That Shadow, My Likeness
That Shadow, My Likeness - meaning Summary
Doubled Self and Identity
The poem presents the speaker’s contemplation of a shadowy double that mimics daily commerce and chatter, prompting doubts about whether that outward figure is truly himself. Yet the speaker insists that in moments of intimacy and song—among lovers and while caroling—there is no uncertainty. The poem contrasts surface identity with a deeper self that emerges through love and artistic expression.
Read Complete AnalysesTHAT shadow, my likeness, that goes to and fro, seeking a livelihood, chattering, chaffering; How often I find myself standing and looking at it where it flits; How often I question and doubt whether that is really me; —But in these, and among my lovers, and caroling my songs, O I never doubt whether that is really me. 5
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