The Use of Doubles

Paper Summary:

Doubles (identical counterparts of a character) have been used throughout history, as they are easily related to essentially any audience. Although they are effective in terms of creating a thrilling atmosphere and haunting story, authors can also use them as a means to reveal social truths and probe the depths of the human psyche and its capacity for duality, a theme which can be identified by anyone, provided the right context. This paper describes the various ways in which storytellers use doubles to tell a larger story. Compared here are Edith Wharton, Elizabeth Gaskell, Robert Louis Stevenson (author of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde") and the film, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".

From the Paper:

"In both Edith Wharton's "Triumph of the Night" and Elizabeth Gaskell's "Poor Clare," the authors address the issue of doubles, but more specifically, those seen in other people. What makes these stories especially unique and disturbing is how the people affected by these horrific atrocities are viewed as such good and admirable characters. In "Poor Clare," for example, Lucy is described as "sweet" and "innocent." She is viewed as being filled with "goodness," aside from "the loathsome demon soul" surrounding her, and although Mr. Lavington, in "Triumph of the Night" is initially described as a bit distant and "intensely negative," he nonetheless clearly cares greatly for his nephew and goes to great lengths to ensure his health and happiness (Gaskell)".

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