"The Double" is a novella written by Fyodor Dostoevsky in 1846. It tells the story of Yakob Petrovich Golyadkin, a government clerk who encounters a doppelgänger, or double, that closely resembles him. This encounter leads to a series of events that challenge Golyadkin's identity and sanity, as he struggles with feelings of paranoia and social anxiety. The novella explores themes of duality, self-perception, and the nature of reality. Golyadkin's interactions with his double reflect his inner turmoil and the societal pressures he faces. Ultimately, "The Double" serves as a commentary on the complexities of the human psyche and the search for self-identity.