What does “his mirror” refer to in this context?
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... He scowled at the dark ceiling. Did they think he couldn't look after himself? He'd escaped Lord Voldemort three times; he wasn't completely useless....
Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed his mind. What to do when you know the worst is coming....
“I'm not going to be murdered,' Harry said out loud.
'That's the spirit, dear,' said his mirror sleepily.”
I don't see a real mirror has been mentioned in the whole context. No one else was there and Harry was lying in his room alone. It might not be a literal mirror here. What does "his mirror" mean?
-- From Harry Potter - The prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 4, the Leaky Cauldron.
word-usage meaning-in-context word-meaning
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dan
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up vote
1
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favorite
... He scowled at the dark ceiling. Did they think he couldn't look after himself? He'd escaped Lord Voldemort three times; he wasn't completely useless....
Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed his mind. What to do when you know the worst is coming....
“I'm not going to be murdered,' Harry said out loud.
'That's the spirit, dear,' said his mirror sleepily.”
I don't see a real mirror has been mentioned in the whole context. No one else was there and Harry was lying in his room alone. It might not be a literal mirror here. What does "his mirror" mean?
-- From Harry Potter - The prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 4, the Leaky Cauldron.
word-usage meaning-in-context word-meaning
asked yesterday
dan
3,25222154
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
... He scowled at the dark ceiling. Did they think he couldn't look after himself? He'd escaped Lord Voldemort three times; he wasn't completely useless....
Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed his mind. What to do when you know the worst is coming....
“I'm not going to be murdered,' Harry said out loud.
'That's the spirit, dear,' said his mirror sleepily.”
I don't see a real mirror has been mentioned in the whole context. No one else was there and Harry was lying in his room alone. It might not be a literal mirror here. What does "his mirror" mean?
-- From Harry Potter - The prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 4, the Leaky Cauldron.
word-usage meaning-in-context word-meaning
asked yesterday
dan
3,25222154
... He scowled at the dark ceiling. Did they think he couldn't look after himself? He'd escaped Lord Voldemort three times; he wasn't completely useless....
Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed his mind. What to do when you know the worst is coming....
“I'm not going to be murdered,' Harry said out loud.
'That's the spirit, dear,' said his mirror sleepily.”
I don't see a real mirror has been mentioned in the whole context. No one else was there and Harry was lying in his room alone. It might not be a literal mirror here. What does "his mirror" mean?
-- From Harry Potter - The prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 4, the Leaky Cauldron.
word-usage meaning-in-context word-meaning
word-usage meaning-in-context word-meaning
asked yesterday
dan
3,25222154
asked yesterday
dan
3,25222154
edited yesterday
asked yesterday
dan
3,25222154
asked yesterday
dan
3,25222154
asked yesterday
dan
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3,25222154
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add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
The world of Harry Potter's books is full of wizardly items that include talking portraits and magical mirrors. Probably it was a mirror like the one depicted in Snow White's tale, a talking magical mirror showing Harry's image but with his own voice and thoughts.
You seem to have some doubts about the use of his. Let's check the dictionaries
his
belonging to or connected with a man, boy, or male animal that has just been mentioned or is known about
belong
synonyms: be owned by, be the property of, be the possession of, be in
the ownership of, be held by, be at the disposal of, be in the
hands of
The mirror is located in the room assigned to Harry. It's not exactly Harry's property, he hasn't bought nor rented the room but we say that it's his room. In the same way, the mirror placed in that room is Harry's mirror, his mirror.
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
1
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
1
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
It's not a figurative mirror - there is a real talking mirror in Harry's room at the Leaky Cauldron which is mentioned earlier in the chapter.
He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin.
...
'You're
fighting a losing battle there, dear,' said his mirror in a wheezy
voice."
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
Anti
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3
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
1
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
8
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
7
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
4
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
-2
down vote
I'd like to give a different take on this. The OED defines mirror as both a reflective surface, and:
A person or thing embodying a feature or characteristic deserving imitation; a pattern; an exemplar.
(For example: "In the eyes of Victoria he was the mirror of manly beauty.")
In this case, Harry's reflection is a mirror of Harry himself. Since Harry is the one causing the reflection, you could call it "his mirror" just as you would say "his shadow" or "his footprints."
So "his mirror" is just another way of saying "his doppelganger," "his double" or in this case, "his reflection."
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
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scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
3
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
The world of Harry Potter's books is full of wizardly items that include talking portraits and magical mirrors. Probably it was a mirror like the one depicted in Snow White's tale, a talking magical mirror showing Harry's image but with his own voice and thoughts.
