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Analysis of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on October 7, 2022

Longman, Green, and Company published Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1886 as a “shilling shocker.” Stevenson reputedly developed the storyline from a dream he had about a man forced into a cabinet after ingesting a potion that would convert him into a brutal monster. The composition of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde began in September 1885, and the final draft was submitted for publication later that same year. Unlike most 19th century literary works, Stevenson’s manuscript was released in book form instead of being serialized in a popular magazine. The publishers withheld its release until January 1886 because booksellers had already placed their Christmas stock. Within six months, Stevenson’s novella sold more than 40,000 copies in England and America.

Dr. Jekyll (right) and Mr. Hyde, both as portrayed by Fredric March in Rouben Mamoulian’s film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931).

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde debates the conflict between good and evil and the correlation among bourgeois values, urban violence, and class structure. Dr. Jekyll is a seemingly placid character whose often-debated scientific research has nonetheless gained him respect amid his peers. The potion that Jekyll develops causes an unexplainable transformation into the violent Mr. Hyde. The Mr. Hyde alter-ego may represent an uncontrollable subconscious desire driven by anger and frustration toward an oppressive English class structure. Hyde’s numerous rampages include trampling a young girl and murdering the prominent English politician Sir Danvers. Although Jekyll prefers living the life of “the elderly and discontent doctor” (84), he cannot control his urge for “the liberty, the comparative youth, the light steps, leaping impulses, and secret pleasures” that the Hyde persona offers him. Dr. Jekyll’s desired liberty is perhaps caused by the restricted lifestyle that bourgeois cultural codes imposed on English society. Several Victorian social critics maintained that inner-city London dwellers were a debased life form living in junglelike conditions analogous to those in Africa. In 1890, William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, claimed that England needed rescuing from its continually degenerating condition since its citizens were gradually turning into “[a] population trodden with drink, steeped in vice, [and] eaten up by every social and physical malady” (quoted in Stevenson, 183). Stevenson’s text describes how hidden desires have always existed in a seemingly perverted civilization.

Literary critics have stressed that Stevenson’s success in the “shilling shocker” market both helped and hindered his career. The rapid success of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde led Henry James to remark that Stevenson’s novella was at first too popular a work to be comfortably called a masterpiece. Henry James was not questioning Stevenson’s talent as a writer but rather was noting that the book’s quick popularity defined it as a story that was easily accessible to the mass public.

Playwright Richard Mansfield produced a stage version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1888. Shortly after Mansfield’s play opened, several East End London prostitutes were murdered by a serial killer nicknamed Jack the Ripper. English newspapers initially termed the slayer the “Whitechapel murderer” and “Leather Apron” before settling on “Jack the Ripper.” Reporters based their stories on the possible correlation between the killings and Mansfield’s theatrical representation of violence. Mansfield’s play was eventually closed because such parallels made it seem as though Jack the Ripper was mimicking the violence depicted in Mansfield’s play, marking the first time that the concept of Mr. Hyde was used in reference to sequential crime sprees. Reports from the Daily Telegraph further damaged the profits for Mansfield’s play by stating that “there is no taste for horror” (17) on the London stage. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde remains a significant canonical text that uses its patchwork narrative to explore the conflation of reality and fictional representation that most postmodern writers still examine.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Caler, Jenni. The Robert Louis Stevenson Companion. Edinburgh: P. Harris, 1980. James, Henry. “Robert Louis Stevenson.” Reprinted in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, edited by Martin A. Danahay, 140–141. Orchard Park, N.Y.: Broadview Literary Texts, 1999. Rose, Brian A. Jekyll and Hyde Adapted: Dramatizations of Cultural Anxiety. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1996. Saposnik, Irving S. “The Anatomy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” In The Definitive Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Companion, edited by Harry M. Geduld, 108–117. New York: Garland Publishing, 1983. Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Edited by Martin A. Danahay, 29–91. Orchard Park, N.Y.: Broadview Literary Texts, 1999.

