In the context of the poem "Mirror," the wall primarily symbolizes femininity. Despite being a simple architectural feature of the room, this pink wall functions as an abstracted representation of femininity within the poem's thematic framework.
The Wall's Role in Sylvia Plath's "Mirror"
Sylvia Plath's poem "Mirror" is narrated by the mirror itself, which claims to be truthful and unbiased, reflecting exactly what it sees without love or dislike. From this objective perspective, the mirror observes various elements in its environment, including the wall.
The reference to the wall as a "pink wall" specifically highlights its symbolic meaning. While literally just a part of the room, its color and constant presence contribute to its deeper significance as a representation of feminine qualities or aspects of womanhood that are observed by the impartial mirror.
Understanding the Symbol of Femininity
The wall's symbolism as femininity is understood through several aspects:
- Abstracted Nature: The wall is not a direct, literal representation of a woman, but rather an abstracted symbol. This means it embodies conceptual qualities associated with femininity rather than depicting a specific person or object in a literal sense.
- Color Association: The mention of a "pink wall" subtly reinforces its connection to femininity, as pink is a color traditionally associated with women and girls. This common cultural association enhances the wall's symbolic meaning without explicit explanation within the poem.
- Constant Presence: The wall is a fixed, unchanging element in the mirror's perception. This contrasts sharply with the evolving, aging reflection of the woman who looks into the mirror. In this sense, the wall can represent an enduring, perhaps innate, aspect of femininity that remains constant even as outward appearances change.
- Contrast with Subjectivity: The mirror's objective reflection of the wall highlights its role as a stable, undeniable truth. This contrasts with the woman's subjective perceptions and her struggle with aging and changing beauty, underscoring the themes of reality versus self-perception within the poem. The wall, therefore, stands as a quiet, constant witness to the passage of time and the woman's internal conflict.
