FUNCTIONS OF THE MIRROR IMAGE: TO THE SELF-IDENTIFICATION PROBLEM OF THE CHARACTERS IN A. CARTER’S NOVELS

Abstract

The objective of the article is to examine functions of the mirror image in A. Carter’s novels, paying particular attention to its role in the self-identification process of the characters in her works. In the course of the study, both general theoretical advances related to the semantic problem of the mirror image in literary works and separate conclusions on this issue that based on A. Carter’s creativity were analyzed. J. Lacan’s concept of “mirror stage” was put into use for a more comprehensive study. It is noted that scientists point to the relationship between the mirror image with self-identification processes. Positive and negative aspects in establishing links between the protagonists of the novels and their mirror reflections were highlighted in this article. The author managed to cast a new light on the problem of the semantics of the mirror in its connection with self-identification problem of the characters in writer’s works by considering the gender aspect of the representative practices in A. Carter’s novels. The article is addressed to philologists.