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By robert louis stevenson, dr. jekyll and mr. hyde essay questions.

Discuss Jekyll's progression throughout the novel and his fall from grace. What key moments and decisions determine Jekyll's fate? Identify these specific moments and analyze the aspects of Jekyll's character that force him to continue with his experiments.

Discuss the physical descriptions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and their respective homes (Jekyll's main house vs. Hyde's neglected laboratory cabinet) as they relate to major themes of the novel.

Stevenson creates a balance of realism and the supernatural. How does he integrate these concepts?

Discuss the concept of control in regard to Jekyll's relationship with Hyde. Is absolute control possible? Can one choose when to be completely good or evil? What does Stevenson's conclusion appear to be?

Discuss the novel's most violent events, including the trampled girl, Carew's murder, and Jekyll/Hyde's ultimate demise. What if any progression arises here and how does it parallel the progression of the novel?

Discuss the role of the city throughout the novel, both during the day and at night. How does the city contribute to the novel's progression? What role does it play?

Clearly, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an examination of the duality of human nature. Discuss the duality expressed in not only Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but also Utterson, Poole, and the city of London.

How does the notion of loyalty contribute to the novel? Discuss this in reference to Utterson, Lanyon, and Dr. Jekyll. Upon close examination, does loyalty help prevent or expedite violence and tragedy?

Discuss the possible meanings and relevance on the names Utterson, Jekyll, and Hyde in the context of the novel.

Compare and contrast Dr. Lanyon and Dr. Jekyll's approaches to scientific pursuits and manipulation of natural laws.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What is the story of Cain and Abel? What does it mean that Mr. Utterson says he inclines to Cain’s heresy in his dealings with others? Explain why you agree or disagree with this way of dealing with your acquaintances.

In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain murders his brother. In the above line, Utterson is citing his belief that one should stay out of other people's business.

3. Look back at chapter 3 (pg 26) – how has Jekyll changed since then?

Jekyll has become unsure of himself, sickly, faint, and desperate. He is not the self-assured, smooth faced man we met at the dinner party in the third chapter.

Sequence the events that happened in Chapter 8 “The Last Night” 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

You can check this out in chapter 8 summary below:

https://www.gradesaver.com/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/study-guide/summary-chapters-7-8

Study Guide for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde study guide contains a biography of Robert Louis Stevenson, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Summary
• Character List

Essays for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Frankenstein
• The Collective Mr. Hyde
• The Limitations of Language in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• The Supernatural and Its Discontents in Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
• The Good Mr. Hyde

Lesson Plan for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Bibliography

E-Text of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde E-Text contains the full text of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

• Chapters 1-3
• Chapters 4-6
• Chapters 7-10

Wikipedia Entries for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

• Introduction
• Inspiration and writing
• Analysis of themes

Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde Essay

Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, speaks about a person with a split personality. It tells of a person leading two parallel ways of life. At one time, he is a being but at other times, he has a different personality all together.

At one time, he is a human, exhibiting human nature and character but at another moment, he is an ogre trampling on children and killing innocent people. Robert Louis’s novel presents a misanthropic view and a general disregard for human nature.

His work leans towards a general disliking of human nature, which is shared by a few other misanthropists who have expressed this through their satirical writings. A good example is Moliere’s Character, Alceste, in a 1666 play. Alceste states that his hate is general. He hates all men because some are evil and filled with wicked deeds, and hates others because of their permissiveness towards the wicked.

This is a story that is perceived from varying angles and perspectives. The novel tells a story about one doctor with split personality. The story dissects the existence of duality within the life of a person or basically the duality of human nature.

Robert Louis suggests that within every human, there exists the evil and the perfectly human and good side. As a consequence, the bad nature is occasionally cast upon the human side. Dr. Jekyll is one person who has continuously veiled a life featuring wicked and evil acts and he feels like he is always fighting within himself.

