Paper Towns Essay
December 19, 2014
Are People Mirrors or Windows, or Both
“A Margo for each of us—and each more mirror than window” (Green 202). In John Green’s Paper Towns, the idea of people being mirrors and windows is addressed using this quote. Green refers to this theme multiple times, relating them to main characters. Mirrors and windows are such simple objects that are seen everyday, yet they have a more profound sense when interpreted in this context. Mirrors reflect things depending on one’s perceptions. Windows, on the other hand, are transparent and show every aspect of themselves. As humans, they are drawn to certainty rather than insecurity. They develop various versions of themselves, only show specific parts while keeping others hidden, and try to please others constantly. People are mirrors and attempt to conceal their true selves, and it is driven by their need for acceptance. Being accepted is a major factor in becoming someone they are not. Mirrors can represent how easily appearances can be altered into someone else, another kind of person. In Paper Towns, Margo is someone who longs to be loved and wanted. Quentin states, “I thought of Margo, and Lacey’s Margo, and Mrs. Spiegelman’s Margo, and all of us looking at her reflection in different fun house mirrors” (Green 185). This quote talks about the several ways she is perceived as. There are many Margos, and every one is unique. Instead of showing more about Margo, seeing as she is a mirror, all they look at is a reflection of them and their idea of who she is. What is on the outside is adaptable and made to fit accordingly. In addition, when Margo says, “A paper town for a paper girl” (Green 293), we rightfully assume that she acknowledges the fact that she is not genuine. This line implies that despite the multiple sides to her, others can only ever see one, just like paper. These all tie into the thought that Margo does not want others to see her for who she actually is, so she creates personalities
Are People Mirrors or Windows, or Both
“A Margo for each of us—and each more mirror than window” (Green 202). In John Green’s Paper Towns, the idea of people being mirrors and windows is addressed using this quote. Green refers to this theme multiple times, relating them to main characters. Mirrors and windows are such simple objects that are seen everyday, yet they have a more profound sense when interpreted in this context. Mirrors reflect things depending on one’s perceptions. Windows, on the other hand, are transparent and show every aspect of themselves. As humans, they are drawn to certainty rather than insecurity. They develop various versions of themselves, only show specific parts while keeping others hidden, and try to please others constantly. People are mirrors and attempt to conceal their true selves, and it is driven by their need for acceptance. Being accepted is a major factor in becoming someone they are not. Mirrors can represent how easily appearances can be altered into someone else, another kind of person. In Paper Towns, Margo is someone who longs to be loved and wanted. Quentin states, “I thought of Margo, and Lacey’s Margo, and Mrs. Spiegelman’s Margo, and all of us looking at her reflection in different fun house mirrors” (Green 185). This quote talks about the several ways she is perceived as. There are many Margos, and every one is unique. Instead of showing more about Margo, seeing as she is a mirror, all they look at is a reflection of them and their idea of who she is. What is on the outside is adaptable and made to fit accordingly. In addition, when Margo says, “A paper town for a paper girl” (Green 293), we rightfully assume that she acknowledges the fact that she is not genuine. This line implies that despite the multiple sides to her, others can only ever see one, just like paper. These all tie into the thought that Margo does not want others to see her for who she actually is, so she creates personalities