The Man in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow
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.
Understanding “The Man in the Glass”
“The Man in the Glass,” penned by Dale Wimbrow, is a deeply reflective and enduring poem that first appeared in 1934. It is a timeless piece that resonates with readers of all ages because it speaks to the fundamental importance of self honesty, authenticity, and living a life aligned with one’s true values. The poem emphasizes that external validation means little if we are not true to ourselves. It is a call to look beyond the praise and accolades and examine the judgment of the one person who truly knows us, ourselves.
What is “The Man in the Glass” About?
At its heart, the poem explores the idea that true success is not measured by worldly achievements or the approval of others. It is about the internal struggle to live a life of integrity. Wimbrow suggests that the most crucial judge of our character is not society, family, or even our closest companions, but the reflection we see in the mirror – the “man in the glass.” This is not simply a physical reflection; it is a representation of our conscience, our inner self, and our moral compass.
The Central Idea
The central idea of the poem is that self deception is the greatest failure. We can garner praise and success through manipulation or pretense, but ultimately, if we betray our own principles, we will be left with a deep sense of emptiness and regret. The poem champions self respect, urging us to be honest with ourselves, even when it is difficult, and to prioritize the approval of our inner “man in the glass” above all else.
A Deeper Dive: Analyzing the Poem
Let’s explore the poem stanza by stanza, uncovering the layers of meaning and the literary techniques Wimbrow employs.
Stanza 1: The Initial Success
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.
The poem opens by acknowledging the thrill of achieving a desired goal. “When you get what you want… and the world makes you king for a day” paints a picture of external success and public admiration. However, Wimbrow immediately shifts the focus inward, urging the reader to “go to the mirror and look at yourself.” This is where the true test lies. The “man in the glass” represents the internal judge, the one who will assess whether the achievement was earned with integrity. The line “see what that man has to say” implies that this internal judgment is the most significant one.
Stanza 2: The Source of True Judgment
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.
This stanza firmly establishes the poem’s central theme. Wimbrow explicitly states that external opinions – even those of loved ones – are secondary to the internal judgment. “It isn’t your father, or mother, or wife whose judgment upon you must pass.” This isn’t to diminish the importance of these relationships, but to highlight that ultimately, we must live with our own conscience. The “fellow whose verdict counts most” is the “man in the glass” – our inner self, the keeper of our values and principles. This line emphasizes the importance of self reliance and taking responsibility for our own actions.
Stanza 3: Friendship with Your Inner Self
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.
Here, Wimbrow equates pleasing our inner self with true success. “He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.” This suggests that prioritizing integrity and authenticity is more important than seeking external validation. The line “For he’s with you, clear to the end” highlights the lasting nature of self respect. Unlike fleeting praise or temporary achievements, our inner self is a constant companion. The “most difficult, dangerous test” isn’t an external challenge, but the internal struggle to remain true to ourselves. “If the man in the glass is your friend” signifies that we have passed this test, achieving a harmonious relationship with our inner self.
Stanza 4: The Consequences of Self-Deception
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.
The final stanza delivers a stark warning. “You may fool the whole world… and get pats on the back,” suggests that it is possible to achieve external success through deception. However, Wimbrow emphasizes that this success is ultimately hollow. “Your final reward will be heartache and tears if you’ve cheated the man in the glass.” This line underscores the devastating consequences of self-betrayal. True happiness and fulfillment aren’t found in external accolades, but in living a life of integrity and self respect.
Literary and Poetic Devices
Literary Devices
- Metaphor: The “man in the glass” is an extended metaphor representing our conscience, inner self, and moral compass.
- Imagery: Wimbrow uses vivid imagery, such as “the world makes you king for a day” and “pats on the back,” to create a strong visual and emotional impact.
- Symbolism: The mirror itself is a symbol of self reflection and introspection.
Poetic Devices
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, creating a musical and memorable rhythm.
- Quatrains: Each stanza consists of four lines (a quatrain), providing a structured and concise form.
- Enjambment: While not heavily used, enjambment occasionally appears, creating a sense of flow and connecting ideas across lines.
A Timeless Message
“The Man in the Glass” is more than just a poem; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of self honesty, authenticity, and living a life aligned with our values. It encourages us to look beyond external validation and to prioritize the judgment of our inner self and the “man in the glass.” This timeless message continues to resonate with readers today, making it a truly enduring piece of literature.