Deuteragony Explained (Drama and Literature)

Deuteragony, a term borrowed from genetics, has been used in the field of literary criticism and dramatic theory to describe the duplication of a character or plot in a work of literature or drama. In literature, deuteragony can take the form of a character who is similar or identical to another character in the story. For example, in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel "Crime and Punishment," the protagonist, Raskolnikov, has a double, Svidrigailov, who shares many of his characteristics and experiences. The presence of these duplicate characters allows the author to explore different aspects of the same theme or idea, and can also create tension and conflict within the story. In drama, deuteragony can manifest as the duplication of a plot or storyline. For example, in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the play within a play serves as a deuteragony of the main plot, as it reenacts the murder of the king, which is the central event of the play. The play within a play serves as a way for the characters to confront the crime and its consequences, which creates tension and conflict within the story. Deuteragony can also be used to create a sense of symbolism or metaphor in a story. In literature, the presence of duplicate characters or plot can symbolize the duality of human nature, or the struggle between good and evil. In drama, the duplication of a plot or storyline can symbolize the cyclical nature of history or the inevitability of fate. In conclusion, deuteragony is a literary and dramatic technique that involves the duplication of a character or plot in a work of literature or drama. This technique can be used to create tension, conflict, symbolism, and metaphor in a story. It's a powerful tool that can add depth and complexity to a work of literature or drama, making it more engaging and thought-provoking for the audience.