Significance of Mirrors in the Bell Jar

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By the time Esther had entered the asylum, mirrors became a huge threat to her success in the program. For example, in Dr. Gordon’s office, “There were no mirrors or pictures, only certificates from different medical schools” (Plath 11.142). The visual image of having “no mirrors” reveals that Doctor Gordon is aware of the negative affect of mirrors on patients. Moreover, the ability to use a mirror in the asylum caused great damage to Esther’s view of herself. For instance, as Esther looks in the mirror and sees herself, whom she cannot recognize, Plath writes, “It wasn’t a mirror at all, but a picture. […] I smiled. The mouth in the mirror cracked into a grin” (Plath 14.197). Here, the visual image of “cracked” reveals that the mirror cracked. In addition it symbolizes her self-image cracking. It is a turning point in the novel because her self worth is now completely shattered along with the mirror. Furthermore, Esther’s depression has fully consumed her and now all she sees is a picture of someone not herself in a mirror. This foreshadows Esther’s recovery because she has hit rock bottom and now must come up.

As Esther’s depression became more severe, mirrors became more hazardous to her health. This is similar to Walt Disney’s Snow White, because every time the evil queen looks in the mirror she develops strong hateful emotions towards the main character, Snow White. It is human nature to look in the mirror and not be satisfied with what you see. However, it is up to one’s self to determine if that will motive or take away from one’s self worth.