Alter ego

"Double life" redirects here. For other uses, see Alter ego (disambiguation) and Double Life.

An alter ego (Latin, "the other I") is a second self, which is believed to be distinct from a person's normal or original personality. A person who has an alter ego is said to lead a double life. The term appeared in common usage in the early 19th century when dissociative identity disorder was first described by psychologists.[1] Cicero first coined the term as part of his philosophical construct in 1st century Rome, but he described it as "a second self, a trusted friend".[2]

The photographer Ashley Campbell who took this photo, said that for her photography project at school, "The theme was water. I tried to represent two different aspects of water; it can be calm and peaceful, but it can also be destructive." Her photo can also be used as a visual to understand the concept of the "Alter Ego."

A distinct meaning of alter ego can be found in literary analysis, wherein it describes characters in different works who are psychologically similar, or a fictional character whose behavior, speech or thoughts intentionally represent those of the author. It's also used to designate the best friend of another character in a story. Similarly, the term alter ego may be applied to the role or persona taken on by an actor[3] or by other types of performers.

The existence of "another self" was first recognized in the 1730s. Anton Mesmer used hypnosis to separate the alter ego. These experiments showed a behavior pattern that was distinct from the personality of the individual when he was in the waking state compared to when he was under hypnosis. Another character had developed in the altered state of consciousness but in the same body.[4]

Alter ego is also used to refer to the different behaviors any person may display in certain situations. Related concepts include avatar, doppelgänger, impersonator, and dissociative identity disorder (DID).

In fiction

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

See also

References

  1. Irving B. Weiner, Donald K. Freedheim (2003). Handbook of Psychology. John Wiley and Sons. p. 262. ISBN 0-471-17669-9.
  2. "Alter Ego". Collins English Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 10th Edition. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  3. Glenn Daniel Wilson (1991). Psychology and Performing Arts. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 90-265-1119-1.
  4. Pedersen, David (1994). Cameral Analysis: A Method of Treating the Psychoneuroses Using Hypnosis. London, U.K.: Routledge. p. 20. ISBN 0-415-10424-6.
  5. I. Ousby ed., The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English (Cambridge 1995) p. 263
  6. N. Douglas, Looking Back (London 1934) p. 274
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