William Wilson Freedom and Confinement Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)

Quote #4

It may seem strange that in spite of the continual anxiety occasioned me by the rivalry of Wilson, and his intolerable spirit of contradiction, I could not bring myself to hate him altogether. (15)

William is trapped by the confusing nature of his feelings for his alter ego. Because he does not hate his conscience completely, he cannot bring himself to dispose of him.

Quote #5

My sentiments, in nearly similar proportion, partook very much of positive hatred. Upon one occasion he saw this, I think, and afterwards avoided, or made a show of avoiding me. (23)

This suggests that William in fact does have some control over his double.

Quote #6

The vortex of thoughtless folly into which I there so immediately and so recklessly plunged, washed away all but the froth of my past hours, engulfed at once every solid or serious impression, and left to memory only the veriest levities of a former existence. (27)

The narrator uses vice as an escape from reality.