The Face in the Mirror

Across the River and into the Trees

This flow traces Cantwell’s changing view of his own appearance, from self-disgust to the recognition that his face records a life of endurance and injury.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Ugly Face The Ugly Face from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Ugly Face Self-judgment Cantwell looks at his reflection and calls his face ugly.

The Ugly Face from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Ugly Face Self-judgment Cantwell looks at his reflection and calls his face ugly.

The Ugly Face Self-judgment Cantwell looks at his reflection and calls his face ugly. His scars and damaged features make him think of what combat has done to him. A practiced response He uses humor to describe his appearance, but the judgment is sincere. The mirror becomes a place where he confronts bodily damage without consolation.

The Bathroom Mirror The Bathroom Mirror from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Bathroom Mirror A harsh inspection Before rejoining Renata, Cantwell studies the ridges and scars on his face.

The Bathroom Mirror from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Bathroom Mirror A harsh inspection Before rejoining Renata, Cantwell studies the ridges and scars on his face.

The Bathroom Mirror A harsh inspection Before rejoining Renata, Cantwell studies the ridges and scars on his face. He notices the injuries but fails to see the kindness and humor others might recognize. Worth reduced to damage He judges himself as though his face were an inadequate offering. His private assessment contrasts with Renata’s affection and her willingness to look at him closely.

The Portrait’s Gaze The Portrait’s Gaze from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait’s Gaze A second face in the room Cantwell looks from himself to Renata’s portrait, which appears composed and beautiful in the morning light.

The Portrait’s Gaze from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Portrait’s Gaze A second face in the room Cantwell looks from himself to Renata’s portrait, which appears composed and beautiful in the morning light.

The Portrait’s Gaze A second face in the room Cantwell looks from himself to Renata’s portrait, which appears composed and beautiful in the morning light. The portrait offers a contrast to the battered man in the mirror. Comparison resisted He knows the painted image is not a response to his own face. Yet he continues speaking to it, seeking a presence that only Renata can provide.

The Living Woman The Living Woman from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Living Woman Beauty acknowledged Cantwell sees Renata standing beside the portrait and understands that no canvas can replace her.

The Living Woman from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Living Woman Beauty acknowledged Cantwell sees Renata standing beside the portrait and understands that no canvas can replace her.

The Living Woman Beauty acknowledged Cantwell sees Renata standing beside the portrait and understands that no canvas can replace her. Her living voice and decisions matter more than the image. A changed measure He responds to her character and presence, not simply her appearance. Their intimacy challenges the contempt he directs toward his own body.

The Face at the End The Face at the End from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Face at the End Identity beyond appearance Cantwell dies without revising his harsh judgment of his face.

The Face at the End from "Across the River and into the Trees". The Face at the End Identity beyond appearance Cantwell dies without revising his harsh judgment of his face.

The Face at the End Identity beyond appearance Cantwell dies without revising his harsh judgment of his face. His life has been marked by a body that shows the cost of the military trade. A human record The injuries that he saw as ugliness also testify to survival, service, and endurance. The novel leaves that interpretation implicit in the contrast between his self-image and the affection others give him.

On the walk to Harry’s Bar

Before dinner at the Gritti

At first light in Cantwell’s room

During their morning together at the hotel

During Cantwell’s final journey