Oh! it is an excellent thing,” enthused a lady. “See how…
““Oh! it is an excellent thing,” enthused a lady. “See how the darkness of the mirror behind the figures sets off Mr Strange’s head.” “People always imagine that magicians and mirrors go together,” complained Mr Norrell. “There is no mirror in that part of my library.” “Artists are tricky fellows, sir, forever reshaping the world according to some design of their own,” said Strange. “Indeed they are not unlike magicians in that. And yet he has made a curious piece of work of it. It is more like a door than a mirror – it is so dark. I can almost feel a draught coming from it. I do not like to see myself sitting so close to it – I am afraid that I may catch cold.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Mirrors and magic symbolize how art reshapes reality, creating both wonder and unease.
In simple terms: Art changes reality, evoking awe and fear.
Embrace artistic imagination responsibly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- visual arts
- theatre
- design
- personal expression
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do artists have?
- How does perception alter reality?
Art may distort truth, leading to misinterpretation.