The Double (novel)

*The Double* by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a psychological novel about a government clerk named Golyadkin who experiences a mental breakdown after encountering a doppelgänger—an exact double of himself. This uncanny double begins to undermine and replace his identity, symbolizing his inner fears, social anxieties, and feelings of inadequacy. The story explores themes of identity, madness, and the struggle for self-control, illustrating how inner turmoil and societal pressures can distort perception of self. It’s a compelling exploration of the human mind and the fragility of personal identity.