Duality in Literature & Literary Theory

Duality: Etymology and Concept

Duality: Etymology

The term “duality” traces its origins to the Latin word “dualitas,” which emerged during the late Middle English period. The root, “dualis,” signifies the state of being two or double.

This etymological foundation shows it as the core concept, emphasizing the existence or interaction of two contrasting elements. Over time, the term has evolved, expanding its application beyond mathematical and philosophical contexts to encompass various domains, including literature, science, and philosophy.

Duality: Concept

Aspect	Explanation
Binary Opposition	It often involves the juxtaposition of two opposing or complementary concepts, creating a binary structure in understanding.
Philosophical Dualism	In philosophy, it has been shown through dualism, which posits the existence of two fundamental, irreducible substances or principles, such as mind and matter.
Mathematical Duality	In mathematics, it refers to a relationship between two mathematical objects or concepts that are dual to each other, often revealing deep connections.
Light and Dark	Symbolically, it is expressed in contrasts like light and dark, where the interplay of opposites signifies balance, conflict, or the inherent tension in existence.
Good and Evil	Morally, it explores the dichotomy between good and evil, reflecting ethical complexities and the coexistence of opposing moral forces.
Yin and Yang	Rooted in Eastern philosophy, the concept of Yin and Yang represents the dual nature of existence, where opposites are interconnected and interdependent.
Literary Foils	In literature, characters or themes may embody duality as foils, serving to highlight each other’s contrasting qualities, contributing to narrative depth.
Wave-Particle Duality	In physics, duality manifests in wave-particle duality, illustrating the dual nature of particles like electrons, which exhibit both wave and particle properties.

This table provides a concise overview of the multifaceted concept of duality across various disciplines, capturing its symbolic, philosophical, and scientific dimensions.

Duality: Meanings

Meaning	Literal	Conceptual
Binary Nature	– Refers to the state of being twofold or consisting of two parts.	– Implies the existence of contrasting elements or opposing forces.
Mathematical Duality	– In mathematics, a relationship between two mathematical objects.	– Reveals deep connections and symmetries between seemingly different concepts.
Philosophical Dualism	– Philosophical concept positing the existence of two fundamental, irreducible principles.	– Explores the coexistence or conflict between two contrasting entities, such as mind and matter.
Opposites Interacting	– Describes the interaction and interdependence of opposing elements.	– Reflects the dynamic balance and tension between contrasting forces or ideas.
Symbolic Contrasts	– Symbolizes contrasts, such as light and dark or good and evil.	– Represents deeper symbolic meanings related to balance, harmony, or conflict.
Yin and Yang	– In Eastern philosophy, represents the dual nature of existence.	– Highlights the interconnectedness and balance between opposing forces.
Literary Foils	– In literature, characters embodying opposing qualities.	– Enhances narrative complexity and thematic exploration through contrast.
Wave-Particle Duality	– In physics, the dual nature of particles exhibiting wave and particle properties.	– Illustrates the paradoxical nature of quantum entities and the limits of classical concepts.
Moral Dualities	– Examines moral contrasts, such as right and wrong or virtue and vice.	– Explores ethical complexities and the interplay between opposing moral principles.
Cultural Dichotomies	– Seen in cultural dichotomies like individualism vs. collectivism.	– Reflects cultural values and societal tensions arising from contrasting ideologies.

Duality: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Duality, as a theoretical term, encompasses the simultaneous existence or interaction of two contrasting elements, whether they be concepts, entities, or principles. In a broader sense, duality signifies the inherent tension and interdependence between opposing forces, highlighting the dynamic coexistence of binary aspects within a given framework. Within theoretical frameworks across disciplines such as mathematics, philosophy, and physics, duality often unveils profound connections, revealing a deeper unity between seemingly disparate elements.

Duality: Theorists, Works and Argument

1. Jacques Derrida:
   • Work: “Of Grammatology.”
   • Argument: Derrida’s deconstructionist approach reveals linguistic duality, emphasizing the inherent contradictions and multiplicity of meanings within language, challenging stable meanings.
2. Julia Kristeva:
   • Work: “Powers of Horror.”
   • Argument: Kristeva’s exploration of abjection introduces a duality between the self and the other, examining the discomforting border that both attracts and repels, disrupting established categories.
3. Jean-Paul Sartre:
   • Work: “Being and Nothingness.”
   • Argument: Sartre’s existentialist philosophy addresses the duality of being and nothingness, emphasizing human freedom and responsibility in navigating the inherent contradictions of existence.

These theorists, through their works in literary theory, contribute to the understanding of duality in literature, exploring its manifestations in language, identity, and existential thought.