You seem to have some doubts about the use of his. Let's check the dictionaries
his
belonging to or connected with a man, boy, or male animal that has just been mentioned or is known about
belong
synonyms: be owned by, be the property of, be the possession of, be in
the ownership of, be held by, be at the disposal of, be in the
hands of
The mirror is located in the room assigned to Harry. It's not exactly Harry's property, he hasn't bought nor rented the room but we say that it's his room. In the same way, the mirror placed in that room is Harry's mirror, his mirror.
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
1
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
1
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
The world of Harry Potter's books is full of wizardly items that include talking portraits and magical mirrors. Probably it was a mirror like the one depicted in Snow White's tale, a talking magical mirror showing Harry's image but with his own voice and thoughts.
You seem to have some doubts about the use of his. Let's check the dictionaries
his
belonging to or connected with a man, boy, or male animal that has just been mentioned or is known about
belong
synonyms: be owned by, be the property of, be the possession of, be in
the ownership of, be held by, be at the disposal of, be in the
hands of
The mirror is located in the room assigned to Harry. It's not exactly Harry's property, he hasn't bought nor rented the room but we say that it's his room. In the same way, the mirror placed in that room is Harry's mirror, his mirror.
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
1
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
1
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
The world of Harry Potter's books is full of wizardly items that include talking portraits and magical mirrors. Probably it was a mirror like the one depicted in Snow White's tale, a talking magical mirror showing Harry's image but with his own voice and thoughts.
You seem to have some doubts about the use of his. Let's check the dictionaries
his
belonging to or connected with a man, boy, or male animal that has just been mentioned or is known about
belong
synonyms: be owned by, be the property of, be the possession of, be in
the ownership of, be held by, be at the disposal of, be in the
hands of
The mirror is located in the room assigned to Harry. It's not exactly Harry's property, he hasn't bought nor rented the room but we say that it's his room. In the same way, the mirror placed in that room is Harry's mirror, his mirror.
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
The world of Harry Potter's books is full of wizardly items that include talking portraits and magical mirrors. Probably it was a mirror like the one depicted in Snow White's tale, a talking magical mirror showing Harry's image but with his own voice and thoughts.
You seem to have some doubts about the use of his. Let's check the dictionaries
his
belonging to or connected with a man, boy, or male animal that has just been mentioned or is known about
belong
synonyms: be owned by, be the property of, be the possession of, be in
the ownership of, be held by, be at the disposal of, be in the
hands of
The mirror is located in the room assigned to Harry. It's not exactly Harry's property, he hasn't bought nor rented the room but we say that it's his room. In the same way, the mirror placed in that room is Harry's mirror, his mirror.
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
edited 5 hours ago
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
3,6331930
1
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
1
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
add a comment |
1
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
1
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
1
1
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
The magic mirror in Snow White (at least the Disney version) has its own face. It isn't merely a reflection of the Queen.
– Josh Townzen
10 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@JoshTownzen You're right. But that's the only magical talking mirror that I know. I tried to explain that it was Harry's reflection the one talking in the scene quoted by OP.
– RubioRic
5 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
@RubioRic Most of people here don't agree it's Harrys reflection. they think it's just the mirror itself talking.
– dan
3 hours ago
1
1
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
@dan I think that is up to you how to imagine exactly the mirror talking. Giving no details is how J.K.Rowling sets free your imagination. I think that in the movies the reflection of Harry acts on its own sometimes, but I'm not sure. But that's the movies version. I think that you can imagine the reflection talking, another face in the mirror talking (like in Snow White's story) or little lips in the frame talking.
– RubioRic
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
17
down vote
It's not a figurative mirror - there is a real talking mirror in Harry's room at the Leaky Cauldron which is mentioned earlier in the chapter.
He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin.
...
'You're
fighting a losing battle there, dear,' said his mirror in a wheezy
voice."
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
1
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
8
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
7
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
4
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
17
down vote
It's not a figurative mirror - there is a real talking mirror in Harry's room at the Leaky Cauldron which is mentioned earlier in the chapter.
He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin.
...
'You're
fighting a losing battle there, dear,' said his mirror in a wheezy
voice."
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
1
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
8
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
7
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
4
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
17
down vote
up vote
17
down vote
It's not a figurative mirror - there is a real talking mirror in Harry's room at the Leaky Cauldron which is mentioned earlier in the chapter.
He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin.
...
'You're
fighting a losing battle there, dear,' said his mirror in a wheezy
voice."
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It's not a figurative mirror - there is a real talking mirror in Harry's room at the Leaky Cauldron which is mentioned earlier in the chapter.
