The capacity of the mind is seemingly unlimited. By understanding this, the formation of a completely separate entity in the mind of an already perceptive individual becomes less remarkable. The ensuing battle between William Wilson and "a second William Wilson" is simply a conflict between the two most fundamental components of a person's intellect: humanity's sense of self and the caring conscience that mingles with it (Poe 1570). Consciousness is a universal concept. The majority of people are aware of their conscience, and according to Dr. Allen Wood, professor of philosophy at Stanford University, people "often talk about their conscience prompting them to do the right thing, or bothering them if they have done (or are planning to do) the wrong thing” (1). Given Dr. Wood's statement and the continuing struggle between the two Wilsons, it is obvious that the second Wilson is a manifestation of the consciousness of the old Wilson. While I can appreciate Thomas Peyser's historical perspective on "William Wilson", I believe history supports it. the psychological point of view. “Poe's William Wilson and the Nightmare of Equality” by Thomas Peyser offers a historical perspective on “William Wilson. A tale. He believes that "William Wilson" is a political allegory, full of satire, illustrating Poe's aversion to equality (Peyser 101). Peyser considers "Wilson's account of his relationship with his parents" as an "allegorical interpretation of the colonies' revolt against a faltering motherland riven by political conflict" (101). He argues that William Wilson represents colonial America and that his “weak and misdirected” parents assume the role of Britain (Peyser 101). Furthermore, he claims that the resemblance between...... middle of paper ......s. Internet. March 15, 2011. .Rickaby, John. "Awareness." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Flight. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. March 11, 2011. Peyser, Thomas. “WILLIAM WILSON of Poe and the Nightmare of Equality.” The Explainer. Flight. 68, No. 2. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. 2010. 101-103. Print.Poe, Edgar Allen. “William Wilson. A tale. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 7th ed. Flight. A. New York: WW Norton & Company, Inc., 2007. 1566-1579. Print.Stanley, Charles. “Ignore conscience.” Christian News, The Christian Post. June 16, 2010. the web. March 13, 2011. .Wood, Allan. “Kant on consciousness.” Kantovsky Sbornik: 1-17. Internet. March 11. 2011. .