He was wondering what side of him to expose and at what time 1 (Stevenson 132). He happens to scientifically create a concoction that has the supernatural ability of transforming him from one side of his dual nature to the other. However, after taking it for a longer time, he realizes that he does not need the portion in order to transform. This is a fact that eventually brings him down.

The Victorian norms dictated that things had to happen with due consideration to class, and no class was to overlap the other in its areas of operation. The class system demanded that issues leadership, governance and politics be left to the upper class.

To the upper class, Mr. Hyde represents the working class. To them, the working class does not consist of gentlemen but rather people of no status. This relation shows how the story challenges the Victorians’ ideas on a political platform.

This novel, as most philosophers and literary persons argue, was meant or rather the events in the novel were a forecast on what was to be the situation in Victorian England, which is the setting place for the novel.

One very outstanding modern world challenge as manifested in the novel is scientific research. Some scientific researches are carried out by unscrupulous scientists who have ill intentions with their discoveries just like Mr. Hyde in the novel.

The modern world is faced with the challenge of regulating the work of scientists. Recently the world has had to deal with the controversial issue of human cloning. We as humans are not quite sure where this scientific move will lead us to, but we fear the ability of cloning to create a million terrorists.

The world over, people are faced with the weakness of being economical with very vital information. This can be seen in the book, where Utterson attempts to hide his friend’s ugly deeds. He also prevents him from engaging in a dangerous affair with Mr. Hyde.

In the same sense, Jekyll goes an extra mile to conceal Hyde’s identity 2 (Pagden 83-85). Dr. Hyde is hiding his rather despicable scientific work and his beastly behavior. Utterson denied providing information to the police when he discovered about his friend.

He was doing this in order to protect his friend’s integrity and public image. This, in a modern sense, reflects the many different inside jobs within the society. This includes the people living with and hiding evil. People are upholding status quo since no man would ever want to appear any lesser.

The aspect of class is also portrayed. People who can afford excesses are graded as the upper class, while those who can barely afford basic needs for themselves belong to the lower class.

The people in the middle class also exist and they are either graded as upper middle class (since they are closer to the upper class) or lower middle class (just next to the lowest class). In this book, class is reflected in the physical appearance or rather the architecture.

The book describes Hyde’s residence as a shabby looking place. In opposition to this, Dr. Jekyll’s place is luxurious, well kept and majestic.

The modern society, just as in the book, is marred with violence. There are records of various acts of violence. The scenes always involve the culprit – who is Hyde – and a victim who is always an innocent individual. In the earlier chapters of the book, another bad side of Hyde is witnessed.

He is recorded to have trampled on a young girl in the street without any mercy. This was done without any prior provocation 3 (Kiely and Robert 64-65). Just as the novel concludes, we discover that Hyde seriously enjoyed committing those heinous acts of violence.

He drew a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from violence. Through this, we see the imagery that Stevenson’s work depicts on the modern society, which is the constant acts violence.

Even more interesting is the fact that the final victims of Hyde’s violent episodes are Jekyll and himself. Jekyll commits suicide in front of Utterson and Poole. However, it is ironic that, in this case, none of the victims is innocent.

Another challenge that the modern society is faced with is male domination. The novel ( Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ), in a way, depicts a classic touchstone of the Victorian society and its ways of life. The novel reflects what the Victorian society really was.

Most essentially, it proves the fact that this was a male-dominated era. The men had all privileges and possessed the powers that were bestowed upon them by the society. Just as in the modern society, this was a society fighting male domination.

In the entire novel, female characters are very few, if any. All the main characters in the book are male or rather professional gentlemen. This basically reflects what the era upheld and respected – men of status. The modern society is trying to wreath itself out of male domination with worldwide calls for gender equity and gender balance.

The first female that we come across in the novel is the young girl who is literally run over by Hyde. This further depicts the female members of this society as very feeble, helpless and in need of help from others (males) in order for their voices to be heard.