Duality: Major Characteristics

Characteristic	Explanation	Examples
Binary Opposition	Two contrasting elements or concepts existing in relation to each other, creating a dichotomy.	Light and dark, good and evil.
Psychological Duality	The coexistence of opposing psychological elements within an individual, often depicted in literature and philosophy.	Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in Stevenson’s novella, representing the struggle between good and evil within one person.
Symbolic Contrasts	The use of symbols to represent opposing or complementary ideas, conveying deeper meanings.	Yin and Yang as symbols of balance in Eastern philosophy.
Dialectical Process	The interplay between opposing forces or ideas, leading to a synthesis that transcends the initial contradictions.	Hegelian dialectics exploring the evolution of ideas through thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
Moral Dichotomies	Exploration of ethical or moral contrasts, revealing complexities in moral decision-making.	The ethical choices faced by characters in literature, examining right versus wrong.
Existential Duality	The acknowledgment of conflicting aspects within human existence, highlighting the tension between freedom and responsibility.	Sartre’s concept of being and nothingness, illustrating the dual nature of human existence.
Cultural Dichotomies	Cultural contrasts reflecting differences in values, beliefs, or practices, often manifesting in literature and societal norms.	Individualism versus collectivism, exploring cultural tensions and variations.

This table outlines major characteristics of duality, providing explanations and examples that span psychological, symbolic, dialectical, moral, existential, and cultural dimensions in literature and theory.

Duality: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Duality
Deconstructionism	It challenges stable meanings, aligning with the deconstructionist goal of revealing linguistic complexities and contradictions within texts. Derrida’s work on language emphasizes the inherent duality in sign systems.
Psychoanalytic Theory	It is central to psychoanalytic exploration, delving into the contrasting elements of the unconscious and conscious mind. Julia Kristeva’s concept of abjection, reflecting a dual relationship with the self and other, aligns with psychoanalytic themes.
Existentialism	Existentialism is deeply concerned with the duality of human existence, as seen in Sartre’s exploration of being and nothingness. Duality reflects the tension between freedom and responsibility, core existentialist themes.
Symbolism and Semiotics	It serves as a powerful symbol, providing rich semiotic possibilities. Symbols like Yin and Yang or light and dark convey complex meanings, making duality integral to symbolic and semiotic analyses.
Postcolonialism	In postcolonial literature, it may symbolize the tensions between colonizer and colonized, reflecting the cultural complexities and power dynamics explored in postcolonial narratives.
Feminist Criticism	It can be relevant in feminist critique by examining the contrasting roles assigned to genders, challenging traditional binary constructions.
Structuralism	It aligns with structuralist ideas by emphasizing binary oppositions and underlying structures in texts. Structuralist analysis may reveal the presence of dualities in narrative patterns.

This table illustrates how the concept of duality finds relevance across various literary theories, showcasing its diverse applications in deconstructionism, psychoanalytic theory, existentialism, symbolism, postcolonialism, feminist criticism, and structuralism.

Duality: Application in Critiques

Novel	Application of Duality
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by R.L. Stevenson	The novel explores the psychological duality within an individual, as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde represent the internal struggle between good and evil. This duality serves as a metaphor for the complexities of human nature and morality.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley	Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein delves into the ethical and existential duality arising from scientific creation. The narrative reflects on the contrasting roles of the creator (Frankenstein) and the created (the Monster) and their moral implications.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by R.L. Stevenson	Stevenson’s novella examines moral dualities and societal expectations. The characters embody conflicting moral principles, challenging conventional norms and reflecting on the duality inherent in human behavior.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad	Conrad’s Heart of Darkness explores cultural and moral dualities within the colonial context. The journey into the Congo reveals the duality of civilization and savagery, questioning Western notions of superiority and morality.

Duality: Relevant Terms

• Binary Opposition: Contrast between two opposing concepts, forming a dichotomy.
• Psychoanalytic Duality: Coexistence of conflicting psychological elements within an individual.
• Dialectical Process: Interaction between opposing forces, leading to synthesis.
• Symbolic Dualism: Use of symbols to represent contrasting or complementary ideas.
• Existential Dualities: Tension between opposing aspects of human existence (e.g., freedom and responsibility).
• Cultural Dichotomies: Reflection of cultural contrasts in values, beliefs, or practices.
• Moral Dualities: Examination of ethical or moral contrasts and decision-making complexities.
• Structural Dualism: Emphasis on binary oppositions and underlying structures in texts or culture.
• Postcolonial Dualities: Exploration of tensions between colonizer and colonized.
• Yin and Yang: Symbol of balance and interdependence in Eastern philosophy.

Duality: Suggested Readings

1. Derrida, Jacques. Of Grammatology. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997.
2. Kristeva, Julia. Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection. Columbia University Press, 1982.
3. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press, 1993.
4. Stevenson, Robert Louis. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Norton Critical Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, 2003.
5. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Oxford University Press, 2008.
6. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. Norton Critical Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, 2006.
7. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Penguin Classics, 1978.
8. Said, Edward. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1979.
9. Blake, William. Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Oxford University Press, 2008.
10. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism Is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.