Mirror Image

Who is the protagonist of Mirror Image?

Alice

What medical procedure makes Alice’s situation unique?

She is the first person to survive a brain transplant.

Whose body does Alice wake up in after the accident?

The body of a girl named Gail Jarred

Who is Jenny?

Alice’s identical twin sister.

What object symbolizes Alice’s struggle with identity?

The silver hand mirror with her initials (ACS).

Why does Alice wear sunglasses constantly?

To block reflections and remind herself that her appearance has changed.

How does Alice describe relearning basic functions in the hospital?

Disorienting—her senses

What is Jenny’s main conflict regarding Alice?

She struggles to accept that Alice is still her sister.

How does Jenny challenge Alice’s belief that identity is in the brain?

She suggests personality might be connected to the body as well.

What does the birthday cake scene reveal?

Alice’s tastes have changed

How does Alice’s mother cope with the situation?

She focuses on optimism and adaptation but quietly doubts whether Alice is the same.

What is the significance of the media calling Alice “Girl X”?

It dehumanizes her and reduces her identity to a scientific experiment.

Who are the Jarreds?

Gail Jarred’s parents

How does Mrs. Jarred view Alice?

She believes her daughter is still alive inside Alice’s body.

How does Mr. Jarred differ from his wife?

He accepts that his daughter is gone and Alice is someone else.

What happens when Alice meets Mr. Jarred?

He looks into her eyes and confirms he does not see his daughter.

Why are eyes an important motif in the story?

They symbolize identity

What internal conflict does Alice struggle with most?

Whether she is truly still herself.

How does Alice show resilience?

She adapts physically

What does the umbrella scene represent?

Alice’s acceptance that she must define herself independently.

Why does Alice write her initials in the wet cement?

To assert her existence and identity: “Alice was here.”

What is a major theme of Mirror Image?

identity is shaped by memory

What is a strong thesis statement for the story?

Through Alice’s brain transplant