The character of Alice in Lena Coakley

The character of Alice in Lena Coakley’s “Mirror Image” is insecure and uncomfortable. Alice is going through a change, a change brought on by a tragic car accident which left her clinging for her life in a dead body. Alice becomes the first patient to ever receive a brain transplant which gave her a new look. Although Alice is completely aware of this, she is still extremely confused about her new appearances. Alice feels that appearance and personality are two different parts. “Mirror Image” does not reveal extensive information about Alice’s appearance. Alice’s eyes which are large and dark brown are mentioned on several occasions during the story. Apart from her eyes there is no direct information about her body. Alice’s body, however, is imagined by the reader to be lean and athletic. This imagery is the result of the following quotes. “Alice grabbed a chunk of her thigh, no cellulite” and “Now you’re going out for cheerleading, for goodness sake.” Alice radiates confidence regarding her new body. “Alice walked across the bedroom like a fashion model, wearing nothing but black bikini underwear.” She believes that the change is an extreme improvement from her old body, “Actually, as bodies go, this one is a lot better.” Alice is clearly confused about her identity. Her confusion is best displayed in the following quote: “The eyes are the mirror of the soul, he used to say. Whose soul is that? Alice wondered. For a moment, she considered screaming but, it was too much trouble. Besides, it wouldn’t be her scream anyway.” Alice exhibits insecure behaviour which is proven by her constant self-reassurance. “Just you, Alice, she would say to herself, looking the way you’ve always looked. “After Alice’s encounter with Mr. Jarred, she reinsured herself once more, “In a small corner of the sidewalk she wrote her initials, ACS, with the tip of the umbrella.”