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A review by lisyda
William Wilson by Edgar Allan Poe
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A short story by the great Poe that, as I understand, is also the prototype story for later works that work with the concept of doppelgängers/doubles. Read for a book club in September.
*spoilery thoughts ahead*
To me, it felt quite clear that William's double was sort of a physical manifestation or reflection of his conscience. And the story itself reminded me of a kind of reverse Dorian Gray situation, where instead of being a reflection of all his vices, the double was a kind of externalised "portrait" for all the goodness and kindness in William.
*end of spoilery thoughts*
Definitely worth a read if you like Poe, classics, and discovering "the original" stories that have helped influence and shape modern literature.
*spoilery thoughts ahead*
To me, it felt quite clear that William's double was sort of a physical manifestation or reflection of his conscience. And the story itself reminded me of a kind of reverse Dorian Gray situation, where instead of being a reflection of all his vices, the double was a kind of externalised "portrait" for all the goodness and kindness in William.
*end of spoilery thoughts*
Definitely worth a read if you like Poe, classics, and discovering "the original" stories that have helped influence and shape modern literature.