Step-by-step explanation:
In "Mirror Image" by Lena Coakley, the success of the operation that Alice undergoes is left ambiguous and open to interpretation. At the end of the story, Alice looks into the mirror and sees that her reflection is now the opposite of her physical appearance. The doctor who performed the operation, Dr. Pearson, tells Alice that the operation was a complete success, but Alice is unsure if this is really the case.
Alice's uncertainty about the success of the operation is partly due to the fact that her reflection seems to have a will of its own, and Alice feels like she is constantly trying to catch up to it. Additionally, Alice's personality and behavior seem to have changed since the operation, and she wonders if this is due to the physical changes or something more psychological.
Ultimately, whether or not the operation was a success depends on how one defines success. From a purely medical standpoint, the operation may have been successful in achieving the desired physical changes. However, from Alice's perspective, the operation may have had unintended consequences that have affected her sense of self and identity. Therefore, the success of the operation is a matter of interpretation and perspective.