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Revision as of 15:08, 2 October 2007
An alter ego (Latin, "the other I") is a second self, a second personality or persona within a person. It was coined in the early nineteenth century when schizophrenia was first described by early psychologists.[1]
The term alter ego is commonly used in literature analysis and comparison to describe characters who are psychologically identical, or sometimes to describe a character as an alter ego of the author, a fictional character whose behavior, speech or thoughts intentionally represent those of the author.
The characters Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde in Robert Louis Stephenson's thriller Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde represent an exploration of the concept that good and evil exist within one person, constantly at war. Edward Hyde literally represents the doctor's other self, a psychopathic being unrestrained by the conventions of civilized society, who shares a body with the doctor.
The term and concept also frequently appear in popular fiction, such as in comic books, for the secret identity of a superhero, vigilante, crimefighter or villain. Related concepts include avatar, doppelgänger, impersonator, and split personality.[2][3]
See also
References
- ^ Irving B. Weiner, Donald K. (EDT) Freedheim (2003). Handbook of Psychology. John Wiley and Sons. p. 262. ISBN 0471176699.
- ^ Antonia Darder (1995). Culture and Difference: Critical Perspectives on the Bicultural Experience in the United States. Bergin Garvey/Greenwood. p. 112. ISBN 0897893840.
- ^ Glenn Daniel Wilson (1991). Psychology and Performing Arts. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9026511191.
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