Der Doppelgänger

Petersburger Poem
Book • 1846
The novella, published in 1846, follows the story of Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin, a shy and introverted government clerk in St. Petersburg.

Golyadkin's life is disrupted by the appearance of a doppelgänger who is confident, aggressive, and extroverted, characteristics that are the polar opposites of Golyadkin's own.

The narrative explores themes of identity crisis, psychological struggle, and the blurring of reality and fantasy.

As Golyadkin's encounters with his double escalate, he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated, ultimately leading to his mental breakdown and institutionalization.

The work is notable for its early exploration of psychological themes, particularly the concept of the unconscious and the fragmentation of personality.

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