Metropolis · Theme
The Doppelgänger and Stolen Identity
How Metropolis develops The Doppelgänger and Stolen Identity.
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.
Where it surfaces
- VIII
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
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
Rotwang reveals he has stolen Maria's ego and created a duplicate to deceive the workers.
- XXI
Rotwang's creation, the false Maria, is being burned, highlighting the theme of artificial identity and the original's replacement.