“INEZ: There...you know the way the catch larks - with a mirror? I'm your lark-mirror,my dear, and you can't escape me...There isn't any pimple, not a trace of one. So what about it? Suppose the mirror started telling lies? Or suppose I covered my eyes - as he is doing - and refused to look at you, all that loveliness of yours would be wasted on the desert air. No, don't be afraid, I can't help looking at you. I shan't turn my eyes away. AndI'll be nice to you, ever so nice. Only you must be nice to me too.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Jean-Paul Sartre's play "No Exit," Inez describes herself as a mirror for the other characters in the room, particularly focusing on Garcin. By comparing herself to a mirror that reflects all of his flaws and beauty, Inez emphasizes her power over him and her ability to see through his facade. She acknowledges that even if she were to look away or lie about his appearance, the truth would still be there. Inez's boldness and transparency in this quote highlight the themes of self-awareness, judgment, and manipulation present throughout the play. It also speaks to the idea that our true selves are always reflected back to us, whether we like it or not.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Jean-Paul Sartre's play "No Exit", the character Inez uses the metaphor of being a lark-mirror to describe her role in another character's life. In a modern context, this passage can be seen as highlighting the idea of social media and the way in which people can become mirrors to each other, constantly reflecting and shaping each other's self-perception. Just as Inez cannot look away from the other character's beauty, people today may feel the pressure to constantly present themselves in a certain way online. The idea of "being nice" to each other in this context could raise questions about authenticity and the impact of performative behaviors on relationships in the digital age.
Example of Usage
In this excerpt from Jean-Paul Sartre's play, "No Exit," the character Inez speaks to another character about the intensity of their relationship. She compares herself to a mirror, reflecting the other character's beauty and refusing to turn away, despite any flaws or imperfections. This quote showcases Inez's obsessive nature and her desire for a deep, unbreakable connection with the other character.
Reflection Questions:
This quote from Jean-Paul Sartre's play "No Exit" raises questions about perception, self-image, and relationships. Consider the following questions for reflection:
How does the metaphor of being a "lark-mirror" resonate with the idea of self-reflection and self-perception?
In what ways do you think our self-image is influenced by how others perceive us, as depicted in the interaction between Inez and the other character in the quote?
How do you interpret the idea of "covering your eyes" or refusing to see your own beauty? What do you think this says about self-acceptance and self-love?
Reflect on the concept of kindness and niceness in relationships, as mentioned in the quote. How does being kind to others impact our own self-perception and relationships with them?
How does this quote provoke thoughts on the complexities of human connection and the role of perception in shaping our interactions with others?
Similar quotes
“I think it was the first time in my life I ever felt like I looked “good”. Do you know what I mean? That nice feeling when you look in the mirror, and your hair’s right for the first time in your life? I don’t think we should base so much on weight, muscles, and a good hair day, but when it happens, it’s nice. It really is.”
“It's kind of like when you look at yourself in the mirror and you say your name. And it gets to a point where none of it seems real. Well, sometimes I can do that, but I don't need an hour in front of a mirror. It just happens very fast, and things start to slip away. And I just open my eyes, and I see nothing. And then I start to breathe really hard trying to see something, but I can't. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it scares me.”
“I continue to marvel at the reluctancy of people to look into the mirror and see all the darkness that's within them: all the deceit, the dishonesty, the insincerity, the lack, the need, the want, the lies...they would rather look upon the mural of themselves that they've painted on the wall, and stare at that inanimate portrait of beauty, all the while telling themselves that it is the mirror image of them! This is a falsity, this is unreal! It is only when you turn to the unveiled mirror and bravely face your light and your darkness at once, that you will be able to see the true image of you! How can you pull the thorns from your skin if you are too afraid to open your eyes and look at them? You must open your eyes first, look at the thorns where they are piercing your flesh, and only then can you pull them out!”
“You don't need me. What you really need is a mirror. Because any stranger is for you simply a mirror in which to reflect yourself. I don't ever again want to return to such a desert of mirrors.”
“You can feel people staring: it's like heat that rise from the pavement during summer, like a poker in the small of your back. You don’t have to hear a whisper, either, to know that it’s about you. I use to stand in front of the mirror in the bathroom to see what they are staring at. I wanted to know what made their heads turn, what it was about me that was so incredibly different. At first I couldn’t tell. I mean, I was just me. Then one day. When I looked in the mirror, I understood. I looked into my own eyes and I hated myself, maybe as much as all of them did. That was the day I started to believe they might be right.jodi picoult”