Doubles in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the literary technique of the double is common when writers wish to express two sides of humanity and how, often, this experience is associated with uncanny circumstances to heighten their effect. Through a review of Edgar Allen Poe's "William Wilson," Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", and E. T. A. Hoffmann's "The Sandman", it shows how these authors utilize the literary technique of the double to express their concerns about the struggles mankind encounters and how the technique can operate on many levels to achieve its effect.

From the Paper:

"Similarly, "The Sandman" by E. T. A. Hoffmann, elicits uncanny fears with the double life that is created in relation to a living doll. Nathaniel is quite mad for the doll Olympia. His passion and madness can be seen when he explains that the doll "may appear uncanny to you, cold, prosaic man. Only the poetical mind is sensitive to its like in others!" (Hoffmann). Nathaniel continues to display his obsession with the doll by reciting poetry and claims he does not need to hear her reply. He says, "Words words! The glance of her heavenly eye speaks more than any language here below" (Hoffmann)."

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