The Voice Within the Mirror: The Haunted Poetry of James Merrill.

An essay is presented which focuses on the poetry of James Merrill. The author examines Merril's occult trilogy of long poems, stating that they represent the poet's radically transcendental view of identity and undermine conceptualizations of the self in terms of biography, psychology, and influence. Particular attention is also given to metaphors of puzzle, translation, and especially mirrors. Specific works mentioned include "The Lovers," "In the Hall of Mirrors," and "Lost in Translation."