The modern society is also faced with the challenge of people having different sexual orientations. Apart from the book having very scanty information regarding women characters, there is also no information on any of the characters having intimate female relations.

Most of the literary persons suggest that Louis Stevenson, being a worker under the Victorian restrictions, was rather reluctant to relay information regarding its monkish patterns of existence 4 (Calder and Robert 198-199). It can be rightly argued that Jekyll indulged in rather secret pleasures. Another discovery is made about Lanyon, Enfield, Utterson and Jekyll. Firstly, they are all bachelors.

Secondly, they derive their friendship and intellectual stimulation from one another. Many have thus postulated that this absence of active female characterization suggests that Jekyll’s secretive adventures were homosexual tendencies that were so common a practice at the time.

Undeniably, homosexuality is a feature that is of great concern all over the world, juggling between acceptability and rejection.

A new and somewhat radical thinking by Sigmund Freud suggests that the story is about psychoanalysis and issues of the subconscious. He reiterates that the conscious entails everything we are aware of including those that we can talk about and even think of in a rational manner.

The subconscious is the store of feelings, desires, thoughts and memories that are not within the conscious awareness. The subconscious controls behavior and experience even though one may be consciously unaware of the influences within.

Freud also identified the preconscious. He defined it as the memory. He states that the memory is not always a component of the conscious but can be recovered or retrieved with less difficulty at any time.

He believes that humans’ acts and deeds are influenced by a powerful impulse that they will never be able to comprehend. This is visible in the story whereby Mr. Hyde is a representation of Dr. Jekyll’s subconscious. Dr. Jekyll’s conscience desires to be set free from the existing boundaries of humanity.

These boundaries have been cast upon him by the Victorian society 5 (Rogers and sorrel 168-169). The modern man is fighting within himself to be rid of the primitive form, which is a form that is wild, violent and uncouth. People have to conform to the set codes of conduct or face the consequences.

It is rather important to note that the primitive form is the true and genuine version of a person. The modern form has merely been molded by the modern society.

Another modern societal challenge is poor communication. The persons in the book opt to withhold issues of great importance to the society. In the first chapter of the book, Enfield conceals some important information. He refuses to tell about the culprit who ran over the girl on the street.

He claims that he is avoiding gossip. However, later after naming Hyde, the book states that Utterson and Enfield unceremoniously ended the conversation. This silence reflects the moral character of the Victorian era, which was an era that greatly emphasized on the outward appearance and no one would have liked to be identified as a gossiper.

The novel is also a reflection of the modern London City. During that time, the city was undergoing great transformations and in effect did not lack the challenges that come with urbanization. The city appears to be the central place for majority of the novel’s scenes.

The city is described as being idyllic and of much splendor but at the same time, it is also revealed as dangerous, dark and full of mysteries. This is a rather accurate description of the current cities and city lives. The cities are faced with challenges of holding extremities.

The modern city contains the pious people and on the other hand, it contains the ‘wrongdoers’. During the daytime, this city is bubbling with seemingly legitimate activities. However, at night, the city is literally handed over to the masters of the dark who include the prostitutes, gangsters, tricksters and such related persons. At night, the dark is left in the hands of the law enforcers.

Another novelist, Dan Chaon, gives his two cents about the novel. He reiterates that Robert Louis used the setup of a modern city in order to make the situation as realistic as possible. It was a perfect place that Hyde could ever live. He adds that Hyde needed the anonymity. This anonymity could be easily provided by the masses present in the city.

In conclusion, it should be noted that, as Joseph Jacobs wrote in the year 1894, this novel stands next to Gulliver’s Travel and The Pilgrim’s progress as one of the three most intriguing works of allegory in English.

However, this book is set in the Victorian era and is an anticipation of the Twentieth Century. Undeniably, the story strikes the reality surrounding the human nature. This story, as observed from the above discussion, signifies the modern gothic and relates minimally to the traditional Victorian era.

