Analysis of the Characters in 'William Wilson' Short Story

One of the main themes in 'William Wilson' is the duality of human nature. The two William Wilsons can be seen as representing different aspects of one's self, like the good and the bad. Another theme could be the loss of identity, as the main character struggles with the presence of his double.

In 'The Bear', Faulkner explores themes like manhood and nature. The bear itself is a symbol of the wild, untamed nature. The protagonist's encounters with the bear are a journey of self - discovery. It shows how a boy grows into a man through his experiences in the forest, facing the bear which is a formidable force of nature.

In the full story of William Wilson, it's a journey into the psyche of a man. The main William Wilson is a person with many vices. The appearance of the second William Wilson is mysterious. It could be seen as his inner voice of reason. As the story progresses, the main character tries to escape from this other Wilson, but he can't. The final confrontation between them is symbolic of his struggle with his own conscience. He can't bear the thought of being constantly watched and judged by this doppelgänger, and this internal conflict ultimately destroys him.

The short stories of William Gay are known for their gritty realism. He doesn't shy away from showing the darker side of human nature. His characters are often struggling with poverty, family issues, and personal demons. One can find a lot of themes related to survival and the search for meaning in his works.

The short stories of William Burroughs also reflect his view of the world around him. He was influenced by the Beat Generation and the counter - culture movement. His works often contain critiques of society, whether it's about consumerism, the power structures, or the lack of true freedom. His use of language is also a key feature, with a blend of street slang and his own idiosyncratic vocabulary.

In Gibson's works, there are also characters who are more on the periphery but still important for setting the tone of the world. For example, the various corporate executives and low - level street hustlers. The corporate executives show the power and corruption within the corporate - dominated society, while the street hustlers give a sense of the seedy underbelly of the high - tech world. They all contribute to building the rich and complex universes that Gibson is known for.

One of the key aspects of 'Barn Burning' is the complex character of Abner Snopes. He is a man full of anger and resentment, which drives his actions of barn burning. His son, Sarty, on the other hand, is in a moral dilemma. He loves his father but also realizes the wrongness of his deeds. The story also has a strong sense of place. The rural South setting is not just a backdrop but an important element that shapes the characters and their fates.

The theme of decay is prominent in the story. The Grierson house, which was once grand, is now in a state of disrepair. This physical decay mirrors the decay of the old South and the values it held. The smell that emanates from the house is not just a physical odor but also a symbol of the rotting away of the past that Emily refuses to let go of.

One key element is the doppelgänger. The presence of the other William Wilson is central to the story. Another is the immoral behavior of the main character. His actions drive the story forward as the other Wilson tries to stop him. Also, the sense of self - destruction is important. The main character's inability to accept the other Wilson leads to his own downfall.

His short stories are characterized by a unique narrative style. Kelley uses vivid descriptions and engaging dialogues. The settings in his stories are often well - crafted, which help to bring the stories to life. For instance, he might describe a small town with its unique social hierarchies and cultural nuances. This attention to detail makes the reading experience immersive.