Abstract The paper relates that in Russian literature the symbol of the mirror plays an important role, as in literature in Germany, France and in other lands since the early 1800s. The paper discusses how the two Russian writers, Vladimir Nabokov and Yuri Olesha, treat the themes of the mirror and perspective in two passages selected from their books, "The Gift" and "Envy", respectively. The paper shows how Nabokov uses the mirror as a closeup picture of the character of Fydor while Olesha employs it as a technique to analyze the world and its relationship to himself.
From the Paper "Yuri Olesha is playing around with perspectives in this long passage which ends with the phrase above. The scene takes place when he is looking into a street mirror, excited at the tricks it plays, for when he sees a pedestrian coming in the mirror, it turns out he or she is coming from the opposite way they are actually coming from and creates a surprise when the pedestrian brushes against him on the side he is not expecting. The mirror is the focus of this scene in the street."
"The mirror also creates an effect the opposite of a telescopic effect, making things appear very small, as if looking in the wrong end of binoculars, and then they suddenly are large when seen with the naked eye. This admission that perspective is warped and distorted is an image of how he sees things in life, as all people do."
Abstract This paper discusses the poem "Mirror," by Sylvia Plath, analyzing it in detail. The writer describes the contrast between the two stanzas, a transformation from innocence and truth to maturity and dualism, and how the mirror reflects the woman's entire life from childhood to adulthood, climaxing with an allusion to her old age to come. The writer explains how this exposition of the woman's life shows us the embittered relationship that must exist beneath the surface between the mirror and its monologue's object.
From the Paper "While it is easy to see the personal, auto-biographical nature of this poem, it is important to note that this approach, specifically when applied to Plath's writing, may not actually yield the deeply held secrets that we suspect. Ted Hughes, her husband from 1956 until they separated in 1962, wrote about the "Fantasia of Sylvia Plath" in a letter to The Guardian in 1989. Hughes acknowledged the presence of some facts, but noted that Plath "fictionalizes herself in her writing". Other confessional poets, such as Anne Sexton, after famously exclaiming that poetry cured her mental illness, would also reveal that the confessional nature is not necessarily a perfect reflection, akin to the works of Van Gogh."
Abstract For those not familiar with these topics, the paper begins by briefly providing the reader with definitions of neurons, mirror neurons, and simulation theory. Following these definitions, the writer then discusses in depth how the biology of mirror neurons relates to one of the most popular theories in the field of cognitive psychology, the simulation theory.
From the Paper "Recently, an interesting set of neurons were discovered in monkeys, specifically in area F5 (which is part of the pre-motor cortex, one of the central regions for action-response) of the brain (R. et al., 1996; G. et al., 1996), which came to be known as mirror neurons. These neurons become activated both when a particular action is performed by the monkey itself or when the same action, performed by another individual (monkey or human), is observed. Grasping, holding, manipulating or tearing objects are the actions that, both when observed and executed, most frequently activate the mirror neurons. Mirror neurons appear to form a cortical circuitry, used in matching observations with the execution of goal-related motor actions."
This paper is an analysis of the poem "The Mirror". Ms. Plath adopts the viewpoint of a mirror to illustrate the aging of a woman obsessed with her lost youth.
956 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 33.95
Abstract The author discusses how the sole function of a mirror is to show a reflection of the person looking into it. In this paper, he seeks to explain how the woman sees more than her physical self, she sees the time that has passed by her and how old she has become. This forces her to reflect on her years of suffering.
From the Paper "Both the woman and the mirror live their life in darkness, both have only based their beliefs on appearances. The mirror believes its heart is the pink wall and the woman her reflection, her true self. Both the woman and the mirror are trying to find something deeper in themselves, something beyond appearances."
A review of multiculturalism and the need for tolerance as discussed in the book "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America," written by Ronald Takaki.
