The Dollepganger in Lord of the Flies and a Separate Peace

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One may wonder what possesses people to commit the most heinous and disgusting crimes imaginable. Man does not exist as simply evil, just as good does not exist without evil. The doppelganger, also known as the alter- ego, controls the evil in a personality. Sometimes another figure in one's life can represent the doppelganger which influences the good to do horrible, savage acts. To begin, a doppelganger can be thought of as an evil twin or evil side. Ralph and Jack are two major character in Lord of the Flies; likewise, Gene and Finny are main characters of A Separate Peace. Both sets of main characters are friends at some point; however, Jack and Gene are both the doppelganger to their friend within these two novels. The authors use their relationships to show differences in each other and how they influence one another- the bad more than the good. The doppelganger can exist within all people. Not only does the alter ego exist within all personalities, but it lives to destroy good and creates problems within man. By envying others, attempting to eliminate, and influencing the good side, the doppelganger longs for authority and ultimate control in one’s existence.
One example of the doppelganger’s characteristics is envy. For instance, in Lord of the Flies, Jack tries to overpower Ralph and his authority over the children. Jack stated '" I ought to be chief, " with simple arrogance..."(Golding, pg.22) Jack uses fear to force the littluns and some biguns to join his tribe of savages. Also, it is evident in A Separate Peace that Gene envies Finny’s athletic skills and tendency to get away with everything. The author explains that "The deadly rivalry was on both sides after all. " (Knowles, pg.54) Gene believes Finny effortles...

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Overall, the doppelganger or evil side of one’s being can be found within every person. It thrives on destructive power, and control. On the other hand, the alter-ego is needed to sustain the balance in one’s personality. Although the doppelganger is demonstrated as two separate people in Lord of the Flies and A Separate Peace, the doppelganger dwells within the depths of one’s mind. It can also surface itself when put in dangerous situations or when faced with a risky decision. Both John Knowles and William Golding illustrated the principle of the doppelganger and its evil characteristics that dwell deep within through their fictitious characters and the situations they faced. Ultimately proving that there is a dark side to everyone. Evil dwells deep within even the most kindhearted, compassionate, and loving person. We all posses that significant alter-ego.

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