William Wilson (short story)
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William Wilson is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1839. It is one of the most famous of doppelgänger tales.
It tells of a man 'William Wilson' who is schoolmate to a boy with the same name and birthday. The protagonist becomes alarmed as the second 'Wilson' gradually imitates him and eventually starts foiling his every chance of success.
The climax of the story takes part in Rome, where the protagonist takes it upon himself to duel with 'Wilson'. This results in the death of the imitator, who (dying) is quick to pronounce the death of the protagonist, who has now become murderer and monster, that which he had feared 'Wilson' to be.
"Thou hast murdered thyself!" he yells as the original Wilson watches his demise, realising the true motive of the double. It is commonly thought that the whole time he has been spooked by his reflection within mirrors.
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