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America," written by Ronald Takaki. Specifically, it summarizes parts three and four of the book, which focus on "distances" between cultures and "crossings" and what the mirror may hold for the future. The paper concludes with Takaki's advice that we all came from different shores in the beginning and that our stories and history have many more commonalities than differences.
From the Paper "Mexican migrant workers form another facet of this multicultural mirror in America. They too crossed the border into America hoping for opportunity and jobs. What they found, like so many others, was backbreaking work in the fields of the West. This section indicates how Chicano and American workers were paid far different wages, even doing the same jobs, and they, also like many others, created their own communities, the barrios, where they felt comfortable and secure. They also worked in a number of other low-paying professions, and often sent money home to their relatives to support them. The compelling issue among all these immigrants is their desire for a better life, and their need to retain at least some of their own culture. This seems to be the biggest problem with Americans, who expect immigrants to immediately become Americanized and forget their old lives and cultures. For many, this is simply not possible and desirable. The mirror is different for all, and that is one of the strongest points the author makes throughout this section of the book."
Abstract The paper shows how religion is one of the defining aspects of someone's life, and their culture. A lot of races, nationalities and countries are founded upon the beliefs of their religion. Their culture becomes mirrored in those beliefs, as does the structure of their society. Four religions with such influences - Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Shinto - are explored in this paper.
From the Paper "It is unfortunate that so much of the history of Judaism, and its influence on civilization is surrounded by a lot of negativity. Of course, the Holocaust is by far the cruelest genocide in history, and the cause of the many Jewish immigrants to America. Adaptations of their beliefs and culture have formed the different divisions in Judaism ? Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. There are many cultural characteristics that can be attributed to Jews, but their food, their holidays (Chanukah, Yom Kippur, Purim), and their coming of age parties (Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah) are some of the more notables. Their food is kosher, and that has brought an entirely separate type of butcher, markets, etc. Some ballparks even serve kosher hot dogs! Synagogues, much like churches, are also architectural statements in their community. Jewish holidays are not as recognized and celebrated nationally as Christian ones, but there are now changes being made in school curriculum to allow for observance of their many festivals."
Abstract This paper focuses on Panzarino's struggle and experiences as a disabled person when she was a child until she reached adulthood. In addition to the discussion of her life as child to an adult (which is included in her book, ?The Me in the Mirror?), Panzarinos? life as an activist (feminist and advocate for equality among "able- bodied" and disabled people) is also discussed, since her revolutionary thoughts and ideas about "disability oppression" presents a valuable position for people who are also physically disabled like Panzarino.
From the Paper ""The Me in the Mirror" is an autobiographical work written by Constance Panzarino, a writer, activist and artist who talked about her life as a disable cause by the rare disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II. Connie Panzarino was born on November 26, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York, and her book chronicles her life as a child growing and living with the said muscular disease. The book is divided into different sections that focus on various topics, and her narration is not a chronicle of her life from childhood to adulthood, but rather, Panzarino touched various aspects of her life as a disabled person. In addition to her struggle for physical mobility, her book speaks of her struggles also as a woman who is disabled, as an individual doing passionate work for her fellow disabled individuals, and most importantly, her fight against the concept of ?Ableism,? a term that she coined to describe the belief that people have more power and more right to things when they?re stronger and more able. In effect, Panzarino's fight against ableism is her way of destroying what she terms as ?disability oppression.? "
Abstract Connie Panzarino's "The Me in the Mirror", an autobiographical account of her life as a writer and activist born with a rare disease known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is an inspiring story of one woman's struggle for survival and achievement. However, from the point of view of women's and disability studies, inspirational studies are not by themselves particularly significant. This paper will argue that what renders Panzarino's work noteworthy to students and professionals in this field is her repeated transgressing of societal taboos surrounding women and disability. As will be seen, Panzarino's focus on her body as a site of resistance - in particular, her assertion of her sexuality as a disabled woman - informs her theoretical critique of the associated constructs of patriarchy, ableism, racism and homophobia.
