"Mirror" by Sylvia Plath

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Front

What is personification?

Back

Personification is a literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.

Front

What does the mirror symbolize in Sylvia Plath's poem 'Mirror'?

Back

The mirror symbolizes self-reflection, aging, and the harsh reality of one's appearance.

Front

What is the significance of the phrase 'eye of a little god' in the poem?

Back

It suggests that the mirror has a powerful, almost divine ability to reflect the truth and control perceptions.

Front

What does the line 'I think it is part of my heart' imply about the mirror's relationship with the speaker?

Back

It implies a deep emotional connection, suggesting that the mirror reflects not just physical appearance but also inner feelings.

Front

What is the effect of using the word 'swallow' in the line 'Whatever I see I swallow immediately'?

Back

It conveys the idea of the mirror consuming or absorbing everything it reflects, emphasizing its role as an unyielding observer.

Front

What does the term 'exact' refer to in the context of the mirror?

Back

'Exact' refers to the mirror's ability to reflect reality without distortion, showing things as they truly are.

Front

How does the imagery of the mirror contribute to the theme of aging in the poem?

Back

The imagery of the mirror reflects the inevitable passage of time and the changes in the speaker's appearance, highlighting the theme of aging.

Front

What is the role of the young girl in the poem?

Back

The young girl represents innocence and beauty, contrasting with the older woman's experience of aging and self-perception.

Front

What literary device is used in the line 'Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish'?

Back

This line uses a simile to create a vivid comparison, enhancing the emotional impact of the mirror's reflection.