grade 9 jekyll and hyde essay

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Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” has enthralled readers for over a century with its gripping narrative and profound exploration of human duality. This essay delves into the plot, themes, and characters of this iconic novella, providing GCSE English Literature students with a comprehensive understanding of its key elements.

Plot Overview

The novella opens in Victorian London, where lawyer Gabriel John Utterson becomes intrigued by the strange relationship between his respected friend, Dr Henry Jekyll, and the sinister Mr Edward Hyde. Utterson discovers that Hyde, despite his malevolent nature, holds legal control over Jekyll’s estate. As Utterson investigates Hyde further, he uncovers a series of heinous crimes committed by Hyde, including the brutal murder of Sir Danvers Carew.

The narrative unfolds through a series of documents, primarily Utterson’s perspective and Dr Jekyll’s confession. Jekyll reveals his experimentation with a potion that transforms him into Hyde, allowing him to indulge in his darker impulses without consequence. However, Jekyll soon realizes that Hyde’s influence is growing stronger, and he struggles to control the transformations.

The story reaches its climax when Jekyll, unable to suppress Hyde any longer, commits suicide to end the terror he has unleashed. The novella concludes with Utterson piecing together the tragic events and grappling with the complexities of human nature. Now we will have a brief look at some of the themes in the story and later on we will look at them in more depth.

Themes Explored

• Duality of Human Nature: The most prominent theme in “Jekyll and Hyde” is the duality of human nature. Jekyll and Hyde represent opposing facets of the same person, with Jekyll embodying societal expectations and Hyde personifying base desires and instincts. Stevenson delves into the internal struggle between good and evil within every individual, highlighting how suppressing one’s darker side can have disastrous consequences.
• Dangers of Science: This work is similar to ‘Frankenstein’  (click here to read the article on Frankenstein ) which is also featured in the GCSE reading list in that they both deal with the ambivalent nature of science. The default assumption is that it is something good and adds to humanity, adds to our knowledge and adds new inventions that make life easier. However in this story as with Frankenstein (click here to read the article on Frankenstein ) the author asks questions of the potential dangers of science.
• Secrecy and Repression: “Jekyll and Hyde” also delves into the themes of secrecy and repression. Jekyll’s initial desire to keep his transformations hidden reflects society’s tendency to conceal aspects deemed unacceptable or taboo. However, this suppression only fuels the darkness within, leading to destructive outcomes. The narrative underscores the dangers of repressing one’s true self and the consequences of living a double life.

Character Analysis

• Dr Henry Jekyll: As the central character, Dr Jekyll embodies the complexities of human nature. Initially portrayed as a respected and morally upright figure, Jekyll’s descent into darkness through his transformations into Hyde highlights the fragility of identity and the dangers of unchecked ambition. His internal struggle forms the heart of the narrative, showcasing the psychological turmoil caused by suppressing one’s true self.
• Mr Edward Hyde: Hyde serves as the embodiment of Jekyll’s repressed desires and darker impulses. His cruel and amoral actions shock society, illustrating the consequences of indulging in hedonism without accountability. Hyde’s physical appearance, described as deformed and monstrous, mirrors the ugliness of his character, emphasizing the link between inner turmoil and outward manifestations.
• Gabriel John Utterson: Utterson functions as the rational observer and investigator within the story. His pursuit of truth leads him to unravel the mystery surrounding Jekyll and Hyde, serving as a foil to Jekyll’s descent into madness. Utterson’s unwavering loyalty to Jekyll and his commitment to justice underscore the themes of friendship and morality amidst chaos.
• Dr Hastie Lanyon: Lanyon plays a crucial role in revealing the scientific aspect of the narrative. His shock and eventual demise upon witnessing Jekyll’s transformation highlight the clash between scientific curiosity and moral boundaries. Lanyon’s character reinforces the theme of the dangers inherent in tampering with forces beyond human control.

We looked at themes briefly earlier on but let’s look at them in more detail now.

Duality of human nature

The story is a compelling exploration of the duality inherent in human nature. This theme, central to the novella, offers profound insights into the complexities of individual identity and societal expectations. For students preparing for their GCSE English Literature exams, understanding the duality theme in “Jekyll and Hyde” is essential for analysing character motivations, narrative development, and broader social commentary.

The duality of human nature is epitomized through the characters of Dr Henry Jekyll and Mr Edward Hyde. Jekyll, a respected physician, represents the facade of societal conformity and respectability. His desire to uphold a virtuous image mirrors the societal pressures of Victorian England, where appearances and reputation held significant importance. However, beneath this veneer lies a darker side—an inner turmoil and desire for uninhibited freedom from societal constraints.