Bibliography

Calder, John, and Lee Robert. A Life Study . New York: Oxford University Press, 1980. Print.

Kiely, Ray, and Lee Robert. The Fiction of Adventure . Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1964. Print.

Pagden, Ann. About Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987. Print.

Rogers, George, and Timothy Sorell. The Dual Nature of Man . London: Routledge, 2000. Print.

Stevenson, Reed. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . New York: Scribner, 1886. Print.

1 Stevenson, Reed. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (New York: Scribner, 1886). 132.

2 Pagden, Ann. About Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987) 83-85.

3 Ray Kiely and L. Robert. The Fiction of Adventure (Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1964) 64-65.

4 John Calder and L. Robert. A Life Study (New York: Oxford University Press, 1980) 198-199.

5 George Rogers and T. Sorell. The Dual Nature of Man (London: Routledge, 2000) 168-169.

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Literature, Cinema, Philosophy, and Essay

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: an Examination of Dualism

Symbolism of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterful depiction of Dr. Jekyll’s inner turmoil and the emergence of Mr. Hyde is a potent symbol for the internal struggles that often afflict people, revealing the complexities of the human psyche. This psychological conflict, which lies at the heart of the novella, continues to enchant readers and scholars, encouraging us to contemplate the intricacies of the human condition. Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into Mr. Hyde remains a striking reminder of the thin line between goodness and wickedness, prompting us to ponder the darker aspects of our characters and the consequences of suppressing our inner demons. Stevenson’s work remains a timeless classic, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas of the Victorian era and resonating with contemporary audiences, proving the enduring relevance of humanity’s capacity for duality.

Dualism in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The examination of dualism in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde not only offers a profound reflection on human nature’s inherent divisions but provides a framework for scrutinizing the changing philosophical and social landscapes of the Enlightenment and Victorian eras. The Victorian era’s focus on societal conventions and ethics contrasts with the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and goodness in the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This tension between the ideals of these two periods is mirrored in Dr. Jekyll’s transformation, where the logical and respectable doctor yields to the malevolent and disorderly Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll’s struggle to suppress his darker instincts parallels the Victorian era’s rigid societal norms and religious influences, reflecting society’s efforts to suppress moral ambiguities. The novella serves as a potent allegory for the repercussions of neglecting or indulging one’s baser instincts, echoing the broader cultural and ethical dilemmas of the time.

Additionally, as scientific advancements, such as Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, began to challenge traditional religious beliefs, Stevenson’s work offers a nuanced exploration of the influence of these paradigm shifts on human nature. The narrative encourages readers to contemplate the implications of this emerging scientific understanding of the Victorian era’s prevailing moral and social constructs. In essence, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a literary masterpiece that transcends its era, delving deeply into the intricacies of duality within the human psyche and the broader context of evolving intellectual and societal paradigms. Stevenson’s storytelling not only engages with the moral and psychological conflicts of the individual but also underscores the enduring tension between the opposing forces that shape our comprehension of human nature.

Jekyll’s Complex Character

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores Dr. Jekyll’s complex character, inner conflicts, and moral dilemmas arising from his experiment. Initially, Dr. Jekyll epitomizes Victorian respectability as a prominent scientist and esteemed member of London society, driven by a curiosity about medicine and scientific inquiry that reflects the intellectual spirit of the era and a desire to plumb the depths of human existence. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Dr. Jekyll’s motivations extend beyond mere scientific curiosity. His transformation into Mr. Hyde is a deliberate effort to separate the dual facets of human nature, constituting a psychological and moral experiment aimed at securing personal freedom and gratifying his repressed desires. This transformation transcends the realm of science and reflects the broader tension between societal conformity and personal liberation that characterized the Victorian age.

