Analysis of Mirror, by Sylvia Plath

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The theme of this poem is perspective, how the woman sees herself and how she is actually portrayed. In other words this poem is bashing the idea of vanity and replacing it with reality. Plath uses different types of figures of speech to try to make the intended theme clear. In the first nine line of the poem, personification is used to promote the theme. The second section of the poem lines 10-14 Plath uses metaphors, paradox and a jealous tone to relate to the theme of the poem. The final section of the poem lines 15-18 Plath uses a simile and a very serious tone to show exactly what the main theme of the poem is.

The first nine lines of the poem personification is used heavily to install the idea that the mirror is not just a mirror but a truthful object that reflects the truth. On line 2 the writer says” Whatever I see I swallow immediately”. This line is the mirror giving an introduction of its self. This quote can be look at this line in a literal meaning or for a deeper meaning. In any case personification is used. Plath intended us to refer to the deeper meaning which is the mirror had the ability to easily and quickly take in its surroundings. The thought of a mirror swallowing everything it sees immediately can also be frightening image because literal or not the ability to take in everything you encounter physical or spiritually can be very powerful and dangerous if misused. This ability will be helpful when the mirror is trying to portray the truth. On line 4 the writer writes” I am not cruel, only truthful’. Again this line is part of the mirror introduction. Usually when a mirror is thought of it is not thought of being cruel better yet it is thought of being truthful. This quote is used for t...

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...rding to the mirror.

Plath uses a variety of fugitive language and tone to express the theme she wanted the poem to portray. In the first part of the poem she uses personification strongly to give us an honest background of the mirror and what exactly it is that it does. The second part of the poem Plath uses metaphors, a paradox and jealous tone to describe the relationship between the mirror and woman. The final part of the poem uses a simile with a very serious tone to describe ultimately how it sees the woman. All three parts of the poem are used to shape the theme of the poem that is perspective, how the woman sees herself and how she is actually portrayed. In this case she still holds on strongly to vanity while the mirror forces her to accept reality.

Works Cited

Mirror, by Sylvia Plath

http://allpoetry.com/poem/8498499-Mirror-by-Sylvia-Plath

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