Double

A character who reflects or contrasts with another character, often expressing feelings or possibilities that the other suppresses.

A contrasting second self or identity through which a character’s hidden qualities can be represented.

Duplicity is different again: it means deception or double-dealing. A person can experience internal conflict without deceiving anyone, but Jekyll conceals his conflict and uses Hyde to protect his public reputation. These connected themes allow Stevenson to explore both what human beings are like and how they choose to behave.

A character whose similarities to another character invite comparison. Walton doubles Victor through his ambition, isolation and pursuit of knowledge.

Distinguish an interpretation from a fact. Bertha can be read as Jane’s double, but she is also a separate character whose suffering deserves attention.

A character who mirrors aspects of another character, sometimes revealing a darker version of their desires or behaviour.

A character who mirrors or contrasts with another character, revealing aspects of identity, desire or conflict.

A character who reflects or contrasts with another character, potentially revealing feelings or possibilities that the other suppresses.

A Gothic double can also reveal a connection between apparently opposed characters. Jane and Bertha can be read as doubles because both experience restriction, although their situations and actions differ sharply.

A character who reflects another character’s desires, fears or traits, often expressing a side of that character which is usually restrained.

A character who resembles another in significant ways, allowing the writer to explore parallel or alternative possibilities.

A character who resembles another in important ways, allowing readers to recognise parallels or possible outcomes.

A character whose similarities to another character invite comparison. Walton doubles Victor through his ambition, isolation and desire for discovery.

A character who echoes another character’s situation, desires or behaviour, inviting comparison between them.

A foil reveals qualities through contrast; a double reveals an unsettling likeness. The same character can perform both functions.

A fictional counterpart to a character that reveals contrasting or concealed aspects of their identity.

A character who reflects another character’s feelings or conflicts, sometimes expressing impulses that the other character suppresses.

A feminist reading can see Bertha as Jane’s double. Both women experience confinement and restricted freedom. Jane’s development involves negotiating passion and self-control, whereas Bertha can be read as embodying rage that acceptable femininity suppresses.

A character who echoes another character’s experiences or qualities, allowing readers to examine similarities and differences between them.

A character who reflects aspects of another character, often expressing feelings or impulses that the other restrains.

Definition

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AQA GCSE English Literature · 8702

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Edexcel GCSE English Literature · 1ET0

OCR GCSE English Literature · J352

Eduqas GCSE English Literature · C720