In the very first line of "The Lady in the Looking Glass: A Reflection", Virginia Woolf writes, "People should not leave looking-glasses hanging in their rooms any more than they should leave open cheque books or letters confessing some hideous crime" (p.1224). Just like the personal information about finances stored away in a cheque book, so are hidden secrets about us. We shouldn't leave a looking-glass hanging for others to view our deep personal lives.
The character looks through the glass and sees a mistress "Isabella Tyson"(1225) whom I'd like to say is herself. Usually when one glances into a mirror, the reflection is of oneself. From the readings, it sounds as though the person looking in the mirror is Virginia Woolf. When peering into the mirror and noticing Isabella, this character demeanor changes for the better. The author uses expressions like "to pick something light and fantastic and leafy...traveller's joy...white and violet blossoms"(1225) all symbolizing happiness. However, when reality hits, she is suddenly looking at her natural self again "old and angular, veined and line, with her high nose and her wrinkled nose," pretty much flaws and all.
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Tisha,
ReplyDeleteWow, we both interpreted this poem so differently. I did not think Woolf was writing about herself at all, but there may be some similarities like some dissatisfaction with one’s position in society. I did realize in the beginning she talks about her so positively and then she sees the real her later. With your interpretation, do you think most people see themselves as something totally different from reality? I think many people see flaws that aren’t really there and others are ignorant of character flaws that they have. Interesting perspective, good blog.
Tisha,
ReplyDeleteWhile most people look at themselves primarily in mirrors, that is not the only thing you can see. In Woolf's essay, the speaker (who may not be Woolf but is certainly not Isabella Tyson) is in a friend's house observing her things and later her friend in a mirror, while seated out of the direct line of the mirror (so she is not seeing herself). Your post reaches some convoluted conclusions from this mistaken beginning.
This is the best part of this class...reading fellow classmates inputs on our suggested readings. I like your idea of what it means to you..I personally, felt that it symbolized a reflection of one's self...one who still lives in the past as well as the present!
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