His other Self by W.W. Jacobs (1909)
The narrative centers on a man whose unassuming life is disrupted when an actor, fascinated by his unique appearance and manner, decides to impersonate him. The protagonist, a night-watchman working near the docks, is approached by this persuasive actor who admires his striking features and distinctive voice. The actor convinces him to lend his clothes and even applies elaborate makeup to transform his own look into a near-perfect imitation of the protagonist. This impersonation sets off a cascade of confusing and humorous misadventures. As the actor, dressed in the protagonist’s garb, begins to mirror his every gesture—mimicking his walk and voice in an almost uncanny fashion—locals and acquaintances mistake the actor for the real man. The mix-up creates an atmosphere of widespread bewilderment, with the protagonist’s identity splintering into two, as onlookers and friends struggle to tell the original from the copy. The impersonator’s antics escalate when he ventures into public spaces, such as local pubs and busy wharves, where his parody results in farcical situations. His efforts, intended initially as a harmless pursuit of artistic authenticity, inadvertently stir trouble. In one instance, a series of misunderstandings at a drinking establishment results in both the mistaken belief (and humorous announcements) that the protagonist possesses two identical selves and chaotic encounters with coworkers and neighbors. The confusion even spills over into the domestic sphere when the impersonator, emboldened by his disguise, visits the protagonist’s home, leading to an embarrassing confrontation with his wife and certain neighbors who fail to discern the deception. Throughout the episode, the work explores themes of mistaken or duplicated identities, underlining the vulnerability of one’s individuality when laid bare for public amusement. The protagonist, forced to contend with a double that not only replicates his physical appearance but also mimics his distinctive habits and speech, becomes a victim of both his own vanity and the actor’s unrelenting pursuit of a “perfect” imitation. The resulting farce is rendered with a rich use of local dialect and humor, painting a vivid picture of a working-class milieu where even a minor case of mistaken identity can spiral into public scandal and personal humiliation. At its core, the story is a satirical commentary on the nature of selfhood and the ease with which external appearances can be manipulated. The impersonator’s relentless mimicry—deliberate and almost artistic—exposes how identity, no matter how uniquely constructed, can become a mere façade for public consumption. The protagonist’s frustration and eventual entanglement in a web of confusion serve to highlight the precariousness of relying solely on outward appearances and the unpredictable consequences when an individual’s public persona is exploited. The narrative, with its brisk dialogue and humorous sequences, captures both the absurdity and the inevitability of the chaos that ensues when impersonation blurs the lines between one’s authentic self and a manufactured image. In this unfolding drama of errors, the humor is derived not only from the protagonist’s misfortunes but also from the satirical portrayal of a society quick to judge and even laugh at the duplicity of appearances.
By W.W. Jacobs · First published 1909 · Genre: Comedy, Farce, Satire · 5,093 words
First lines
They're as like as two peas, him and 'is brother," said the / night-watchman, gazing blandly at the indignant face of the lighterman / on the barge below; "and the on'y way I know this one is Sam is because / Bill don't use bad langwidge. Twins they are, but the likeness is only / outside; Bill's 'art is as white as snow."
He cut off a plug of tobacco, and, placing it in his cheek, waited / expectantly.
What this Textopian page supports
His other Self is listed on Textopian as a short story by W.W. Jacobs, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: W.W. Jacobs
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Farce, Satire, Humorous Fiction, Absurdist Fiction
- Length: 5,093 words
- Structure: 1 section, 110 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His other Self by W.W. Jacobs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is driven by witty dialogue and humorous misadventures that mark it as primarily a work of comedy.
- Farce — Exaggerated situations, mistaken identities, and slapstick elements contribute to an overall farcical tone.
- Satire — The story subtly critiques social behaviors and conventions through ironic and humorous commentary.
- Humorous Fiction — Its blend of colloquial language and absurd scenarios situates it firmly within humorous, light-hearted fiction.
Tags
supernatural · duality · horror · twist · mystery · psychological · suspense · transformation · existential · gothic · irony · identity