Poem Analysis - Mirror Mirror

Introduction: A Triumph of Inner Beauty

Spike Milligan's "Mirror, Mirror" is a short, poignant poem that explores the contrasting perceptions of beauty. It presents a stark juxtaposition between external judgment and internal validation. The poem begins with an innocent, almost idyllic scene, but quickly shifts to a darker, critical tone with the mirror's harsh words. Ultimately, the poem resolves in a quiet triumph of inner beauty and the power of genuine affection, leaving the reader with a sense of hope and resilience.

The Cruelty of Superficial Judgment

One of the central themes of the poem is the cruel and often superficial nature of external judgment. The mirror, traditionally a symbol of objective reflection, here embodies societal standards of beauty. Its pronouncement, "You are very ugly," is direct and unfeeling, highlighting how easily self-esteem can be damaged by external criticism. The brevity and bluntness of the statement amplify its impact, revealing the casual cruelty that can be inflicted by superficial judgments based solely on appearances.

Love and Validation: The Power of Inner Perception

In stark contrast to the mirror's harsh assessment, the poem also explores the theme of love and validation as a source of inner strength and acceptance. The blind boy's declaration, "You are beautiful," represents a deeper, more meaningful perception of beauty that transcends physical appearance. Because he cannot see her, his compliment speaks to an inner beauty, a radiance that emanates from her personality or spirit. This validation holds more weight, allowing her to dismiss the mirror's negativity and retain her "smile of dove-secret loveliness." This shows how powerful internal acceptance and love can be in the face of negative outside forces.

Symbolism of Sight and Blindness

The poem employs the symbolism of sight and blindness to represent different ways of seeing and understanding beauty. The mirror, representing conventional sight, offers a superficial and ultimately damaging assessment. The blind boy, deprived of physical sight, possesses a deeper, more insightful vision. His blindness allows him to perceive a beauty that is invisible to the eye, a beauty that resides within. This suggests that true beauty is not about physical appearance, but about character, kindness, and inner radiance.

The Dove as a Symbol of Inner Peace

The image of the "smile of dove-secret loveliness" is a powerful symbol in the poem. Doves are commonly associated with peace, purity, and love. By comparing the girl's smile to a dove, Milligan suggests that her inner beauty is a source of tranquility and quiet joy. The word "secret" implies that this loveliness is not readily apparent to everyone, but is a cherished and personal aspect of her being. It is a resilience and inner peace that the harsh words of the mirror cannot touch, emphasizing the poem's overall message of inner strength and self-acceptance.

Conclusion: Transcending Superficiality

"Mirror, Mirror" is a powerful reminder that true beauty lies not in the reflection seen in a mirror, but in the love and validation we receive from others and, more importantly, from ourselves. Spike Milligan's concise yet evocative language exposes the cruelty of superficial judgment while celebrating the enduring power of inner beauty and genuine affection. Ultimately, the poem encourages us to look beyond the surface and to value the qualities that truly make us beautiful – kindness, love, and inner strength – qualities that cannot be diminished by the harsh words of a critical world.