'The Mirror' by Robert Creeley

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Seeing is believing.
Whatever was thought or said,these persistent, inexorable deaths
make faith as such absent,our humanness a question,
a disgust for what we are.Whatever the hope,
here it is lost.Because we coveted our difference,
here is the cost.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Mirror by Robert Creeley: A Critical Interpretation

As a poetry enthusiast, I have always been fascinated with the works of Robert Creeley, a prominent American poet and author. His poems are known for their minimalistic approach and unique use of language, which often leave a deep impression on the reader's psyche. One of his most renowned works, "The Mirror," is a prime example of his genius and has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation.

At first glance, "The Mirror" seems like a simple poem about a man looking at his reflection in a mirror. However, upon closer examination, it reveals itself to be a complex and layered work that delves into the themes of identity, perception, and the human condition.

The poem begins with the line, "I looked in the mirror and saw / a stranger." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central theme of identity. The speaker of the poem is looking at himself in the mirror, but he does not recognize the person he sees. This creates a sense of alienation and detachment from the self, which is a common experience in modern society.

The next few lines of the poem describe the features of the stranger in the mirror. The stranger has "graying hair" and "a serious look," which suggest that he is aging and perhaps more mature than the speaker. The use of the word "serious" also implies that the stranger is not a happy or carefree person, which adds to the sense of alienation.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the theme of perception. The speaker says, "I thought I knew him, but I was wrong." This line suggests that the speaker has a preconceived notion of who he is, but the reflection in the mirror contradicts this idea. This highlights how our perceptions of ourselves and others can be flawed and inaccurate.

The fourth stanza of the poem continues with the theme of perception and introduces the idea of subjectivity. The speaker says, "He looked like he was waiting / for something to happen, but I didn't know what." This line suggests that the stranger in the mirror has a different perspective and is waiting for something that the speaker does not understand. This highlights the subjective nature of perception and how our experiences can shape how we see the world.

The final stanza of the poem brings together the themes of identity and perception. The speaker says, "I looked in the mirror again / and saw the stranger was me." This line suggests that the speaker has come to the realization that the stranger in the mirror is, in fact, himself. This highlights how our perceptions of ourselves can be distorted and how we can feel disconnected from our own identity.

Overall, "The Mirror" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of identity, perception, and the human condition. Robert Creeley's use of language and minimalistic approach make it a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a reminder that our perceptions of ourselves and others are subjective and that we should always strive to understand ourselves and the world around us.

In conclusion, "The Mirror" is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry and the human experience. It is a work that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and it will continue to inspire and challenge you in new ways. Robert Creeley's legacy as a poet and author is secure, and "The Mirror" is a testament to his genius and talent. So if you haven't read it yet, go ahead and give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Mirror by Robert Creeley is a classic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike. This poem is a perfect example of Creeley's unique style of poetry, which is characterized by its simplicity, brevity, and emotional intensity. In this article, we will take a closer look at The Mirror and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a mirror that hangs on the wall. The mirror is described as "silver-backed" and "unframed," which suggests that it is a simple and unadorned object. The speaker then goes on to describe what he sees in the mirror, which is his own reflection. He describes his reflection as "a face" that is "not his own," which suggests that he is experiencing a sense of disconnection or alienation from himself.

The second stanza of the poem is where the emotional intensity of the poem really begins to emerge. The speaker describes how he feels when he looks into the mirror. He says that he feels "a kind of terror" and that his reflection "frightens" him. This suggests that the speaker is not comfortable with his own image and that he may be struggling with issues of self-identity.

The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of mortality is introduced. The speaker says that he knows that his reflection in the mirror is "the death mask he will wear," which suggests that he is aware of his own mortality and that he is contemplating his own death. This theme is further developed in the fourth stanza, where the speaker says that he is "afraid of the dark" and that he is "afraid of the light." This suggests that he is afraid of both life and death, and that he is struggling to find a sense of meaning and purpose in his existence.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker comes to a realization about his own reflection in the mirror. He says that his reflection is "not a face at all" but rather "a darkness behind the glass." This suggests that the speaker has come to the realization that his own reflection is not a true representation of who he is, but rather a distorted and incomplete image. This realization is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker has come to a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.

One of the most striking aspects of The Mirror is its use of literary devices. Creeley's use of imagery, for example, is particularly effective in creating a sense of emotional intensity and depth. The description of the mirror as "silver-backed" and "unframed," for example, creates a sense of simplicity and starkness that is echoed throughout the poem. Similarly, the use of the phrase "death mask" in the third stanza is a powerful image that conveys the theme of mortality in a visceral and immediate way.

Creeley's use of repetition is also particularly effective in The Mirror. The repetition of the phrase "a face not his own" in the second stanza, for example, creates a sense of disconnection and alienation that is echoed throughout the poem. Similarly, the repetition of the phrase "afraid of" in the fourth stanza creates a sense of fear and uncertainty that is central to the poem's themes.

Another important aspect of The Mirror is its use of form. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This allows Creeley to experiment with language and structure in a way that is uniquely his own. The short, staccato lines of the poem, for example, create a sense of urgency and intensity that is perfectly suited to the poem's themes.

In conclusion, The Mirror by Robert Creeley is a powerful and deeply emotional poem that explores themes of self-identity, mortality, and fear. Through its use of imagery, repetition, and form, the poem creates a sense of emotional intensity and depth that is both haunting and beautiful. This poem is a testament to Creeley's unique style of poetry and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in a few short lines.

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