# How does Metropolis develop the theme of The Doppelgänger and Stolen Identity?

> Metropolis by Thea von Harbou

## Answer

Metropolis by Thea von Harbou develops The Doppelgänger and Stolen Identity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The inventor Rotwang creates a robotic double of Maria, stealing her 'ego' to manipulate the workers. This theme explores the loss of self, the power of imitation, and how a false image can be used to incite chaos and serve the ruling class's agenda.

Rotwang's creation of a mechanical Maria with an almost completed head introduces the theme of a doppelgänger, and the deceptive voice in the house mimics Maria's identity.

The Whore of Babylon in Freder's dream bears the features of Maria, whom he loves, suggesting a dark doppelgänger that corrupts her image and foreshadows the theme of stolen identity.

Rotwang reveals he has stolen Maria's ego and created a duplicate to deceive the workers.

## Evidence

- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/viii.md): Rotwang's creation of a mechanical Maria with an almost completed head introduces the theme of a doppelgänger, and the deceptive voice in the house mimics Maria's identity.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/x.md): The Whore of Babylon in Freder's dream bears the features of Maria, whom he loves, suggesting a dark doppelgänger that corrupts her image and foreshadows the theme of stolen identity.
- [xiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xiii.md): Rotwang reveals he has stolen Maria's ego and created a duplicate to deceive the workers.
- [xxi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xxi.md): Rotwang's creation, the false Maria, is being burned, highlighting the theme of artificial identity and the original's replacement.

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