In "Everything Is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer, the protagonist grapples with self-identity and reflection. The act of avoiding mirrors suggests a struggle with how she perceives herself and a desire to escape self-examination. This aversion to her reflection points to deeper insecurities and the complexities of her character.

Instead of looking in a mirror, she uses a powerful telescope to search for herself. This choice symbolizes a quest for a deeper understanding of her identity and the exploration of her past. The telescope represents the zooming in on her life experiences that may provide clarity and insight, contrasting the immediate and often confrontational nature of a mirror's reflection.