The novella offers a compelling portrayal of this transformation’s physical and psychological aspects, highlighting the profound consequences of unbridled impulses. As Dr. Jekyll loses control over his alter ego, the narrative underscores the dangers of denying one’s darker urges and attempting to suppress them. The moral and social ramifications are significant, as Mr. Hyde’s actions become entwined with criminality, impacting Dr. Jekyll’s reputation and the larger community. It serves as a cautionary tale, cautioning against the perils of ignoring or repressing one’s darker inclinations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing the intricate complexities of human nature. In essence, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde endures as an exploration of the human psyche, scientific curiosity, and the conflict between the dual nature of humanity. It offers a profound contemplation of the consequences of neglecting the darker aspects of our inner selves.

Hyde’s Malevolent Deeds

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde delves into the perplexing effects of Mr. Hyde’s heinous actions on Victorian London. The narrative vividly portrays the sinister and amoral character of Mr. Hyde through a disturbing account of his immoral deeds, encompassing assaults, murders, blackmail, drug use, and unbridled indulgence in his darkest desires. These actions cast a bleak shadow over the city, causing harm to a young girl and even resulting in the death of a Member of Parliament, underscoring the extent of his uncontrolled and malicious nature. Furthermore, Mr. Hyde’s behavior serves as a stark cautionary example, revealing the potential for unrestrained malevolence that lurks within individuals when they push the boundaries of morality to their limits. His recklessness and disregard for societal norms further emphasize the depths of his wickedness, becoming a chilling lesson on the consequences of unleashing one’s darkest impulses without ethical restraint.

As the narrative progresses, the novella vividly illustrates the chaos and turmoil caused by Mr. Hyde’s actions in Victorian society. Public fear and insecurity rise, leading to suspicion, paranoia, and an increased police presence. The media sensationalizes the crimes, fueling public outrage and sparking legal involvement. The once peaceful streets of London transform into a battleground for moral reckoning as the association between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tarnishes Dr. Jekyll’s reputation. Stevenson’s narrative effectively underscores the lasting and profound impact that the actions of a single individual can have on a community’s social fabric and moral awareness. It compels readers to confront the harsh reality that the consequences of unchecked desires and immoral conduct extend far beyond the individual, affecting society. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores the complex relationship between personal morality and social order, emphasizing the need to confront our darkest selves.

Jekyll’s Multifaceted Internal Struggle

In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde , the character of Dr. Jekyll grapples with a deep internal conflict central to the story. This inner struggle is multifaceted, revolving around the dual nature of human existence and the relentless tension between his desire to conform to societal norms and his more impulsive, darker side personified by Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll wrestles with the profound philosophical dilemma of human duality, a philosophical and intensely personal struggle. His motivations are intricate and layered, driven by a yearning for personal freedom and an insatiable scientific curiosity that leads him into uncharted territory. The moral consequences of his actions start subtly but intensify as he recognizes the significant harm he is causing to himself and society. The corrupting influence of his darker alter ego, Mr. Hyde, reflects the destructive potential that can reside within all individuals.

As Dr. Jekyll loses control over his transformations, his internal conflict escalates. The involuntary emergence of Mr. Hyde and the unpredictability of these changes worsen his torment. His growing isolation and detachment from friends and colleagues only deepen the chasm of his inner turmoil. The novella skillfully conveys Dr. Jekyll’s increasing determination to resolve this inner conflict and address his actions, propelling the narrative toward its climactic resolution. The story is a profound exploration of the blurred boundaries between good and evil within the human psyche, emphasizing the challenges of managing one’s internal dualities and the severe consequences of trying to suppress or separate one’s dual nature.

Furthermore, Dr. Jekyll’s tale also acts as a cautionary narrative about the dangers of neglecting or indulging one’s darker impulses, underscoring the moral and psychological repercussions of attempting to control or suppress the fundamental divisions within every individual. His descent into madness as the narrative approaches its climax reflects a deep sense of despair and hopelessness, leaving readers with a lasting appreciation for human existence’s intricate and multifaceted nature.

