The Mirror as an Image of Concealment and Revelation in Carol Shields’ Mirrors

Essay from the year 2008 in the subject English - Literature, Works, grade: 2,0, University of Marburg (Fremdsprachliche Philologien), course: Proseminar The Short Story in English Speaking Canada, language: English, abstract: The couple described in Mirrors has decided to live without mirrors during summer, while spending their time in their summer house at Big Circle Lake. This cohabitation turns out to be not as harmoniously as the rest of the world sees it. The absence of mirrors causes several problems both partners try to deal with by themselves. This paper shall be concerned with the image of mirrors in the story, regarding especially the concealment and revelation it symbolizes. Therefore the image of the mirror in general has to be viewed. Afterwards the mirrorless summer house has to be examined as well as the couple, which deliberately lives without mirrors. In addition special scenes will be analysed. After looking at the couple, the usage of mirrors in the story play an important role to find an answer to the question if the deliberate mirrorlessness reminds both partners of their better selves.