In George Eliot's "Middlemarch: A Study of Provincial Life," the author reflects on the nature of perception and self-image, suggesting that even the most exceptional individuals cannot avoid the critical views of others. Eliot uses the metaphor of small mirrors to illustrate how society's judgments can distort one's true character, leading to a fragmented self-perception. This highlights the tension between personal greatness and public opinion.

The quote also alludes to Milton’s search for a true representation of himself, implying that even great figures are subject to the limitations of how they are perceived by society. The comparison of Milton's search for a self-portrait to the derisive reflection in a spoon reinforces the idea that even the greatest minds must contend with a less-than-flattering image of themselves, shaped by external judgments.