Imagery of mirrors
Mirror imagery recurs throughout Cat's Eye, featuring predominantly in Elaine's art. The mirror imagery in this text has different meanings. First, it is a sign of the double personality, suggesting that Elaine has two different sides to her personality. This makes sense, as Elaine plays the victim but also plays the perpetrator in the text. Mirrors also suggest that a character is searching within themselves for a sense of identity, which is something Elaine does throughout the text. Finally, mirrors suggest the idea of appearance. Elaine is bullied for her appearance during her childhood and takes this with her into adulthood. She struggles constantly with self-esteem issues, and problems within herself, which is perhaps why the image of the mirror is pertinent in this text.
Imagery of eyes
The image of the eye also features in Elaine's art. Eyes are often associated with sight in literature, suggesting that Elaine might have an issue with scrutinization or judgement. This is true, as Elaine struggles with her experiences of being rejected and judged by the other girls. This problem with sight also relates to the fact she is an artist, and that her art is on show for others to look at and criticize.
During her childhood Elaine also owns a cat's eye marble, which she treasures. She believes that the marble can protect her, and it offers her a sense of comfort. Later, the marble helps to restore some of her memories.
Imagery of water
Water also features in Elaine's art. As water is a reflective substance, this could reflect issues with appearance and identity. However, the image of water is most likely a subject of Elaine's art as it symbolizes her traumatic experience, when she almost drowned as a child. For Elaine, water represents danger and trauma.
Imagery of relationships
Elaine uses interesting images when describing her relationship with Jon. She says: "“What we share may be a lot like a traffic accident, but we get one another. We are survivors of each other. We have been shark to one another, but also lifeboat. That counts for something.” Firstly, she describes the relationship as being like a "traffic accident", meaning it is chaotic, dangerous and loud. She also says that they have been like "sharks" to one another, suggesting the relationship is unhealthy and harmful. However, she then says that they have been a "lifeboat" to one another. This image is entirely different to the other images and suggests the sense of dependency and support that existed in the relationship, despite the fact it was unhealthy.
