Ambrose Bierce: The Author and the Image of the double in “The Death of Halpin Frayser,” and “One of Twins”

Abstract

In this dissertation, I will provide an analysis in depth of the types of doubles presented in “The Death of Halpin Frayser,” and “One of Twins.” Ambrose Gwinnet Bierce decides to use this literary device to portray our inner fears and to present a widely discussed topic: the duality of human beings. With this idea of duality, we refer to the fact that in each of us there are two different worlds that are inherent to our existence and coexist together inside our minds: ‘the conscious’ or ‘rationality’ and ‘the unconscious’ or ‘irrationality.’ Therefore, these two elements, which are the main features of human nature and human identity, have been the center of attention for centuries.

En este trabajo de fin de grado, realizaré un análisis en profundidad de la tipología del doble en “The Death of Halpin Frayser” y “One of Twins.” Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce utiliza este recurso literario para representar nuestros miedos internos y un tema que ha sido ampliamente debatido: la dualidad del ser humano. Con esta idea de dualidad, hacemos referencia al hecho de que en cada uno de nosotros hay dos realidades que son inherentes a nuestra propia existencia y coexisten dentro de nuestra mente: ‘el consciente’ o ‘racionalidad,’ y el ‘inconsciente’ o ‘irracionalidad.’ Por lo tanto, estos dos elementos, que constituyen los rasgos principales de la naturaleza e identidad humana, han sido el centro de atención durante siglos.