On the other hand, Mr Hyde embodies the unrestrained id, devoid of moral constraints or societal norms. He represents the primal instincts and darker impulses that every individual possesses but often suppresses for the sake of social acceptance. Hyde’s physical appearance as described in the novella reflects the ugliness and deformity of his character, symbolizing the monstrous aspects of human nature when unchecked.

The transformation of Jekyll into Hyde through his scientific experiments with a potion serves as a metaphor for the internal struggle between good and evil within individuals. Jekyll’s initial fascination with separating his dual identities reflects a desire to explore and understand the complexities of human nature. However, as Hyde’s influence grows stronger, Jekyll realizes the dangers of indulging in his darker side without restraint.

Stevenson uses this duality theme to comment on the hypocrisy of Victorian society, where individuals often hid their true selves behind a facade of respectability. Jekyll’s inner conflict mirrors the societal pressure to conform to moral standards while grappling with innate desires and impulses. The novella’s structure, presented through a series of documents and perspectives, further highlights the multifaceted nature of human identity and the complexity of understanding one’s true self. Can we label someone simply as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ when they may have both present within them? Is this not somewhat of a very simplistic, nay even crude understanding of people and the world?

The narrative also delves into the psychological aspects of evil, showcasing how power and freedom from societal constraints can corrupt even the most seemingly respectable individuals. Dr Jekyll’s descent into darkness through his transformations into Hyde illustrates the seductive allure of indulging in forbidden desires without consequences. This theme is of course naturally tied

Dangers of Science

The story is not only a gripping tale of suspense and duality but also a cautionary exploration of the perils that accompany scientific curiosity and ambition. The theme of the dangers of science permeates the narrative, offering profound insights into ethical boundaries, moral responsibility, and the potential consequences of tampering with forces beyond human control. For GCSE English Literature students, understanding this theme in “Jekyll and Hyde” is essential for analysing character motivations, thematic development, and broader societal critiques.

Dr Henry Jekyll’s experiments with a transformative potion serve as the focal point for exploring the dangers of scientific discovery. Jekyll, driven by a desire to separate his dual identities and indulge in his darker impulses without consequence, represents the archetype of the ambitious scientist willing to push the boundaries of knowledge. However, his pursuit of scientific advancement leads to unforeseen and catastrophic outcomes.

The novella raises questions about the ethical responsibilities that accompany scientific experimentation. Jekyll’s decision to experiment on himself without fully understanding the potential ramifications highlights the dangers of hubris and the consequences of playing “God.” His initial fascination with the transformative effects of the potion gives way to horror as he realizes the extent of his loss of control over his dual identities.

Furthermore, “Jekyll and Hyde” critiques the disconnect between scientific progress and moral considerations. Dr Hastie Lanyon’s shock and eventual demise upon witnessing Jekyll’s transformation underscore the clash between scientific curiosity and ethical boundaries. Lanyon’s character serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of delving too deeply into the unknown without considering the moral implications of one’s actions.

Secrecy and Repression

The novella also explores the theme of secrecy and repression, unravelling the consequences of hiding one’s true nature and desires. This theme pervades the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of human identity, societal expectations, and the psychological toll of concealing forbidden impulses. For students preparing for their GCSE English Literature exams, understanding this theme in “Jekyll and Hyde” is crucial for analyzing character motivations, narrative tension, and thematic depth.

The character of Dr Henry Jekyll epitomizes the theme of secrecy and repression. Initially portrayed as a respectable and esteemed figure in society, Jekyll hides his darker desires and impulses behind a facade of respectability. His experiments with a transformative potion serve as a metaphor for the repression of his true self, symbolizing the internal struggle between societal expectations and innate desires.

Jekyll’s desire to separate his dual identities reflects the societal pressure to conform to moral standards while grappling with forbidden desires. His secretive nature and reluctance to reveal the truth about his transformations illustrate the psychological toll of hiding aspects of oneself deemed unacceptable by society. This theme resonates with readers as it mirrors universal experiences of internal conflict and the desire to conceal perceived flaws or weaknesses.

Furthermore, “Jekyll and Hyde” critiques the societal tendency to repress and suppress aspects of human nature considered taboo or immoral. Hyde, representing Jekyll’s unrestrained and uninhibited side, emerges as a manifestation of the consequences of repressed desires. The narrative suggests that suppressing one’s true nature only fuels the darkness within, leading to destructive outcomes.

