Theme Of Split Identity In The Picture Of Dorian Gray

A split identity creates an internal struggle for an individual. One has to battle within themselves to determine which identity is their true self. In literature, the use of a doppelganger or a double allows the reader to see the internal struggle of the character expressed externally – essentially uncovering a hidden nature. In the deathbed confession style tale of “William Wilson” by Edgar Allen Poe, a young man by the name of William Wilson travels the world attempting to escape his double. While sharing the same name, the two men are opposite in morality. William’s double acts as the protagonist in the story, constantly challenging his authority and attempting to prevent William from indulging in his life of vice. William’s struggle with his split identity – manifested …show more content…
Dorian’s double exerts more power and influence over his character than the double of William Wilson, however neither doubles are anything more than the consciences of their characters expressed in different forms. For both, the finale of the story is created when the characters confront their doubles and essentially kill them and with that, that part in themselves. The use of the doubles allows the reader to see the internal struggle of identity and morality the characters faced and how the actions’ of the characters were a result of that struggle. Doubles give the reader an inside perspective into the minds’ of William Wilson and Dorian Gray. William Wilson’s struggles with vice and challenge to his authority are exposed by his double, and Dorian Gray’s challenges with vanity and self-indulgence are exposed by his. Through this motif, the reader is shown how the characters’ of “William Wilson” and The Picture of Dorian Gray attempt to understand and resolve the conflict between one’s internal ideal and less ideal