Literary
Term
Doppelganger
The
term "doppelgänger" in literature refers to a character who is a
double or look-alike of another character, often representing a darker or
hidden aspect of that character. The concept originates from German folklore,
where it means "double-goer" and is often associated with bad omens
or supernatural phenomena. In literary works, a doppelgänger can serve various
purposes, such as exploring themes of identity, duality, and inner conflict.
Functions
of a Doppelgänger in Literature
Exploring
Duality and Inner Conflict:
Doppelgängers
can represent the dual nature of a character, showcasing their internal
conflicts, hidden desires, or darker side.
Example:
In Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
are two aspects of the same person, embodying the struggle between good and
evil within a single individual.
Symbolizing
Unconscious Desires and Fears:
A
doppelgänger can symbolize the unconscious desires, fears, or guilt of a
character, often bringing these hidden aspects to the forefront.
Example:
In Edgar Allan Poe's William Wilson, the protagonist's doppelgänger serves as a
physical manifestation of his conscience and inner turmoil.
Creating
Suspense and Horror:
Doppelgängers
can be used to create a sense of suspense, horror, or unease, as they often
have a sinister or eerie presence.
Example:
In The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, the portrait of Dorian Gray acts
as a doppelgänger, reflecting the degradation of his soul while he remains
outwardly youthful and unblemished.
Commenting
on Identity and Self-Perception:
The
presence of a doppelgänger can prompt characters to question their identity and
self-perception, leading to profound personal revelations or crises.
Example:
In Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Double, the protagonist Golyadkin encounters a
doppelgänger who seems to embody his own insecurities and social anxieties,
leading to a breakdown of his sense of self.
Exploring
Themes of Isolation and Alienation:
Doppelgängers
can highlight themes of isolation and alienation, as characters confront
versions of themselves that they cannot fully understand or accept.
Example:
In Vladimir Nabokov's Despair, the protagonist Hermann creates a complex
relationship with his doppelgänger, reflecting his own sense of disconnection
from reality and others.
Examples
of Doppelgängers in Literature
"Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson:
The
character of Mr. Hyde is the sinister doppelgänger of Dr. Jekyll, representing
the dark and uncontrollable aspects of Jekyll's personality.
"The
Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde:
Dorian
Gray's portrait serves as a doppelgänger, revealing the true state of his
corrupted soul while he maintains his outward beauty and charm.
"William
Wilson" by Edgar Allan Poe:
The
protagonist is tormented by a doppelgänger who appears to be his double and
continuously interferes with his immoral actions.
"The
Double" by Fyodor Dostoevsky:
Golyadkin
encounters a doppelgänger who is more confident and successful, leading to a
psychological unraveling as he grapples with his sense of identity.
"Frankenstein"
by Mary Shelley:
The
creature created by Victor Frankenstein can be seen as a doppelgänger,
representing Victor's hubris and the monstrous consequences of his quest for
knowledge.
"Despair"
by Vladimir Nabokov:
The
protagonist Hermann becomes obsessed with a man he believes to be his exact
double, leading to a twisted and dark exploration of identity and reality.
The
doppelgänger is a versatile and powerful literary device that can be used to
explore complex themes of identity, duality, and inner conflict. By presenting
characters with their doubles, authors can delve into the darker aspects of
human nature, create suspense and horror, and provoke deep reflections on
self-perception and morality.
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