Stevenson’s exploration of secrecy and repression extends beyond individual characters to encompass broader societal themes. Victorian society, with its emphasis on maintaining appearances and adhering to strict moral codes, serves as a backdrop for the narrative’s critique of the damaging effects of societal expectations.

The novella’s narrative structure, presented through a series of documents and perspectives, further underscores the theme of secrecy and repression. The fragmented narrative mirrors the fragmented identity of Jekyll and Hyde, highlighting the disjointed nature of living a double life and the psychological toll of concealing forbidden desires.

In conclusion, “Jekyll and Hyde” offers a compelling examination of the theme of secrecy and repression, shedding light on the psychological complexities of hiding one’s true nature.

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Now that we have looked at some of themes in the story let us look at some of the GCSE questions you might face on exam day.

Question Type 1: Character Analysis

• Question: Discuss the character of Dr Henry Jekyll and his transformation into Mr Edward Hyde. How does Stevenson use Jekyll and Hyde to explore the theme of duality?

Answer Strategy:

• Start by describing Jekyll as a respected, morally upright figure in Victorian society.
• Discuss his experiments with the transformative potion as a metaphor for his internal struggle between societal expectations and his darker desires.
• Analyze Hyde as the embodiment of Jekyll’s repressed impulses and the consequences of indulging in those desires.
• Explore how Stevenson uses Jekyll and Hyde to comment on the duality of human nature and the dangers of suppressing one’s true self.

Question Type 2: Themes and Motifs

• Question: Discuss the themes of secrecy and repression in “Jekyll and Hyde.” How does Stevenson use these themes to critique Victorian society?
• Begin by defining secrecy and repression as central themes in the novella.
• Provide examples from the text, such as Jekyll’s hidden transformations and Hyde’s ability to navigate society undetected.
• Analyze how these themes reflect Victorian societal norms, particularly the emphasis on maintaining appearances and concealing taboo aspects of human nature.
• Discuss Stevenson’s critique of societal repression and the consequences of hiding one’s true self.

Question Type 3: Narrative Structure and Style

• Question: Explore Stevenson’s use of narrative structure in “Jekyll and Hyde.” How does the fragmented narrative contribute to the theme of duality?
• Begin by explaining the narrative structure, which includes letters, witness accounts, and Dr Jekyll’s confession.
• Analyze how this fragmented structure mirrors the fragmented identity of Jekyll and Hyde.
• Discuss how the multiple perspectives enhance the theme of duality by showcasing different facets of the characters and their motivations.
• Consider the impact of the narrative style on the reader’s understanding of the story and its themes.

Question Type 4: Contextual Analysis

• Question: How does Stevenson’s portrayal of science and morality in “Jekyll and Hyde” reflect Victorian anxieties about scientific advancements?
• Provide background information about the Victorian era’s fascination with scientific progress and moral anxieties.
• Discuss Dr Jekyll’s experiments as a representation of the clash between scientific curiosity and ethical considerations.
• Analyze characters like Dr Lanyon, who symbolize the skepticism and fear surrounding scientific innovations.
• Consider how Stevenson’s critique of science and morality resonates with broader societal concerns about the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation.

Question Type 5: Language and Imagery

• Question: Explore the use of language and imagery in “Jekyll and Hyde.” How does Stevenson create a sense of tension and suspense in the novella?
• Identify key language techniques such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and vivid descriptions.
• Analyze how Stevenson uses these techniques to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
• Discuss the symbolic significance of certain images, such as the door to Jekyll’s laboratory or Hyde’s physical appearance.
• Consider the impact of language and imagery on the reader’s engagement with the themes and characters in the story.

Achieving a Grade 9 Response:

• Depth of Analysis: Provide detailed and nuanced analyses of characters, themes, and literary techniques.
• Textual Evidence: Support arguments with specific quotes and references from the novella.
• Critical Thinking: Offer original insights and interpretations while engaging critically with the text.
• Structure and Clarity: Organize ideas coherently with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
• Language and Style: Demonstrate a sophisticated use of language, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

By mastering these question types and crafting well-supported, insightful responses, GCSE English Literature students can aim for a Grade 9 score in their analysis of “Jekyll and Hyde.”

