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.
Exploring “The Man in the Glass”: A Guide to Self-Reflection
Dale Wimbrow’s profound poem, “The Man in the Glass,” first published in 1934, offers a timeless message about integrity, self-honesty, and the true measure of success. This enduring piece of literature resonates deeply with readers, prompting introspection and a re-evaluation of personal values. It serves as a powerful reminder that external accolades and the approval of others hold little meaning if one is not true to oneself. This guide will delve into the poem’s core themes, its insightful analysis of human nature, and the literary craftsmanship that makes it so impactful.
What is “The Man in the Glass” About?
At its core, “The Man in the Glass” explores the fundamental idea that genuine success is not solely defined by worldly achievements or the admiration of others. Instead, the poem emphasizes the critical importance of an internal struggle, the effort to live a life of unwavering integrity. Wimbrow masterfully suggests that the most significant judge of one’s character is not society, family, or even the closest companions, but rather the reflection seen in a mirror, the metaphorical “man in the glass.” This reflection transcends mere physical appearance, embodying one’s conscience, inner self, and moral compass.
The Central Idea: The Power of Self-Integrity
The central idea woven throughout “The Man in the Glass” is that self-deception represents the ultimate failure. While it may be possible to gain praise and achieve apparent success through manipulation or pretense, the poem asserts that such triumphs are ultimately hollow. If one betrays personal principles and values, the inevitable outcome will be a profound sense of emptiness and regret. The poem champions the virtue of self-respect, earnestly urging readers to cultivate honesty with themselves, even when facing challenging circumstances. It advocates for prioritizing the approval of one’s inner “man in the glass” above all external validations, highlighting that true fulfillment stems from living authentically.
Noteworthy Insights for All Readers
This poem offers universal wisdom applicable to anyone navigating life’s complexities. It encourages a shift in perspective, moving from an outward focus on reputation to an inward focus on character. The poem teaches that lasting peace and happiness are cultivated by aligning one’s actions with one’s deepest convictions. It is a call to personal accountability, reminding us that the most important relationship we cultivate is with ourselves, and that this relationship forms the bedrock of a meaningful existence.
A Deeper Look: Analyzing the Poem’s Message
Let us now embark on a stanza-by-stanza exploration of “The Man in the Glass,” uncovering the layers of meaning and the literary techniques Wimbrow skillfully employs to convey his powerful message.
Stanza 1: The Initial Triumph and the Inward Turn
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 exhilarating feeling of achieving a desired goal. The lines, “When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,” vividly portray external success and widespread public admiration. However, Wimbrow immediately redirects the reader’s attention inward, urging them to “Just go to the mirror and look at yourself.” This pivotal instruction signifies where the true assessment lies. The “man in the glass” is introduced as the internal judge, the one who will scrutinize whether the achievement was earned with genuine integrity. The concluding line, “And see what that man has to say,” powerfully implies that this internal judgment carries the most significant weight.
Stanza 2: The Ultimate Authority of Self-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 unequivocally establishes the poem’s central theme. Wimbrow explicitly states that external opinions, even those from cherished loved ones, are secondary to one’s internal judgment. The lines, “For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,” do not diminish the importance of these relationships, but rather emphasize that ultimately, individuals must live with their own conscience. The “fellow whose verdict counts most” is definitively identified as “The one staring back from the glass,” representing the inner self, the keeper of personal values and principles. This stanza powerfully underscores the importance of self-reliance and taking full responsibility for one’s actions.
Stanza 3: Cultivating 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 one’s inner self with achieving true success and contentment. The directive, “He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest,” suggests that prioritizing integrity and authenticity is far more crucial than seeking fleeting external validation. The profound line, “For he’s with you, clear to the end,” highlights the enduring nature of self-respect. Unlike temporary praise or transient achievements, one’s inner self remains a constant companion throughout life. The poem reveals that the “most difficult, dangerous test” is not an external challenge, but the internal struggle to remain consistently true to oneself. The powerful conclusion, “If the man in the glass is your friend,” signifies that one has successfully navigated this test, fostering a harmonious and honest relationship with their inner being.
Stanza 4: The Grave Consequences of Self-Betrayal
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 and unforgettable warning. The lines, “You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,” acknowledge the possibility of achieving external success through deceptive means. However, Wimbrow emphatically stresses that such success is ultimately hollow and unsustainable. The chilling pronouncement, “But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass,” vividly illustrates the devastating, long-term consequences of self-betrayal. This stanza powerfully reinforces the idea that true happiness and lasting fulfillment are not found in external accolades, but rather in living a life characterized by unwavering integrity and profound self-respect.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Man in the Glass”
Wimbrow’s message is amplified through his skillful use of various literary and poetic devices, which enhance the poem’s impact and memorability.
Literary Devices
- Metaphor: The central and most powerful literary device is the extended metaphor of the “man in the glass.” This figure represents one’s conscience, inner self, and moral compass. For example, in the opening stanza, the instruction to “Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say” immediately establishes this metaphorical representation of internal judgment. - Imagery: Wimbrow employs vivid imagery to create strong visual and emotional impacts. Phrases such as “the world makes you king for a day” conjure an image of grand, albeit temporary, external triumph. Similarly, “get pats on the back as you pass” paints a clear picture of superficial approval, contrasting sharply with the deeper internal truth.
- Symbolism: The mirror itself functions as a potent symbol throughout the poem. It represents self-reflection, introspection, and the unvarnished truth of one’s character. The act of looking into the mirror symbolizes confronting one’s true self, free from external illusions.
- Apostrophe: While not explicitly addressing an inanimate object, the poem uses apostrophe in a subtle way by directly addressing the reader with “you,” as if the speaker is personally guiding them through this reflective process. This creates a direct, intimate connection with the audience.
Poetic Devices
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem adheres to a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza. For instance, in the first stanza, “self” (A) rhymes with “yourself” (A), and “day” (B) rhymes with “say” (B). This regular pattern creates a musical quality, enhances memorability, and provides a structured, flowing rhythm.
- Quatrains: Each stanza consists of four lines, known as a quatrain. This structured form contributes to the poem’s conciseness and clarity, allowing each stanza to present a distinct yet interconnected idea.
- Enjambment: While not heavily reliant on it, enjambment occasionally appears, creating a sense of flow and connecting ideas across lines without a strong pause. An example can be found in the fourth stanza: “You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.” The thought flows seamlessly from one line to the next, emphasizing the continuous nature of deception and external approval.
“The Man in the Glass”: A Timeless Call to Authenticity
“The Man in the Glass” transcends its simple structure to deliver a profoundly impactful message. It is far more than just a poem; it stands as a powerful and enduring reminder of the paramount importance of self-honesty, authenticity, and living a life that is truly aligned with one’s deepest values. The poem consistently encourages readers to look beyond fleeting external validation and to prioritize the unwavering judgment of their inner self, the ever-present “man in the glass.” This timeless message continues to resonate with individuals across generations, making it a truly enduring and essential piece of literature in the ongoing human quest for integrity and meaning.