Miracle Polish by Stephen Millhauser

Reflecting on Addiction On the surface, “Miracle Polish” mirrors the myth of Narcissus, following a man who, after discovering the effects of a mysterious polish, becomes obsessed with his own reflection. However, within the fantasy of Steven Millhauser’s short story lies a very real and morbid subtext. “Miracle Polish” presents an allegory of drug abuse and substance addiction, using symbols to control the story’s significance and depth. Millhauser effectively creates an allegory with the use of two primary symbolizations. The identity of these symbols is easiest to distinguish during the climax of the story, where the narrator smashes his mirrors and turns on Monica. This moment in the story illuminates further meaning throughout the rest of “Miracle Polish,” exposing the representation of symbols and supporting the purpose of the short story.
There are two, well supported symbols in “Miracle Polish” that draw parallels to drug addiction. The miracle polish itself resembles narcotics, while the various reflections throughout the story represent pleasure. Millhauser introduces the symbol of narcotics even before the narrator buys the polish. As the salesman offers him the bottle, the narrator remarks that, like an addictive drug, the polish shouts “‘Don’t trust me!’...‘Don’t be a fool!’”. The symbolism of the mirror and polish is further reinforced as the narrator realizes the effects of the miracle polish. The polish leaves physical appearance unaltered, only changing how the mirror’s reflection is interpreted by the viewer. Despite the difference being completely mental, the interpretation only shows in polished mirrors. the characteristics of the polished reflections are shared with their representations. The pleasurable effects of narcotics are primarily mental, and like the polish, stop as soon as the drug leaves the system. The unpolished mirror is also applicable, representing the absence of natural pleasure as the brain builds a tolerance to dopamine.