Abstract This paper examines the painting "Rex" by M. Ciurlionis, a famous Lithuanian artist and composer. It uses the short story by Borges, "The Mirror and the Mask," as a point of comparison and analysis, bringing together ideas about human nature and the nature of art that are present in both works.
Abstract Sylvia Plath's problems provided literary release for her enduring poetry. This paper concisely summarizes Plath's life and then analyzes the biographical catalysts of "Mirror" and "Daddy." By citing tones, metaphors, and popular interpretations, the paper places the poems in the context of Plath's life.
Outline
Biography
Criticism
From the Paper "Plath began to explicitly explore her individuality after the birth of her daughter, causing the candid, yet austere "Mirror." In the poem, Plath is metaphorically both a mirror and the woman reflected in the mirror in the poem, creating herself as the subject. She is initially a "silver and exact" mirror, and "most of the time [she] meditate[s] on the opposite wall" (Hughes 173). With simple phrasing and precise diction, Plath establishes her attitude of blunt intimacy towards her newly-realized self; she uses the tone to show that she is exploring herself honestly. Then, a "woman bends over" the mirror, which is "[n]ow... a lake," and begins "[s]earching [the lake's] reaches for what she really is" (Hughes 174). "
This paper analyzes a television movie "Fires in the Mirror", written by Anne Deavere Smith and directed by George C. Wolfe, about the tension between the Black and the Hasidic communities in Crown Heights.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 41.95
Abstract This paper explains that, in the television movie "Fires in the Mirror", both the Black and Hasidic communities express anger, sadness and hurt because they misunderstand each other. The author points out that the film focuses on the perceptions they have of each other following an auto accident killing one child and injuring another, which involved a member of the Hasidic group, and the subsequent stabbing of a Hasidic rabbinical student, which involved a member of the Black group. The paper relates that the film expounds that the Hasidic community does not want to integrate and work things out with the Black community because their religious doctrine stresses separation from the general community.
From the Paper "The stabbing which occurred after the car accident left the Hasidic community upset as much by the incident, but maybe more by the perceived insensitivities by the greater community. The mayor arrived at the hospital to offer condolences to the family of the slain child, but when he inquired as to the condition of Jewish stabbing victim, was told that he was in serious, but stable condition. The surrounding individuals could see something was not well with the Hasidic male, whom later died, according to the Jewish community as gross mismanagement."
Abstract This paper explains that, in his film "The Mirror", Andrei Tarkovsky provides his audience with a collection of his childhood memories. The author points out that Tarkovsky tries to remember his childhood home exactly as it was in his past but some of his memories are not as pleasant as he hoped; therefore, he relies on his imagination to create a new vision that will always be pleasant and desirable. The paper relates that the film is unconventional because of his use of a "creative relationship" to form the timeline. The author relates that critic Peter Green believes that Tarkovsky's intention when planning his film was to reflect his mother; therefore, his obsession with his mother is important to the film. The paper states that critic Ian Christie stresses the importance of the actual place where the filmmaker spent his childhood.
From the Paper "When remembering his father the images reflect his emotions, "expressing hope and despair". In the establishing shot, a man is walking towards what Tarkovsky describes as his childhood home. Metaphorically, this could be the filmmaker seeing the father he was so desperate to see returning home. The very first shot is a young boy at the doctor's office. At first, he is unable to talk, but once he is cured, he is portrayed as perfect. This sequence could once again be translated as Tarkovsky sending a message to his father, that he wants his dad to be proud of him and see him as intelligent."
This paper discusses the Cornell University infrared telescope project, which will be the world's largest infrared (IR) telescope, to be built at Llano de Chajnantor in the Atacama desert in Chile.
Abstract This paper discusses that there are many unanswered questions about the universe; therefore, there is a need for more powerful and better situated the telescopes as proposed by the Cornell University telescope at the Atacama desert in Chile where atmospheric conditions are superb. This paper explains that the astronomers and engineers at Cornell have devised a new design that they hope will provide more efficiency. The author points out that the new design allows the primary mirror to rotate in azimuth while a rotating Gregorian secondary mirror provides the primary mirror with a virtually unobstructed view of the source.
