Mirror by Sylvia PlathOnline version Deep analysis questions by Lama Alshami 1 Which word best characterizes the speaker in the first stanza of the poem? a critical b objective c sympathetic d annoyed 2 The use of swallow in line 2 is an example of personification. What effect does it have on the poem? a It suggests the mirror reflects anything blocking its view of the wall. b It reveals how hungry the mirror is for new images to consume c It conveys the way the mirror completely consumes whatever it sees. d It explains why the mirror has grown tired of seeing the same things 3 The metaphor eye of a little god in line 5 gives the impression that the mirror — a is serious b is cruel c sees all d controls all 4 When the woman turns to those liars, the candles or the moon in line 12, the speaker thinks she is — a avoiding discovering her true self b recognizing her true identity c seeing her true physical beauty d hoping to hear the truth about herself 5 Based on line 14, the speaker — a wants to communicate with the woman b is indifferent toward the woman’s feelings c is sympathetic toward the woman’s feelings d enjoys the emotion it has caused in the woman 6 The two short sentences in line 15 of the poem contribute to a tone of ... a bitterness b unease c sarcasm d pride 7 The poet uses the word drowned in line 17 to suggest — a the unavoidable passing of time b the eventual death of the girl c the woman’s acceptance of her aging d the woman’s sorrow at being alone 8 Which theme can the reader infer from lines 15–18? a Romantic love never lasts. b The truth is quickly uncovered. c People should reflect on the past. d Beauty fading is inevitable.
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