• “With every day, and from both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual, I thus drew steadily nearer to that truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two.”
• This quote encapsulates the central theme of duality in the novella. Students can discuss how Jekyll’s acknowledgment of his dual nature reflects the internal conflict between societal expectations and primal desires. They can analyze the language used (e.g., “moral and intellectual,” “dreadful shipwreck”) to showcase Stevenson’s exploration of human complexity.
• “I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both.”
• This quote further emphasizes the theme of duality and Jekyll’s realization of being both Jekyll and Hyde. Students can delve into the implications of recognizing and accepting one’s dual nature, discussing how Stevenson uses Jekyll’s introspection to explore the complexities of human identity.
• “I knew myself, at the first breath of this new life, to be more wicked, tenfold more wicked, sold a slave to my original evil; and the thought, in that moment, braced and delighted me like wine.”
• This quote highlights the allure of indulging in forbidden desires represented by Hyde. Students can analyze the language of temptation and corruption (e.g., “more wicked,” “sold a slave to my original evil”) to discuss how Stevenson portrays the seductive nature of Hyde’s freedom from societal constraints.
• “If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek.”
• This quote from Utterson reflects his determination to uncover the truth behind Hyde’s identity. Students can explore Utterson’s role as a foil to Jekyll/Hyde and discuss how this quote symbolizes the theme of seeking truth amidst deception and secrecy.
• “I am quite sure of him,” replied Jekyll; “I have grounds for certainty that I cannot share with anyone.”
• This quote showcases Jekyll’s reluctance to reveal the truth about Hyde, highlighting the theme of secrecy and repression. Students can analyze Jekyll’s internal conflict and the consequences of hiding his transformations, discussing how Stevenson critiques societal norms of concealment and repression.
• “I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both.”
• This quote is another instance of Jekyll grappling with his dual identity. Students can discuss the significance of the “field of consciousness” metaphor and how Stevenson uses it to depict the ongoing battle between Jekyll and Hyde within Jekyll’s mind.
• “I am painfully situated, Utterson; my position is a very strange—a very strange one.”
• This quote from Jekyll reveals his internal turmoil and the complexities of his situation. Students can analyze Jekyll’s language (e.g., “painfully situated,” “very strange”) to explore themes of alienation, isolation, and the psychological toll of his transformations.
• “Here, then, as I lay down the pen and proceed to seal up my confession, I bring the life of that unhappy Henry Jekyll to an end.”

In conclusion, “Jekyll and Hyde” remains a timeless exploration of human nature’s dualities, the nature of evil, and the consequences of repression and scientific ambition. Through its compelling plot, rich themes, and memorable characters, the novella continues to captivate readers and offer profound insights into the complexities of the human psyche. For GCSE English Literature students, studying this literary masterpiece provides a deeper understanding of Victorian society’s moral anxieties and universal truths about the human condition.

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GCSE Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Level 9 Exemplar Essay Secrecy and the Unknown

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

1 August 2023

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This useful resource is an example of an exemplar essay. 1275 words in total. This essay achieved 28/30 giving it a Level 9. This was written for AQA but would easy adapt to any other exam boards. Aimed at GCSE students studying Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

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Grade 9 - Key Characters & Themes

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1 Plot Summary

1.1 Chapters 1-10

1.1.1 Chapters 1 & 2

1.1.2 Chapters 3 & 4

1.1.3 Chapters 5 & 6

1.1.4 Chapters 7 & 8

1.1.5 Chapters 9 & 10

1.1.6 End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-6

1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Chapters 7-10

2 Characters

2.1 Jekyll & Hyde

2.1.1 Dr Henry Jekyll

2.1.2 Jekyll - Name & Quotes

2.1.3 Mr Edward Hyde

2.1.4 Jekyll/Hyde Quotes - Chapters 1-9

2.1.5 Jekyll/Hyde Quotes - Chapter 10

2.1.6 End of Topic Test - Jekyll & Hyde

2.1.7 Exam-Style Questions - Mr Hyde

2.2 Other Characters

2.2.1 Mr Gabriel John Utterson

2.2.2 Dr Hastie Lanyon

2.2.3 Minor Characters

2.2.4 End of Topic Test - Other Characters

3 Gothic Genre

3.1 Gothic Elements

3.1.1 Gothic Conventions

3.1.2 Gothic Settings & Symbolism

3.1.3 End of Topic Test - Gothic Conventions

4 Key Themes

4.1 Key Themes & Quotes

4.1.1 Science

4.1.2 Dual Nature of Man

4.1.3 Religion & Sin

4.1.4 Violence & Horror

4.1.5 Victorian Gentlemen

4.1.6 End of Topic Test - Key Themes & Quotes

5 Context & Author

5.1 Context & Author

5.1.1 The Victorian Era

5.1.2 Deacon Brodie & Freud

5.1.3 End of Topic Test - Context & Author

6 Literary Techniques

6.1 Literary Techniques

6.1.1 Language

6.1.2 Structure & Form

6.1.3 End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques

7 Grade 9 - Key Character & Theme Questions

7.1 Key Character & Themes - Linked Questions

7.1.1 Grade 9 - Key Characters & Themes

7.1.2 Extract Analysis - Jekyll

7.1.3 Extract Analysis - Duality

End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques

Extract Analysis - Jekyll

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Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

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Playwright and published poet offering support with GCSE English Language and Literature!