He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin.
...
'You're
fighting a losing battle there, dear,' said his mirror in a wheezy
voice."
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
edited yesterday
RubioRic
3,6331930
3,6331930
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
answered yesterday
Anti
1712
1712
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Anti is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
1
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
8
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
7
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
4
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
3
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
1
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
8
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
7
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
4
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
3
3
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
It's a magical talking mirror. The mirror is literally commenting on (if I remember correctly) his attempt to comb his hair.
– Roger Lipscombe
yesterday
1
1
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
@RogerLipscombe but Why "HIS mirror"? It's not really Harry's. It belongs to the Leaky Caudron I think.
– dan
yesterday
8
8
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
@RogerLipscombe I think is related to how we say "my room" when you are talking about your hotel room, "his room" =>"the mirror in his room" =>"his mirror"
– Dzyann
23 hours ago
7
7
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
@dan Yes, as a native speaker, referring to the mirror in his hotel room as “his mirror” is expected and “the mirror in his room” seems unnecessarily wordy. Certainly not wrong but seems like it might be trying to emphasize the transitory nature of the hotel stay, rather than being neutral. Puts me in mind of a fugitive on the run.
– KRyan
21 hours ago
4
4
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
Temporary possession is a real thing. At an office, you may refer to 'my' desk and 'my' laptop, but you don't actually own those things - they are temporarily under your control. The mirror is 'his' because he temporarily controls the room.
– Brian R
19 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
-2
down vote
I'd like to give a different take on this. The OED defines mirror as both a reflective surface, and:
A person or thing embodying a feature or characteristic deserving imitation; a pattern; an exemplar.
(For example: "In the eyes of Victoria he was the mirror of manly beauty.")
In this case, Harry's reflection is a mirror of Harry himself. Since Harry is the one causing the reflection, you could call it "his mirror" just as you would say "his shadow" or "his footprints."
So "his mirror" is just another way of saying "his doppelganger," "his double" or in this case, "his reflection."
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
New contributor
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
3
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
-2
down vote
I'd like to give a different take on this. The OED defines mirror as both a reflective surface, and:
A person or thing embodying a feature or characteristic deserving imitation; a pattern; an exemplar.
(For example: "In the eyes of Victoria he was the mirror of manly beauty.")
In this case, Harry's reflection is a mirror of Harry himself. Since Harry is the one causing the reflection, you could call it "his mirror" just as you would say "his shadow" or "his footprints."
So "his mirror" is just another way of saying "his doppelganger," "his double" or in this case, "his reflection."
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
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scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
3
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
-2
down vote
up vote
-2
down vote
I'd like to give a different take on this. The OED defines mirror as both a reflective surface, and:
A person or thing embodying a feature or characteristic deserving imitation; a pattern; an exemplar.
(For example: "In the eyes of Victoria he was the mirror of manly beauty.")
In this case, Harry's reflection is a mirror of Harry himself. Since Harry is the one causing the reflection, you could call it "his mirror" just as you would say "his shadow" or "his footprints."
So "his mirror" is just another way of saying "his doppelganger," "his double" or in this case, "his reflection."
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
New contributor
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'd like to give a different take on this. The OED defines mirror as both a reflective surface, and:
A person or thing embodying a feature or characteristic deserving imitation; a pattern; an exemplar.
(For example: "In the eyes of Victoria he was the mirror of manly beauty.")
In this case, Harry's reflection is a mirror of Harry himself. Since Harry is the one causing the reflection, you could call it "his mirror" just as you would say "his shadow" or "his footprints."
So "his mirror" is just another way of saying "his doppelganger," "his double" or in this case, "his reflection."
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
New contributor
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
New contributor
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
answered 19 hours ago
scohe001
1133
1133
New contributor
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
scohe001 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
3
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
add a comment |
I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
3
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
I think you are right! Otherwise, it doesn't look quite interesting that a mirror can speak. It's a really creative thinking!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
That magic mirror can get one's reflections who used it and make his reflection a live person just like his inner self. I have to say this is an amazing idea!
– dan
14 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
I'd like to know the reason why downvoted this answer. I think it makes perfect sense to me. I'm really surprised.
– dan
13 hours ago
3
3
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@dan I downvoted this answer because it is wrong. This is simply not a reasonable interpretation of the text. Even if J.K. Rowling herself came here and said that this is what she meant, I would still call that a miswording on her part. The context of the usage here is all wrong for this meaning of the word.
– KRyan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
@KRyan The point is if Harry had never gotten himself reflected in this mirror, it would never response to him I think.
– dan
12 hours ago
add a comment |
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