimacy