Tracing the Development of the Doppelgänger: the Uncanny Motif in Edgar Allan Poe’s“William Wilson” and beyond

Abstract

Writers worldwide have attempted to explore myths and legends since they are viewed as symbols that can be used to offer insight into ourselves. Renowned figure in gothic literature Edgar Allan Poe skillfully portrayed the internal struggle within the human psyche in his short story “William Wilson”. With his notable 19th-century short story delves into these themes in a scientific and philosophical manner. The story revolves around the concept of the “Doppelgänger”,associated with terror and sounding uncanny during the times of Poe and his peers. This research aims to provide a comprehensive and compelling explanation of the development of the “Doppelgänger” by arguing that it has lost its uncanny motif in modern times with the appearance of avatars and deep-fakes