Dialogue with the Mirror, Gabriel García Márquez: Summary, Analysis & Themes

‘Dialogue with the Mirror’ is a compelling 1949 short story by the renowned Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez . Written when Márquez was only twenty-two years old, this story reflects the nascent stages of his literary style as he navigates the path to his later, mature voice. The story centers on a man’s seemingly mundane morning routine and the thoughts that occupy his mind as he shaves in front of a mirror. The narrative, while largely plotless , delves deeply into the inner workings of the protagonist's mind, revealing both psychological and metaphysical insights. Summary In the story, we observe a man in front of a mirror , preparing for the day ahead. His morning ritual includes shaving, bathing, and having breakfast before he leaves for work. Each activity is allotted a precise number of minutes, a reflection of the man’s structured approach to his routine. The man struggles to remember the name of a local shop, which sells a variety of items including provisions and…