Doppelganger 'And The Secret Sharer'

Throughout history and literature, the doppelganger theme has been an interesting and highly discussed topic of discussion. The word doppelganger originated in Germany and became a popular symbol of horror literature whose theme was considerably complex. In German folklore the doppelganger is a wraith or apparition of a living person, which is different from a ghost. The existence of a double spirit, an exact replica is an ancient and widespread belief. To meet one’s double is an omen that death is soon to follow. Though the word derives from Germany there are myths, legends, and stories told all throughout history and other cultures that describe their own version of the doppelganger, the duel person, spirit double, double goer, and even dualistic
Either way the doppelganger is a form that one should avoid for their presence brings upon the others downfall or death. A few examples of this theme are “The Secret Sharer” by Joseph Conrad, “The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson and “The Importance of Being Ernest” by Oscar Wilde. In each short story the doppelganger theme is used to show the duel personalities of the main character, however, each is used in a different way and with a different outcome. This theme shows the mental, physical, and emotional states of the characters and how through the use of their opposite selves they internalize their issues thus becoming a victim of their own delusions and
Many times throughout the story the captain refers to Leggatt as his “other self, double, secret self” forcing the reader to question Leggatt and his presence aboard the ship. Leggett’s presence causes the captain to become isolated not only from his crew and his duties but also from his other self. When he is in the presence of Leggatt he feels whole but also neglectful of his duties as captain, and when he is on deck doing his job he longs to be near his double. As Brian Richardson states “ he demonstrates his irresponsibility by leaving his post as watch to go below for a cigar, then leaving it again as Leggatt climbs the ladder unwatched while he goes back for some clothes.” Further Richardson infers his is indeed “wildly improbable as a description of an English captain coping with such a strange visitor in a foreign land.” Making his secret and his other self-more important than his duties which leaves him to feel torn and separated from himself. The idea that Leggatt is his identical equal causes him to go mad and be paranoid, “I was constantly watching myself, my secret self, as dependent on my actions as my own personality, sleeping in that bed, behind that door which faced me as I sat at the head of the table. It was very much like being mad, only it was worse because one was aware of it” writes Conrad. From the moment Leggatt comes