The Writer’s Alter Ego and Exploring Literary Creation as a Second Life
The act of writing is often perceived as a creative endeavor, a means of expression. It is the way to explore the realms of imagination. Yet, for many authors, writing goes beyond mere storytelling. It becomes a channel through which they create alter egos. A channels through which they embody characters, and delve into worlds that are, in many ways, their “second life.” This research paper delves into the phenomenon of writers projecting themselves into their works, engaging in acts and experiences that would be unthinkable in their real lives. Therefore drawing from examples like Karl May’s identification with Old Shatterhand, the link between trauma and writing, and the concept of “channeling” writing styles, we aim to understand the complex relationship between the author and their literary creation.
Literary Creation as an Alter Ego:
Authors often find solace in their literary creations, fashioning characters and scenarios that serve as extensions of their own desires, fears, and aspirations. These literary alter egos allow writers to experience a second life, free from the constraints of reality. Through their characters, writers can commit acts that would be illegal or immoral in real life, all while exploring the depths of human experience. Normally you can dream it, but you can not tell it, for they would think it strange. But on paper and in the book you are free to spill out the most bizarre fantasies and you may even get an appraisal for that.
Karl May and Old Shatterhand:
The case of Karl May, a prolific German author known for his Winnetou series, exemplifies this phenomenon. K. May, who led a relatively mundane life, projected himself into the character of Old Shatterhand, a daring adventurer of the American West. Through Old Shatterhand’s exploits, May could live out his fantasies of being a fearless frontiersman, embodying qualities he may have felt lacking in his own life. That is why we see how books can bring great satisfaction both to the writer, but also to the reader.
Trauma as a Driving Force:
The link between trauma and writing is undeniable. Many authors draw from personal experiences of pain, suffering, or hardship to create compelling narratives. In the act of writing, authors can revisit and reconfigure their traumatic experiences, providing a sense of catharsis and healing. Writing allows them to explore their innermost emotions and fears, often through the lens of their literary alter ego.
The “Channeling” Writing Style:
Some authors claim to be mediums for supernatural forces, channeling entire books from the spirit world to our own. This “channeling” writing style is a testament to the deep connection authors feel to their characters and stories. It suggests that writing can be a profoundly spiritual experience, a means of transcending the self and tapping into the collective consciousness of humanity. This was also the case of J. K. Rowling. The middle-aged woman who was left by her husband, a woman with suicidal tendencies ends up as one of the most significant authors of these days. If you ask her, she became a “channel” for unseen forces who gave her this book “overnight”.
Writing, Creative Pursuit, Second Life:
Writing, for many authors, is more than a creative pursuit. It is a journey into a second life. Through their literary alter egos, writers can explore the full spectrum of human existence. From the darkest depths of their psyche to the loftiest heights of their aspirations. As exemplified by Karl May and numerous others, this phenomenon serves as a testament to the power of storytelling as a vehicle for self-exploration and personal growth. It is through their alter egos that authors find solace, catharsis, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world they inhabit.
