Bella Caracappa: Death of 2nd self

    In many stories, myth or otherwise, the death of the second self is a popular step in the main characters journey, as this allows them to transform into something greater. However, there are instances where this death has neagtive connotations, as often characters kill the “good” parts of themselfves in order to survive in this ever evolving world. With this in mind, are there instances where the death of the second self is considered murder? Or would in be akin to losing a toy or valuable item? 

    I believe that this dilemma is exemplified in James Baldwins essay, Notes of a Native Son, which is about the others own experience with a paranoid and sick ridden father and Baldwins first experiences with Jim-Crow Segregation. In Baldwin’s narrative he says that “that my life, my real life, was in danger, and not from anything other people might do but from the hatred I carried in my own heart” (Baldwin, 84). This connects to how one’s own life is often in danger not becuase of others, but becuase of themselves. From Baldwin’s perspective, he “could have been murdered” not by others but himself, connecting to the death of the second self as the kind and peaceful part of him that hated his father would have died, as he began to understand his father. However, from a contrasting perspective, this metaphorical death would not be considered murder as it would allow him to better understand and survive the cruel world that is against him and thus the metaphor of him just loosing a toy that he out grew could be applied. 

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