[The mirror broke : Oedipe has aged, Beginning of a reflection on aging and otherness.]

The "mirror phase" is characterized by a child's recognition of his own image in the mirror and simultaneous perception of approval by the adult, whose reflection is equally discovered. In contrast to this phase, we identify an experience that takes place in old age: the experience referred to in this article as the <>, which occurs when the image reflected by the mirror no longer matches the expectations of the subject. This experience raises doubts concerning non only the relation of the subject with himself, but also with the other, who, ever since the "mirror phase", has supported the subject's identity. Encountering alterity, the process of discovering one's self as different and of confronting an other with whom similarities no longer hold true, is the crux of the "shattered mirror' ' experience and the basis for uprooting narcissist complacency. The dynamics of alterity therefore favour revealment (illustrated by the tragedy of "Oedipe à Colone", while the outcome of the "shattered mirror" experience ranges between distress and reduced alienation.