Both Uses of
reflection
in
All Quiet on the Western Front
- They arise no more; we are dead and they stand remote on the horizon, they are a mysterious reflection, an apparition, that haunts us, that we fear and love without hope.
p. 121.9reflection = image
- In the quiet hours when the puzzling reflection of former days like a blurred mirror, projects beyond me the figure of my present existence, I often sit over against myself, as before a stranger, and wonder how the unnameable active principle that calls itself to life has adapted itself even to this form.
p. 273.7 *reflection = image shined back
Definitions:
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(1)
(reflection as in: my reflection in the mirror) an image (seen on a mirror or other shiny surface)
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(2)
(reflection as in: lit by the reflection) light seen after it bounces off a surface to another; or the process of bouncing light, sound, or other energy off of a surface
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(3)
(reflection as in: is a reflection of American values) something that indirectly shows something else -- such as an indication, demonstration, expression, or representation of somethingThe exact meaning of this sense of reflection depends upon its context. For example:
- "The students' behavior is a reflection on the school." -- indication of quality
- "She says the immorality in the movie is a reflection of American values." -- expression or representation
- "It was a reflection of the selfishness she had seen growing for years." -- demonstration
- "The surrounding panic found no reflection in her." -- expression or demonstration
- "I saw no reflection of jealousy in her action." -- indication or sign
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(4)
(reflection as in: After reflection, I think...) careful thought
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(5)
(reflection as in: a humbling reflection (memory)) memories and thoughts about them
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(6)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
See a comprehensive dictionary for less common meanings of reflection.