Magic Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Mirroring in Poetry

Have you ever looked into a mirror and seen yourself in a different light? Or have you ever looked at a mirror and wondered what lies beyond the reflection? Mirrors have always held a mystical quality, a sense of otherworldliness, and have been used as a tool of divination as well as a symbol of truth and reflection in literature. Mirroring has also played a significant role in poetry, where it is used as a technique to convey deeper meaning and to explore the human psyche.

The Echo

Mirroring in poetry can take many forms, and one of the most common techniques is known as the echo. An echo is a repetition of words or phrases, which creates a sense of reflection or repetition. An example of this technique can be found in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott":

  • Out flew the web and floated wide;
  • The mirror cracked from side to side;
  • "The curse is come upon me," cried
  • The Lady of Shalott.

In this example, the repetition of the phrase "The Lady of Shalott" creates a sense of a mirror, reflecting the protagonist's inner turmoil. The crack in the mirror also suggests a disconnect between the protagonist's reality and her perception, highlighting the theme of isolation and imprisonment.

The Palindrome

Another form of mirroring in poetry is the palindrome, which is a word or phrase that reads the same backward as forward. Palindromes can be found in works of literature dating back to ancient times, and they are often used as a way to convey symmetry and balance. An example of a palindrome in poetry can be found in the works of Lewis Carroll:

  • A man, a plan, a canal, Panama!

This palindrome is a reflection of itself, and it serves to underscore the theme of unity and wholeness. The palindrome is also used as a form of wordplay, which adds to the poem's complexity and depth.

The Mirror

Perhaps the most obvious form of mirroring in poetry is the use of mirrors as a symbol. Mirrors have been used as a symbol in literature since ancient times, and they represent truth, reflection, and self-discovery. An example of the use of mirrors as a symbol can be found in Sylvia Plath's "Mirror":

  • I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.
  • Whatever I see I swallow immediately
  • Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.
  • I am not cruel, only truthful—

In this example, the mirror is portrayed as a detached observer, reflecting the protagonist's true self. The protagonist is not able to accept the truth reflected back at her, and the mirror serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's struggle with self-discovery and acceptance.

The Doppelganger

Finally, mirroring in poetry can also take the form of the doppelganger, which is a double or replica of a person. The doppelganger is often associated with horror and the supernatural, but it can also be used as a metaphor for the protagonist's struggle with identity. An example of the use of the doppelganger in poetry can be found in William Butler Yeats's "The Double Vision of Michael Robartes":

  • One had come with her majority;
  • Yet passion and convention are constantly in collision,
  • Then Michael suddenly would settle at the wall,
  • Be silent, and be safe.

In this example, the protagonist is haunted by his own doppelganger, which represents his struggle with identity and his fear of losing himself in the process. The use of the doppelganger adds a layer of complexity to the poem, and it serves to highlight the protagonist's internal conflict.

Conclusion

Mirroring in poetry is a powerful technique that can be used to add depth and complexity to a poem. Whether through the use of echoes, palindromes, symbols, or doppelgangers, mirroring serves to explore the human psyche and to convey deeper meaning. As poets continue to explore the many forms of mirroring, we can expect to see new ways in which mirrors and reflections are used to create meaning and convey the human experience.