If you think about it, you will realise how many other works of art throughout history have used this very technique to tell a story. Whether it is myths, religious teachings, traditional sayings or stories from around the world, it is possible to encounter dualism.
No matter what culture you come from, dualism is always an effective way of explaining things in a clearer way. I think the main reason for this is to make a comparison between two aspects. As we have said, whether they are contrasting meanings or not, comparison always brings more thought to the issues.
Although dualism often uses contrasting words or concepts, it doesn’t necessarily require them. Dualistic elements can involve a wider range of ideas, feelings or forces. The key is to create a compelling tension between these elements, inviting the reader to engage with the inherent conflict.
A duality between apple and science, dog and man, or life and lemon may sound unrelated at first, but we also find ways to connect them. The first brings to mind Newton, the second companionship and the third the saying we all know when we talk about the opportunity and struggle of life. They create their own stories (and become part of others) in your mind, even without making a proper connection at first.
At its core, then, dualism is the juxtaposition of two contrasting yet interrelated elements within a literary work. These elements often represent opposing ideas, such as good versus evil, light versus darkness, order versus chaos, or love versus hate. Dualism introduces a tension that adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
It has its roots in ancient philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Zoroaster. These philosophers explored the duality of existence and believed in the coexistence of opposing forces. As literature developed, dualism became a common theme, with authors using it to explore fundamental human dilemmas.
The Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky explored the moral and philosophical dualities that shape human behaviour in works such as “Crime and Punishment” and “The Brothers Karamazov”. He explored the contrast between sin and redemption, guilt and innocence.
Shakespeare’s tragedies, such as “Hamlet” and “Macbeth”, show a deep exploration of the dualistic nature of human existence. He often portrayed the inner struggle between good and evil within his characters.
Another famous work is a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson. “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” is a prime example of dualism. It illustrates the struggle between the respectable, moral Dr Jekyll and his dark alter ego, Mr Hyde.
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How it enriches the plot is another matter. Characters involved in dualistic conflicts are inherently more complex. Their inner struggles (introspection) provide depth, making them relatable and compelling to readers. Dualism allows authors to explore a wide range of themes, from the consequences of moral choices to the inherent dual nature of humanity. The contrast between opposing elements creates narrative tension, holds the reader’s attention and drives the plot forward.
In addition to its wide range of uses and benefits, it also has its drawbacks. The potential disadvantage lies in the risk of oversimplification. If not handled carefully, dualism can lead to clichéd or one-dimensional narratives. It is important to strike a balance between the contrasting elements, ensuring that they are both nuanced and authentic, while at the same time providing a backdrop to the plot. Ultimately, they can also be the foundation of your entire story, which requires even more attention to solidify.
All in all, it is indeed a timeless narrative technique. Powerful too. Whether it will be character vs. character, character vs. self, or character vs. environment, it will bring the dualism within as long as the clash and conflict will be there.
If you have no idea what to write about in your stories, here is a hint: find the differences and resemblances between two elements, whether they make sense to use in the same sentence or not. Like life and death, or dolphins and spacecrafts.
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