Doppelganer

DOPPLEGANGER SAC

Throughout the novel ‘Doppelganger’, Michael Parker’s representation of how a being can change in adverse conditions, is demonstrated by Andrew Davies, the unexpected protagonist of the story. Initially, the readers are introduced to a passive and unconfident individual who is heavily reliant on his best friend, the vindictive character named Josh. Although he is naturally dependent on Josh, when put into an archaic, brutal version of his own world, he was capable of changing his state of mind in order to complete his moral obligation to society. Throughout these testing experiences, he develops his understanding of what it means to be strong and weak, and draws a distinct line in what he believes is good and evil. He matured from a submissive teenager intent on going with the flow, into a much more assertive, confident young adult, able to make his own decisions and not afraid of partaking in events without the comfort of being around Josh. Because of these challenging experiences, he became better than the person he admired. He became independent.

During the beginning of the book, the hero, Andrew, had little or no confidence in himself. He was almost identical to the lamb in Mary had a little lamb, always following Josh whether it was for better or for worse. Always doing what he ordered because he was submissive. During Mrs. Swain’s class, when Josh tore up her photo of Kutz, the charismatic Josh said to Andrew. ‘”Either you’re in or you’re out.”’ Then the submissive Andrew tossed the paper against his conscience. Not wanting to go against Josh, rationalizing his feelings with excuses such as ‘I’m just like everyone else’.

He was weak, not following his heart and doing what he believed to be right, but following his friend against his guilty conscience. But as the story progressed, Andrew was able to withstand Josh’s ‘magnetic attraction’ and finally do what he believed to be right. He understood that he was weak if he always...