Why Mirrors?

Why are mirrors such symbolic objects in this novel? We constantly read about Tom looking and analyzing himself in the mirror. I believe that the mirror symbolizes the way Tom views his identity. This novel is all about Tom creating a new identity for himself. When Tom looked at himself towards the beginning of the novel, he saw a person who he was not fond of looking back at him. When he looked in the mirror this time (now wearing Dickie’s clothes), he saw the luxurious Dickie looking back at him. These reflections represent the change of identities Tom is undergoing. Looking into a mirror is the only way we are able to see what others see when they look at us. Tom is impressed with how much he looks and sounds like Dickie and if he believes he can pass as Dickie, he may feel as if anyone will believe he looks and sounds like him as well.