# The Double

> 1846 book by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

**Wikidata**: [Q1192975](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1192975)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Double_(Dostoevsky_novel))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-double

## Summary
*The Double* is an 1846 novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, his second published work, which explores themes of duality, madness, and psychological fragmentation. It follows the story of a man who discovers he has a double, leading to a descent into paranoia and existential crisis. The novella is a precursor to Dostoyevsky’s later psychological and philosophical novels, establishing his early mastery of psychological realism.

## Key Facts
- **Publication Date:** February 1, 1846
- **Author:** Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- **Country of Origin:** Russian Empire
- **Instance of:** Novella
- **Wikidata ID:** Q1458754
- **Inception:** +1845-00-00T00:00:00Z
- **Follows:** *Poor Folk* (1846)
- **Followed by:** *The House of the Dead* (1860)
- **Aliases:** *Double: A Petersburg Poem*
- **P373:** The Double
- **P646:** /m/05003v
- **P648:** OL14948248W
- **P953:** [Project Gutenberg link](https://www.projekt-gutenberg.org/dostojew/doppelga/doppelga.html)
- **P996:** Достоевский Фёдор. Двойник (1866).pdf
- **P1085:** 67940
- **P1417:** topic/The-Double
- **P1476:** Двойник
- **P1680:** Петербургская поэма, Ένα ποίημα της Πετρούπολης
- **P1922:** Opening line: *"It was almost eight o'clock in the morning when the titular counselor Yakov Petrovich Goladkin awoke from a long sleep, yawned, stretched, and finally opened his eyes."*
- **P8189:** 987007439357205171

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *The Double*?**
*The Double* follows Yakov Petrovich Goladkin, a man who discovers he has a double, leading to a psychological breakdown as he struggles to distinguish reality from illusion. The novella explores themes of identity, madness, and the fragility of perception.

**How does *The Double* relate to Dostoyevsky’s other works?**
*The Double* is Dostoyevsky’s second published work, following *Poor Folk* (1846), and precedes *The House of the Dead* (1860). It demonstrates his early interest in psychological realism and existential themes, which would later define his major novels like *Crime and Punishment* and *The Brothers Karamazov*.

**What themes does *The Double* explore?**
The novella explores duality, madness, and the psychological impact of paranoia. It questions the nature of reality and the self, reflecting Dostoyevsky’s fascination with the human psyche.

**Is *The Double* available in digital formats?**
Yes, the novella is available in digital formats, including a PDF version titled *Достоевский Фёдор. Двойник (1866).pdf* and an online version hosted by Project Gutenberg.

**What is the significance of *The Double* in Dostoyevsky’s career?**
*The Double* marks a pivotal moment in Dostoyevsky’s literary development, showcasing his ability to explore complex psychological and philosophical themes early in his career. It laid the groundwork for his later, more ambitious works.

## Why It Matters
*The Double* is significant as one of the earliest works by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, demonstrating his ability to explore profound psychological and existential themes. The novella’s exploration of duality, madness, and the fragility of perception foreshadows the depth of his later novels. By establishing his early mastery of psychological realism, *The Double* set the stage for Dostoyevsky’s later contributions to world literature, particularly in the realms of existentialism and philosophical fiction. Its themes of identity and perception remain relevant to discussions of the human mind and the nature of reality.

## Notable For
- Being Dostoyevsky’s second published work, following *Poor Folk* (1846).
- Introducing themes of duality, madness, and psychological fragmentation that would define his later works.
- Having a digital PDF version available for academic and research purposes.
- Being part of the broader tradition of Russian psychological realism.
- Establishing Dostoyevsky’s early reputation as a writer of deep psychological insight.

## Body
### Publication and Context
*The Double* was published on February 1, 1846, as Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s second novel. It followed his debut work, *Poor Folk* (1846), and was initially published in the magazine *The Contemporary* under the pseudonym "Alesha." The novella was later released in book form, gaining attention for its innovative exploration of psychological themes. The work was published during a period of significant literary transformation in Russia, where writers increasingly focused on social and psychological depth.

### Plot and Themes
The novella follows Yakov Petrovich Goladkin, a man who discovers he has a double, leading to a descent into paranoia and existential crisis. The opening line reads: *"It was almost eight o'clock in the morning when the titular counselor Yakov Petrovich Goladkin awoke from a long sleep, yawned, stretched, and finally opened his eyes."* The story explores themes of duality, madness, and the fragility of perception, questioning the nature of reality and the self. The novella’s psychological depth and existential inquiry foreshadowed Dostoyevsky’s later works.

### Literary Significance
*The Double* is notable for its exploration of psychological realism and existential themes. It demonstrated Dostoyevsky’s ability to delve into the complexities of the human mind, establishing his reputation as a writer of profound psychological insight. The novella’s themes of identity and perception remain relevant to discussions of the human psyche and the nature of reality.

### Author Connection
The novella was written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, a Russian novelist, philosopher, and essayist who lived from 1821 to 1881. Dostoyevsky was born in the Russian Empire and received his education at the Military Engineering-Technical University. His early works, including *Poor Folk* and *The Double*, laid the foundation for his later, more complex novels. The novella reflects Dostoyevsky’s fascination with the human psyche and his commitment to exploring the depths of human experience through literature.

### Digital and Academic Presence
*The Double* is available in digital formats, including a PDF version titled *Достоевский Фёдор. Двойник (1866).pdf* and an online version hosted by Project Gutenberg. The novella is also referenced in various academic and library cataloging systems, ensuring its accessibility for research and study. The work is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization on Wikipedia.

### Related Works and Context
*The Double* is part of a broader tradition of Russian psychological realism and existential literature. It shares connections with other works of the period, including those by Alexander Pushkin and Nikolai Gogol, and influenced later writers such as Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov. The novella’s themes of identity and perception also resonate with broader discussions of the human condition and the nature of reality.

### Distinctions from Other Works
*The Double* differs from Dostoyevsky’s later works in its simpler narrative structure and more straightforward exploration of psychological themes. While later works like *Crime and Punishment* and *The Brothers Karamazov* would become more complex and philosophical, *The Double* established the foundation for Dostoyevsky’s approach to exploring the human mind through literature. The novella is also distinct from other works of psychological realism in its focus on the personal experience of madness and the fragility of perception.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](http://books.google.com/books?id=JQsYAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA263)
3. Dostoevsky
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File