Notes || Exam Prep || Character Profiles || Themes || Additional Reading & Videos

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• Question Bank - Characters
• Question Bank - Context
• Question Bank - Emotion and Tone
• Question Bank - Setting
• Question Bank - Themes

Additional Reading & Videos

• The strange double life of Robert Louis Stevenson
• Law, Science, Facts and Morals in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• The Beast Within
• A Study in Dualism: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Duality in Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• The effect of Charles Darwin on Victorian literature
• Sigmund Freud and the Psyche

Character Profiles

• Mr Utterson
• Appearance vs Reality
• Secrecy & Reputation
• The Gothic & Supernatural

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Mr Salles Teaches English

Jekyll and Hyde: Good and Evil Essay

Michael chockler's essay.

THE SEVEN SKILLS OF ESSAY WRITING

1.    A thesis with three ideas in it, which the essay will explain and prove. 2.    Each paragraph refers back to the ideas in the thesis. 3.    Quotations are embedded. 4.    The characters are constructs used to show the author’s viewpoint. 5.    The author’s viewpoint is explained. 6.    The essay writes about the whole text - at least beginning, middle and end. 7.    The conclusion includes an interpretation of the ending.

Can You Get a Grade 9 if You Don’t Like English?

As a token of my appreciation for all the help you gave me for the duration in which I was forced to study English Literature at school , I'm attaching this essay for you to possibly use in a future video. Michael

How does Stevenson present ideas about Good and Evil in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’?

(Extract: Pg. 44-45, “I knew myself [...] was pure evil”)

“I knew myself, at the first breath of this new life, to be more wicked, tenfold more wicked, sold a slave to my original evil; and the thought, in that moment, braced and delighted me like wine. I stretched out my hands, exulting in the freshness of these sensations; and in the act, I was suddenly aware that I had lost in stature.

There was no mirror, at that date, in my room; that which stands beside me as I write, was brought there later on and for the very purpose of these transformations. The night however, was far gone into the morning—the morning, black as it was, was nearly ripe for the conception of the day—the inmates of my house were locked in the most rigorous hours of slumber; and I determined, flushed as I was with hope and triumph, to venture in my new shape as far as to my bedroom. I crossed the yard, wherein the constellations looked down upon me, I could have thought, with wonder, the first creature of that sort that their unsleeping vigilance had yet disclosed to them; I stole through the corridors, a stranger in my own house; and coming to my room, I saw for the first time the appearance of Edward Hyde.

I must here speak by theory alone, saying not that which I know, but that which I suppose to be most probable. The evil side of my nature, to which I had now transferred the stamping efficacy, was less robust and less developed than the good which I had just deposed. Again, in the course of my life, which had been, after all, nine tenths a life of effort, virtue and control, it had been much less exercised and much less exhausted. And hence, as I think, it came about that Edward Hyde was so much smaller, slighter and younger than Henry Jekyll. Even as good shone upon the countenance of the one, evil was written broadly and plainly on the face of the other. Evil besides (which I must still believe to be the lethal side of man) had left on that body an imprint of deformity and decay. And yet when I looked upon that ugly idol in the glass, I was conscious of no repugnance, rather of a leap of welcome. This, too, was myself. It seemed natural and human. In my eyes it bore a livelier image of the spirit, it seemed more express and single, than the imperfect and divided countenance I had been hitherto accustomed to call mine. And in so far I was doubtless right. I have observed that when I wore the semblance of Edward Hyde, none could come near to me at first without a visible misgiving of the flesh. This, as I take it, was because all human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.”

The Essay with Examiner Comments

Stevenson presents good and evil in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ as a natural component of man that should be understood, rather than something that should hold society inmate to its Christian afflictions. In the extract, Dr Jekyll is uncovering to the reader these ideas and finally, after nine chapters of repression, he lets go and unleashes his liberated self. Stevenson aims to use Jekyll’s findings about good and evil to remind his readership of innate duality and the importance of exploring man’s more sinister side.

