The theme of this poem is perspective, how the woman sees herself and how she is actually portrayed. In other words, this poem destroys the idea of ​​vanity and replaces it with reality. Plath uses different types of rhetorical figures to try to make her intended theme clear. In the first nine lines of the poem, personification is used to further the theme. The second section of lines 10-14 by Plath uses metaphors, paradoxes, and a jealous tone to relate to the theme of the poem. The final section of lines 15-18 by Plath uses a simile and a very serious tone to show exactly what the main theme of the poem is. The first nine lines of the poem's personification are used heavily to install the idea that the mirror is not just a mirror but a truthful object that reflects the truth. In line 2 the writer says “Everything I see I swallow at once.” This line is the mirror that presents itself. This quote can be looked at in this line literally or for a deeper meaning. In any case, personification is used. Plath intended us to relate to the deeper meaning that the mirror has the ability to easily and quickly absorb its surroundings. Even the thought of a mirror swallowing up everything it sees immediately can also be a frightening image because the ability, literal or otherwise, to take in everything you encounter physically or spiritually can be very powerful and dangerous if used improperly. This ability will be useful when the mirror tries to portray the truth. In line 4 the writer writes “I am not cruel, just sincere.” Again this line is part of the mirror's introduction. Usually when you think of a mirror you don't think it's cruel, actually you think it's truthful. This quote is used to t...... middle of paper ...... towards the mirror. Plath uses a variety of fugitive language and tone to express the theme she wanted the poem to represent. In the first part of the poem he uses personification heavily to give us an honest background of the mirror and what exactly it does. The second part of the poem Plath uses metaphors, a paradoxical and jealous tone to describe the relationship between the mirror and the woman. The final part of the poem uses a simile with a very serious tone to ultimately describe how the woman sees. All three parts of the poem are used to shape the theme of the poem, which is perspective, how the woman sees herself, and how she is actually portrayed. In this case she still clings tightly to vanity while the mirror forces her to accept reality. Works CitedMirror, by Sylvia Plathhttp://allpoetry.com/poem/8498499-Mirror-by-Sylvia-Plath