Critics at Large | The New Yorker
Episode Summary: “Severance,” the Gothic Double, and Our Increasingly Fractured Selves
Release Date: February 27, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Critics at Large, The New Yorker team delves deep into the intricate themes of duality and fractured identities as portrayed in the acclaimed TV series "Severance." Hosted by Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Frye, and Alexandra Schwartz, the discussion expands beyond the show to explore the enduring trope of the double in literature and modern media, tying it to contemporary societal issues.

"Severance" Season Two: Expanding the Universe

The conversation begins with an overview of "Severance," particularly its second season, which has recently premiered on Apple TV and surpassed Ted Lasso as Apple's most-watched series ever (10:43). The hosts highlight how the show continues to explore the concept of severed selves—Innies (work selves) and Outies (home selves)—and the evolving power dynamics between these identities.

Alex Schwartz provides a masterful synopsis of the show, explaining how it follows office workers at Lumen Industries who undergo a procedure to separate their work and personal lives neurologically (11:38). The second season intensifies the narrative by focusing on the protagonists' quest to reconnect and understand the true nature of their severed existences.

The Enduring Trope of the Double

The episode transitions into a broader discussion on the theme of the double, a motif that has persisted in literature and media for centuries. Nomi Frye poses the central question: "Why has the trope of the double endured, and why is it making a comeback in our entertainment right now?" (05:03).

Vincent Cunningham references classic literature like Frankenstein as examples of the double, emphasizing its role in reflecting creators' fears and societal anxieties (03:48). Alex Schwartz adds examples from diverse genres, including The Shining and classic works by Dostoevsky and Poe, illustrating the double's versatility in expressing internal and external conflicts (04:19).

Philosophical and Psychological Underpinnings

The discussion delves into the philosophical and psychological aspects of the double. Alex Schwartz introduces a Freudian perspective, explaining Freud's concept of the "uncanny" and how encountering a double can evoke deep-seated fears and existential questions (30:25). Nomi Frye connects this to the show's portrayal of severed selves, likening the severance process to psychoanalytic repression and the struggle to reconcile different aspects of the self (31:41).

Vincent Cunningham expands on the idea by likening the double to the Apostle Paul's internal conflict between spiritual aspirations and carnal desires, highlighting the universal struggle for wholeness and identity (32:57).

Doubles in Modern Culture and Media

The hosts explore how the theme of doubles manifests in contemporary culture and media. Alex Schwartz discusses the prevalence of avatars and social media personas as modern doubles, reflecting societal pressures to curate idealized versions of oneself (37:06). Nomi Frye elaborates on this by pointing out how influencers navigate their online and offline identities, often oscillating between authenticity and performance (38:24).

The conversation also touches on the concept of "Post Traumatic Split" as seen in Severance, where trauma leads to a division of the self, prompting questions about the permissibility of happiness and the integration of fractured identities (44:32).

Comparative Analysis with Other Works

The episode draws parallels between Severance and other cultural works that explore the double. Vincent Cunningham mentions Nickel Boys and A Different Man as examples where characters confront their doubles, leading to profound personal and societal revelations (22:57).

Nomi Frye references The Parent Trap as a positive portrayal of doubles, contrasting with the more ominous representations in horror and psychological thrillers (33:48). Alex Schwartz further contrasts these by discussing Shakespearean doubles, such as Rosalind's transformation in As You Like It, highlighting the versatility of the double in different narrative contexts (35:06).

The Double in Historical Context

Alex Schwartz takes the discussion back to the Victorian era, identifying it as the birth of the modern double, especially in Gothic literature. He explains how the expansion of the British Empire introduced ethnic myths and the concept of the terrifying doppelgänger into English literature, leading to horror moving from setting-based to self-based narratives (29:07).

Vincent Cunningham adds that the double serves as a reflection of societal and personal traumas, embodying the fragmentation and quest for identity that persist through different historical periods (33:12).

Contemporary Doubles and Future Implications

The hosts speculate on the future of the double trope, asserting its inevitability due to the inherent human struggle with identity and wholeness. Vincent Cunningham suggests that the double will always exist as a symbol of the unresolved internal conflicts and the desire for an ideal self (45:57).

Alex Schwartz emphasizes that as life progresses and choices are made, the allure and fear of the unlived life keep the double as a potent metaphor for personal and societal division (47:26).

Conclusion: The Double’s Enduring Relevance

In wrapping up, the trio agrees that the double remains a fundamental and versatile trope in storytelling, capable of encapsulating the complexities of human identity, societal pressures, and existential fears. The episode concludes by affirming that as long as humans grapple with questions of self and existence, the double will continue to be a compelling narrative device.

Notable Quotes

• Nomi Frye: "Is Severance giving us a new version of the double? Like, what is the kind of larger point it's trying to make?" (18:06)

• Alex Schwartz: "Every era gets the doubling it needs." (18:11)

• Vincent Cunningham: "I think the double will always exist because of the hope of... the hope for wholeness." (45:57)

• Alex Schwartz: "The terror of the double, the terror of encountering yourself, is a fundamental human terror. It's cross-cultural. It endures." (47:26)

Key Takeaways

1. "Severance" as a Reflection of Modern Identity: The show encapsulates contemporary anxieties about work-life balance, personal identity, and the fragmentation of the self.

2. Historical Roots of the Double: The double is an age-old trope that has evolved from Gothic literature to modern media, continuously adapting to reflect societal changes.

3. Psychological Dimensions: The double serves as a metaphor for internal conflicts, trauma, and the human desire for a unified self.

4. Modern Manifestations: In the digital age, avatars and social media personas represent new forms of doubles, highlighting issues of authenticity and self-perception.

5. Enduring Relevance: The double remains a powerful narrative tool because it addresses universal human experiences and fears, ensuring its continued presence in storytelling.

This comprehensive exploration in Critics at Large not only dissects "Severance" but also situates the theme of the double within a broader cultural and historical context, offering listeners profound insights into why this motif remains so pivotal in understanding ourselves and our society.