Mirror Image by Lena Coakley

Response: 1. The short story Mirror Image is divided into seven different sections. Identify the time periods dealt with in each. Does the story unfold in a linear or a non-linear manner?

2. The beginning of the story is deliberately written to create suspense. What questions are raised in the reader’s mind by the end of the first two paragraphs? What are some possible answers to these questions?

3. Why does Jenny not allow her sister to read her diary? Do you agree with her reasoning? Explain.

4. What ethical concerns are raised in “Mirror Image”?

5. What arguments does Mrs. Jarred make to support her opinion that Alice is still her daughter?

6. What evidence is there that Alice is still the same person? What evidence is there that she is different, even just slightly?

7. Coakley’s short story raises some interesting questions about identity. In your opinion, what is it that makes us who we are? Are we the sum of our parts, or does our brain encompass all we are?

Media: 8. a) Alice says that a reporter scaled her hospital walls to get a picture and quotation from her. Why would a reporter go to such extremes to gain access to Alice? Why would Alice and her family want to avoid the media?

b) Imagine you are a news reporter who gets to interview Alice, her mother or sister, a doctor or one of the Jarreds. Come up with three questions that you would ask. Make sure you indicate who the question would be for.

c) Trade your three questions with a partner. Have your partner choose one question and write a response to it, as if they were that character.

Response Question: Choose one of the following and write a detailed response 1. Alice is still the same person, despite her operation. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning, using specific details from the story.

2. If a brain transplant were scientifically possible, ethically is it a medical procedure that should be carried out? Explain your reasoning, using specific details from the story.