Here we go...

First off you're probably thinking- What in the world is Lacan's Mirror Stage?!  I'll try to give it in somewhat simple terms.  Here we go:


Jacques Lacan was a psychologist who came after Freud (I know you know who he is!). His most popular theory (and most relevant to Harry Potter) is his mirror stage of development. He said that this stage was experienced starting at about 6 months when the infant first recognizes itself in a mirror. It is here that we learn that we are separate from everything else. The jumble of ideas and confusing thoughts about ourselves is solidified into a single image- our reflections. However, this reflection becomes the 'other'. It encompasses all of the social constructions (what society tells us is right and appropriate). We will never truly be able to reach that ideal we see in the mirror- the perfect, put-together reflection.

GET IT?

Want to learn more? Try THIS!

Check out this online brochure!
St. Mungo's was nice enough to show me one of their medical brochures!