In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment, Dr. Heidegger’s study is described as a dimly lit, dusty, and old-fashioned room filled with ancient books, cobwebs, and various curiosities. The study reflects the eccentric and mysterious nature of Dr. Heidegger himself.
One of the most unusual features of the study is the large, old mirror that hangs on the wall. This mirror is said to have a peculiar quality: it is believed to have once belonged to the infamous witch, Mother Rigby. The mirror is described as having a dark, tarnished surface, and it is rumored to have the ability to show the reflections of the dead. This adds an eerie and supernatural element to the study, emphasizing the themes of mortality and the passage of time that are central to the story.
The mirror’s presence in the study serves as a constant reminder of the past and the inevitability of death, which ties into the story’s exploration of human nature and the consequences of attempting to reclaim lost youth.