Was the Magic Mirror in ‘Snow White’ a Symbol for Vanity or Truth?

One of the most recognizable aspects of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ is the Magic Mirror.  The Evil Queen asks, “Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” every day, and it famously responds.  The mirror is more than just a mystical object, though, and many people question if it stands for truth or vanity.

 The mirror appears to be the ultimate instrument of vanity at first view.  The Queen’s incessant need for approval and her fixation on appearance demonstrates how the mirror exacerbates her narcissism.  The Queen uses the mirror’s reaction every day to feed her ego and sense of superiority.  The Queen becomes envious and harsh when the mirror finally declares Snow White to be “the fairest.”

But the mirror also stands for indisputable truth.  It is incapable of deceit or manipulation, unlike the Queen.  It depicts reality, no matter how unpleasant that reality may be.  The Queen’s demise actually starts when the mirror informs her that her beauty has been surpassed, which is something she doesn’t want to hear.  The function of the mirror is obvious: it serves as an unbiased observer who is unaffected by fear or flattery.

Image Courtesy: Medium

The Magic Mirror is, in a sense, a symbol of both truth and vanity.  It acts as a reminder that obsession and devastation can result from a persistent need for approval from others.  It also serves as a warning that the truth will always come to light, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

In the end, the mirror displays a reflection for everyone, not just the Queen.  Are we interested in hearing the truth or just what makes us feel good?  The mirror’s unflinching honesty serves as both a curse and a lesson in morality in ‘Snow White’.

–Farheen Ali