When we face the world we need to know what we look like. The practical importance of mirrors is undeniable. You can check for blemishes, spots and general presentability.
On the downside, they can also be objects which encourage vanity and give sustenance to bloated egos.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water. He became so hopelessly besotted with his reflection that he lost all sense of his true self.
The myth warns against the worship of one’s own outward appearance to the point that it results in alienation from others. I guess one modern equivalent might be an addiction to selfies.
In everyday life when we look at our reflections we commonly ask questions like :
• Is this what I really look like?
• Is this how I want to look?
• Is this what I have become?
The link between these questions and self-identity are obvious. Mirrors say a lot about how we see ourselves.
In the context of movies, mirror images can be applied themes like class, gender and education. A wider connection to concepts of cultural and national identity is also possible.
Continue reading