From the Paper "Telescopes launched into outer space have captured public attention in recent years. The public may wonder at Cornell's choice to build a station on earth when advances seem to be in the sky with its advantage of greater 'height' and clearer view. It is true, of course, that observations at infrared and submillimeter wavelengths--such as the Atacama installation will perform--are far more easily made from space because of the absence of atmospheric interference. But, space stations are terrifically expensive, and the necessary limits on their telescopes' size places a huge constraint on their performance. Another important factor is that, in case of malfunctions, an earthbound telescope presents a great advantage. Thus, the search for optimal conditions on our planet has gone on for many years, and the Atacama Desert has become the astronomers' paradise of choice. The European Southern Observatory is already in operation there, and the United States' National Radio Astronomy Observatory will undoubtedly locate its new Millimeter Array there."
This paper discusses the use of two forms of vision--mirrors and storytelling--in Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club" in relationship to the mother-daughter legacy.
Abstract This paper explains that, in Amy Tan's "The Joy Luck Club", the mothers use the oral tradition of story-telling to cement, ameliorate or transform the trauma of their past lives in China to their daughters as a method for rewriting these stories of oppression and victimization into parables of self-affirmation and individual empowerment. The author points out that the motif of the mirror is a form of vision used often by Tan to allow the mothers and daughter to communicate. The paper concludes that this novel clearly demonstrates the usage of storytelling and mirrors as effective tools in creating bonds between mothers and daughter of each generation, which is self-perpetuating, even if unintentional.
From the Paper "In another story involving a mirror, mother is shocked to see that her married daughter has placed a mirrored armoire at the foot of the bed. This is bad feng shui. In feng shui, the Eastern art of placement, harmony must be created in an environment and any bad angles must be "cured". Sleeping with a mirror at the foot of your bed is said to frighten your essence and create bad energy. She is certain that the mirror will deflect all happiness from her daughter's marriage, so she "cures" the situation by giving her daughter a mirror to hang above the bed. This will reverse the bad luck and bring good "peach-blossom luck," the mother says. Such luck, she adds, will ensure a grandchild."
This paper discusses the theme of "memento mori" a Latin phrase that means "remember mortality" as presented in Jonathan Nolan's short story "Memento Mori" and Christopher Nolan's film "Memento".
Abstract This paper explains that the phrase "memento mori" forces the reader to remember mortality, specifically his own mortality. The author points out that there are specific lines that demonstrate this theme such as J. Nolan writes in "Memento Mori", "Everybody else needs mirrors to remind themselves who they are. You're no different." and, from the film "Memento" near the end of the film Leonard Shelby, the film's protagonist, says, "Everyone needs a mirror to remind themselves who they are. I'm no different." . The paper concludes that Jonathan Nolan's short story nicely exemplifies Jean-Paul Sartre's statement that, without our memories, we have no notion of how we have changed from one day or one year to the next; however, by contrast, C. Nolan's film separates the plight of the protagonist from the plight of the viewer.
From the Paper "J. Nolan addresses the issues of memory and mortality in a powerful yet minimalist manner. It is precisely the brevity of Nolan's story that makes it memorable. It boasts few descriptive details and a plot that is developed so minimally that it is just enough to keep the story coherent. The result is a chilling experience in which the reader feels entirely absorbed in the person of Earl, the story's protagonist. There are no other characters in the story, and the absence of definite setting gives the story universal appeal. Even the first sentence is, in some sense, addressed directly to the reader: "Your wife always used to say you'd be late for your own funeral." "Memento Mori" is successful because, while it introduces Earl and his struggle with memory loss as he seeks to avenge his wife's death, it also manages to introduce the reader to his own memory, identity and mortality."
