Poem Analysis: The Man in the Mirror
“The Man in the Mirror”, written by Dale Wimbrow in 1934, is a reflective and impactful poem that addresses the importance of personal integrity, self-honesty, and the value of living an authentic life. Though it is often mistakenly referred to as The Man in the Glass, the message remains the same: true success and fulfillment come from being able to look at oneself in the mirror and feel proud of the person reflected back. The poem emphasizes that the most important judgment we face is from ourselves, not from others.
In this analysis, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and structure of the poem, while also reflecting on why it continues to resonate with readers today.
Table of Contents
The Poem: The Man in the Mirror by Dale Wimbrow
Here is the full text of the poem:
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he’s with you, clear to the end
And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
1. Themes of the Poem
Self-Honesty and Integrity
The central theme of the poem is self-honesty. It emphasizes that no amount of external success or praise is meaningful if it comes at the cost of losing your own integrity. The poem encourages the reader to live authentically and to ensure that, above all else, they can look themselves in the mirror with pride and self-respect.
The speaker points out that it doesn’t matter how others view you—whether it’s family, friends, or society as a whole. What matters most is whether you can face yourself in the mirror and be at peace with the choices you’ve made.
The Importance of Self-Approval
The poem stresses that self-approval is more important than external validation. While you may receive accolades and praise from the world, the ultimate test of success is whether you are happy with the person you have become. If you’ve compromised your values or betrayed your own principles, the approval of others is hollow.
The Consequences of Self-Deception
Wimbrow warns that self-deception can lead to heartache. You may fool others and receive praise for your accomplishments, but if you’ve cheated yourself—if you’ve lived dishonestly or ignored your conscience—then your “final reward” will be regret and sorrow. The poem underscores the idea that the most painful consequence of a life lived without integrity is internal, not external.
2. Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is cautionary and contemplative. The speaker offers advice to the reader, encouraging careful self-reflection and urging them to prioritize their own sense of integrity over the opinions of others. The tone is not harsh or accusatory but rather a gentle reminder to stay true to oneself.
The mood created by the poem is one of introspection. It invites the reader to pause and think about their own life, their choices, and whether they can stand before the “man in the mirror” with pride. The mood is also somewhat sober, as the poem hints at the consequences of ignoring one’s inner moral compass.
3. Symbolism in the Poem
The poem makes heavy use of the mirror as a symbol of self-reflection and self-judgment. The “man in the mirror” (or “man in the glass”) represents the true self—the person who cannot be fooled by appearances, accolades, or external success. The mirror reflects reality, showing whether the individual has lived with integrity or has betrayed their own values.
Key Symbol:
- The Mirror: The mirror is a powerful symbolic tool in the poem, representing truth and self-awareness. It reflects not just the physical appearance of the person but their inner life, their choices, and their character. While it’s possible to deceive others, the mirror symbolizes the uncompromising truth that lies within. Facing the “man in the mirror” means confronting one’s true self, without the distortions of ego or external validation.
4. Structure and Language
The poem is written in rhyming quatrains, with a consistent ABCB rhyme scheme throughout. This gives the poem a rhythmic flow, making it easy to read and memorable. The rhyme scheme also adds to the conversational tone, as if the speaker is offering personal advice to the reader.
Language and Imagery:
The language of the poem is simple and direct, which enhances its message. Wimbrow avoids complex metaphors or abstract ideas, instead focusing on clear and accessible language that resonates with readers. This simplicity allows the poem to communicate its message of self-honesty and integrity in a way that is universally relatable.
Key Lines:
- “The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life / Is the one staring back from the glass.”
These lines emphasize the central message of the poem: that self-judgment is the most important judgment. It doesn’t matter what others think; the only opinion that truly holds weight is that of the person you see in the mirror. - “You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years / And get pats on the back as you pass.”
Here, Wimbrow acknowledges that it’s possible to deceive others and receive praise for outward success. However, the poem warns that this external validation is meaningless if it comes at the expense of personal integrity.
5. Emotional Impact
The poem’s emotional impact comes from its honesty and simplicity. It speaks to a universal truth: that we are our own harshest critics, and that true peace and satisfaction come not from external success but from living in alignment with our own values.
For many readers, the poem serves as a wake-up call—a reminder to live authentically and to prioritize self-respect over the fleeting approval of others. The poem’s message is both timeless and deeply personal, as it touches on the fundamental human desire to live a life of meaning and integrity.
6. Why the Poem Resonates Today
The Man in the Mirror continues to resonate with readers today because its message is timeless. In a modern world filled with pressures to achieve success, gain recognition, and seek validation from others (often through social media and public platforms), the poem serves as a reminder that external approval is fleeting, while self-approval is lasting.
Reasons for its Popularity:
- Universal Appeal: The poem’s message of self-honesty and integrity is relevant to people from all walks of life. Whether one is struggling with personal decisions, professional success, or moral dilemmas, the poem’s advice is universally applicable.
- Relevance in Modern Times: In a world where people often measure their worth based on societal expectations or external validation, the poem encourages readers to look inward and focus on their own sense of self-worth. It resonates with those who feel the pressures of living up to others’ expectations.
- Simple but Profound: The poem’s straightforward language and structure make it accessible to a wide audience, while its profound message about integrity and self-respect gives it lasting emotional depth.
Conclusion
The Man in the Mirror by Dale Wimbrow is a timeless reflection on the importance of self-honesty, integrity, and self-approval. Through its powerful use of the mirror as a symbol of self-reflection, the poem encourages readers to prioritize living authentically and being true to themselves, rather than seeking external recognition or approval.
The poem’s universal message continues to inspire readers, reminding us that the only person whose opinion truly matters is the one staring back from the mirror. In a world that often emphasizes outward appearances and achievements, The Man in the Mirror serves as a powerful reminder to live with integrity and to ensure that, above all else, we can look at ourselves with pride and peace.
