Here's why the description is significant:
* Objectivity: The mirror, unlike a human, is incapable of emotion or opinion. It reflects what it sees without any personal interpretation or bias. The "unmisted" state suggests its clarity and lack of distortion.
* Truthful Reflection: The mirror shows the "truth" of its subjects, regardless of whether it's a "beautiful" or "ugly" reflection. This emphasizes the mirror's role as a neutral observer, free from the mists of personal biases that cloud human perception.
* Unburdened by Emotion: The "unmisted" state also signifies the mirror's lack of emotion. Unlike humans, who can be swayed by feelings and desires, the mirror remains untouched by the emotional weight of what it sees.
* Contrast with Human Perception: The "unmisted" mirror stands in stark contrast to human perception, which is often clouded by self-consciousness, vanity, and a desire to project an idealized image.
The poem ultimately explores the relationship between self-perception and reality, using the mirror as a symbol for the objective truth that can be unsettling, even painful, to confront. The "unmisted" state of the mirror emphasizes its ability to reflect reality without embellishment or distortion, forcing the viewer to face their own true image.