4 ideas in the thesis.

At least thoughtful and detailed .

Good and evil in the extract, and the novella as a whole, is presented as a natural component of man. In the extract, Stevenson aims to emphasise to a reader that, though Dr Jekyll is transforming, what he becomes is not only as human, but also as monstrous as the former. He does this by having Jekyll describe the feeling of being Hyde as “natural and human”. Hyde’s actions throughout the novella are murderous, violent, and unpredictable, so for Stevenson to describe him in ways as human and relatable indicates Stevenson’s change of perspective as he previously presents evil as sinister but begins to depict it as innate, exhibiting a view that is more sympathetic towards Hyde.

Conceptualised - both critical and sympathetic to Hyde at the same time.

Each of the adjectives connotes normality about Hyde and reinforces Stevenson’s aims to be in the direction of normalising the “evil” which the character personifies throughout the novella . Dr Jekyll also admits that “this too, was myself”, cementing an impression of unexpected humanity about Hyde through the comma in this phrase that amplifies its formality and sobriety; Jekyll has manifested all of his evil into the creation of another being but feels nonetheless human because of it.

Detailed development of the previous point make this convincing

Stevenson continues this impression throughout the rest of the chapter: “man is not truly one, but two”, presenting each side of duality to just be “one”, rendering them synonymous in worth to each other. Stevenson is depicting the duality of man to be inherently balanced, calling recognition upon the monster that lies within, deviating from other gothic writers at the time who wrote about external, inhuman monsters, such as Mary Shelley when she wrote ‘Frankenstein’ earlier in the 19th century . Stevenson is developing a gothic trope in a way that no other writers during his time dared to, adding thought-provoking memorability to the message he is sending. He ultimately pushes forward the idea that good and evil should be seen as, in an ideal society, essential and normal parts of humanity.

Convincing exploration of context to show how Stevenson’s purpose differed from other gothic writers.

Good and evil is presented as a topic that should be explored further. This is shown in the extract when Dr Jekyll says he “must here speak by theory alone, saying not that which [he knows], but that which [he supposes] to be most probable”. Jekyll is giving a long and hollow explanation of his anagnorisis* , reminding the reader that even Jekyll is unsure of any exact details behind good and evil.

* the point in a play, novel, etc., in which a principal character recognizes or discovers another character's true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances

Thoughtful, but missing a convincing purpose for Stevenson doing this.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — Duality in “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”

Analysis of Jekyll and Hyde Duality in Stevenson's Novel

• Categories: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

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Words: 2426 |

13 min read

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 2426 | Pages: 5 | 13 min read

• Edley, N., & Wetherell, M. (2001). Jekyll and Hyde: Men's constructions of feminism and feminists. Feminism & Psychology, 11(4), 439-457. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0959353501011004002)
• Doane, J., & Hodges, D. (1989, October). Demonic Disturbances of Sexual Identity: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr/s Hyde. In NOVEL: a Forum on Fiction (Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 63-74). Duke University Press.(https://www.jstor.org/stable/1345579)
• Rose, B. A. (1996). Jekyll and Hyde Adapted: Dramatizations of Cultural Anxiety (No. 66). Greenwood Publishing Group. (https://www.worldcat.org/title/jekyll-and-hyde-adapted-dramatizations-of-cultural-anxiety/oclc/32921958)
• Becchio, C., Sartori, L., Bulgheroni, M., & Castiello, U. (2008). The case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: a kinematic study on social intention. Consciousness and cognition, 17(3), 557-564. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053810007000207)
• Lacey, N. (2010). Psychologising Jekyll, demonising Hyde: The strange case of criminal responsibility. Criminal Law and Philosophy, 4, 109-133. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11572-010-9091-8)

Should follow an “upside down” triangle format, meaning, the writer should start off broad and introduce the text and author or topic being discussed, and then get more specific to the thesis statement.

Cornerstone of the essay, presenting the central argument that will be elaborated upon and supported with evidence and analysis throughout the rest of the paper.

The topic sentence serves as the main point or focus of a paragraph in an essay, summarizing the key idea that will be discussed in that paragraph.

The body of each paragraph builds an argument in support of the topic sentence, citing information from sources as evidence.

After each piece of evidence is provided, the author should explain HOW and WHY the evidence supports the claim.

Should follow a right side up triangle format, meaning, specifics should be mentioned first such as restating the thesis, and then get more broad about the topic at hand. Lastly, leave the reader with something to think about and ponder once they are done reading.

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