Plot Summary

William Wilson

Edgar Allan Poe
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William Wilson

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1839

Book Brief

Edgar Allan Poe

William Wilson

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1839
Book Details
Pages

48

Format

Short Story • Fiction

Setting

England • 19th Century

Publication Year

1839

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

"William Wilson" is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe about a man who descends into moral corruption, haunted by a doppelganger who shares his name and appearance. Through a series of encounters, the doppelganger thwarts the protagonist's immoral actions, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that leads to a profound realization about the nature of identity and morality. The story contains themes of murder.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

4,730 ratings

63%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

William Wilson by Edgar Allan Poe is a compelling exploration of identity and duality, often praised for its intricate narrative and psychological depth. However, some readers find its archaic prose challenging. Ultimately, it stands as a thought-provoking story that showcases Poe’s mastery in blending gothic elements with profound themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read William Wilson?

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with themes of duality and guilt, similar to Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde or Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, would likely appreciate Edgar Allan Poe's William Wilson. These readers favor intense, introspective narratives that probe the human psyche.

3.8

4,730 ratings

63%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

48

Format

Short Story • Fiction

Setting

England • 19th Century

Publication Year

1839

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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