Mirror

Birth date: October 27, 1932 Death date: February 11, 1963 Born in Massachusetts she studied at Smith College and

Newnham College, Cambridge before receiving acclaim as a professional poet and writer.

She was married to Ted Hughes.

GenreConfessional poetry

FormFree VerseThis poem is written in

free verse, which means that it has no set pattern of rhythm or rhyme.

Questions: (6, 7, & 8)Questions: (6, 7, & 8) How does the language of the poem contribute to its

meaning?For language of used in this poem is sorrow but yet salvation.

For at first lost out then grows up into a woman who’s found salvation on her own

How is the poem organized? This poem is written in free verse, which means

that it has no set pattern of rhyme. Do patterns of rhyme and rhythm contribute to meaning and

effect of the poem? The poem holds rhythm but not rhyme, either way with one

the poem can function with just one.

Questions: (3, 5, & 9) What is the dramatic context of the poem?For the reason of the poem is a girl being broken hearted but

growing up into a full grown woman. What motivates the speaker to speak now, in the tone he/she

uses?For past life and hoping for the future is what might have

inspired her into writing such attention grabbing words. What theme does the poem contain? The theme is realization, much like an epiphany.

Questions (1,2, & 4)Questions (1,2, & 4) Who is talking?The mirror is the speaker in the poem. To whom is the speaker talking?The speaker speaks to those who can relate to her words. What happens during the poem? At first she's lost and broken, but yet she manages to shine. She manages yet

glow even though she’s down and alone.

Staring the image For she knows she alone Cries for help Young and true Holds life dear Lost in the shadows Her tears shine Though she feels hope I stand and gaze Upon what I once knew For then I know what I must becomeAs I peel away this picture I see something new For woman stare back She seems happy Alone but satisfiedShe catches every tearWith every second that she breathes Her once lonely and sad life Its now full and bright

What was your initial response to the poem?

The poem confused us, because at first she was one thing and then in second the part she was something different.

How was your new poem improve the message of the original?

The speaker of this poem was young & grew into a woman leaving the past behind.