The Double

In 'The Double', the protagonist, Golyadkin senior, is persecuted by his double, Golyadkin junior, who resembles him closely in almost every detail. The latter abuses the former with mouthing scorn and brutality as the tale proceeds toward its frightening denouement. Characteristic Dostoyevskyan themes of helplessness, victimization and scandal are beautifully handled here with an artistry that qualifies the story as a small masterpiece.