Reflections of Rebellion

Categories: Margaret Atwood

In Margaret Atwood's poetic masterpiece, "Tricks With Mirrors," she unfolds a tapestry of emotions and reflections, exploring the intricate dynamics of selfhood within the confines of relationships. The speaker, personified as a mirror, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging conventional norms and pushing against the boundaries of societal expectations. This exploration, intricately woven into five parts, gradually reveals the complexities of the speaker's internal struggle and her quest for autonomy beyond the reflective surface.

Part I: A Mirror's Revelation

At the onset, Atwood introduces the speaker's role as a mirror with an air of ambiguity that swiftly transforms into a stark revelation.

The speaker willingly accepts the objectification inherent in her relationship, positioning herself as a vessel for her self-absorbed lover's gaze. Through the speaker's eyes, the mirror becomes more than just an inanimate object; it evolves into a metaphor for her perceived insignificance. Lines such as "I enter with you and become a mirror" lay the groundwork, highlighting the one-sided nature of their connection.

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Amidst these revelations, the speaker maintains an open-handed honesty, expressing discontent with her situation. The metaphorical mirror, initially portrayed as a passive reflector, becomes a symbol of the speaker's internal conflict. The introduction sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of the woman behind the mirror, her desires, and the subtle rebellion brewing within her.

Part II: Unveiling Layers Beyond Reflection

The second part unravels the speaker's yearning for recognition beyond the surface of her reflective function. She implores her lover to perceive her as more than a mere mirror, urging him to acknowledge the neglected facets of her personality and physical existence.

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Atwood employs vivid descriptions of the mirror's frame, nails, and scars to amplify the speaker's cry for attention and love as an individual with complexities distinct from the reflective role imposed upon her.

Through this exploration, Atwood delves into the intricacies of the speaker's identity, challenging the preconceived notions of passivity associated with mirrors. The mirror, once a silent witness, becomes a conduit for the speaker's plea for individuality and depth in a relationship that has confined her to the shadows of mere reflection.

Part III: The Craft of Reflection

In the third segment, Atwood delves into the challenging nature of playing the reflecting role in a relationship. The speaker articulates the difficulty of maintaining the illusion, emphasizing the craft involved in being a mirror. Lines like "Consider what restraint it takes: breath withheld, no anger or joy disturbing the surface of the ice" delve into the emotional labor required, portraying the speaker as both giver and caretaker.

Atwood draws parallels between the speaker's role as a mirror and the historic expectations placed on women. The statement, "mirrors are crafty," reveals the inherent craftiness required of women over time, accentuating the complexities of the woman behind the mirror. It becomes evident that the speaker defines her role not as a mere trick but as a craft, further unraveling the layers of her character.

Part IV: Seeking Autonomy Amidst Reflection

The fourth stanza marks a pivotal moment in the poem, as the speaker subtly rebels against the confines of her reflective existence. In a placid attempt at rebellion, she expresses a desire to break free from a life she deems "mute and devoid of color." The speaker seeks autonomy, attempting to open her lover's eyes to her true existence beyond the reflective surface.

However, her plea falls on deaf ears, as the lover remains oblivious to her internal struggle. This segment accentuates the isolation of the speaker, who, despite her attempts, finds herself unheard and unseen. The poem becomes a poignant exploration of the yearning for recognition, transcending the metaphorical mirror to encapsulate the broader theme of individual autonomy within relationships.

Part V: Embracing New Metaphors

In the final segment, disheartened by her lover's lack of understanding, the speaker abandons the mirror metaphor. Acknowledging her lover's discomfort with metaphors, she introduces a new comparison, identifying herself as a pool. This shift signifies the speaker's attempt to convey a deeper, more profound aspect of her nature beyond a simple reflective surface.

As she urges her lover to "think about pools," the speaker extends an invitation to explore her complexity. The metaphor of a pool, with its depths and reflective surface, serves as a last-ditch effort to make him see the reality of her existence. Atwood, through this metamorphosis of metaphors, encapsulates the evolving nature of the speaker's rebellion against the confined roles of traditional relationships.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Rebellion

Margaret Atwood's "Tricks With Mirrors" transcends the boundaries of conventional poetry, offering a symphony of rebellion against the traditional roles imposed within relationships. The speaker, initially portrayed as a mere mirror, emerges as a complex individual yearning for recognition, autonomy, and love beyond the confines of reflection.

The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by individuals trapped in one-sided dynamics, urging readers to reflect on the complexities of identity within the context of intimate connections. Atwood's exploration, both nuanced and profound, beckons readers to reconsider the roles and expectations inherent in relationships, inviting them to break free from the reflective surfaces that confine and obscure the true essence of the self.

Updated: Jan 11, 2024
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Reflections of Rebellion. (2016, Jun 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/tricks-with-mirrors-by-margaret-atwood-essay

Reflections of Rebellion essay
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