Freud’s essay on “The Uncanny” (1919) touches on the phenomenon of the “double” as one of the main inspirations for uncanny experiences. Twins and identical strangers alike have been puzzling and inspiring writers for centuries. In this seminar we will read texts which deal with mistaken and mixed up identities and doubles as means to produce both humour and uncanny terror. Various literary theories will be applied in order to explain the phenomenon and the motives which these special characters denote. Please buy the longer texts or borrow them from the library. Short texts will be made available on moodle.
- Trainer DS: Maria Fleischhack
Semester: SoSe 2013