Victorian Society’s Reaction to Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde brilliantly illustrates how Victorian society collectively reacts to the violence and immorality embodied by Mr. Hyde. In this close-knit community, the appearance of Hyde sets off a chain reaction of fear, suspicion, and paranoia as people grow increasingly wary of individuals who share a resemblance to this malevolent alter ego. This atmosphere of mistrust gradually erodes the once-strong social bonds that hold the community together. In response to this perceived threat to public safety, the police force increased its presence to address the growing unease. Public outrage surges as the media sensationalizes the story, fanning the flames of anger and intensifying calls for justice. Authorities, including legal professionals, become involved in the narrative, underscoring the seriousness of Hyde’s crimes and the need for a legal resolution.

For Dr. Jekyll, the social consequences are equally significant. His reputation is marred, as his association with Hyde adds a layer of intrigue and concern within the community. The very foundation of Victorian society, built on ideas of respectability and morality, becomes increasingly frayed as it grapples with the aftermath of Hyde’s actions. The novella effectively highlights how individual transgressions are interconnected with their broader social repercussions, emphasizing the impact of such actions on a community’s sense of security and morality. Furthermore, the novella reflects the deeply ingrained themes of secrecy and repression prevalent in Victorian society. This era was characterized by the suppression of emotions, desires, and individuality, with an expectation for people to adhere to strict societal norms and keep personal matters concealed. The facade of respectability was maintained through social masks and hypocrisy, all underpinned by moral and religious constraints that further enforced the suppression of behaviors seen as sinful or immoral. Dr. Jekyll’s character symbolizes the dual nature of human beings and the consequences of suppressing one’s true self in a society where appearances held significant importance.

In summary, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde provides a captivating perspective on society’s collective response to violence and immorality and the underlying societal values and constraints that shaped the Victorian era. It encourages readers to contemplate the enduring relevance of these themes in the context of human nature and society today.

Jekyll’s Involuntary Transformations

The concluding chapters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde represent a highly dramatic and tragic climax to the narrative. Dr. Jekyll’s relentless struggle to manage his dual nature takes a devastating turn as he loses the ability to switch between his two personas, with his transformations becoming involuntary and beyond his control. In desperation and fear of being permanently trapped in the malevolent Mr. Hyde, he writes a heartfelt letter to his close friend, Mr. Utterson, revealing his deep anguish and despair. In fear of being discovered and the consequences of Hyde’s unrestrained actions, Dr. Jekyll isolates himself in his laboratory, where he has the necessary ingredients to recreate the chemical mixture that initially triggered his transformations. However, the final transformation consumes him, ultimately leading to his tragic demise. He chooses to end his life rather than continue allowing the evil persona to wreak havoc on society. This series of events underscores the profound moral complexity and inner turmoil that Dr. Jekyll grapples with, serving as a potent warning about the dangers of suppression and the significant moral consequences that can arise from attempting to separate and stifle one’s darker impulses.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde resonates with moral implications throughout the story, culminating in the protagonist’s fateful decision. Dr. Jekyll’s ultimate disclosure of his dual identity and the inextricable connection to Mr. Hyde forces him to confront the irreversible nature of his actions, particularly those rooted in immoral or unethical desires. This moral message critiques the Victorian era’s societal emphasis on maintaining a respectable public image while repressing inner desires, encouraging readers to reflect on the profound ramifications of their choices. Beyond its moral depth, Stevenson’s novella has had a lasting impact on literature, psychology, and popular culture. It has sparked discussions on the complexities of personality, identity, and the coexistence of good and evil within each individual. The influence of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is evident in subsequent Gothic literature, horror fiction, and science fiction, as authors have drawn inspiration from its themes of duality, transformation, and unchecked desires. The symbolism of Jekyll and Hyde has become a widely recognized metaphor for the dual nature of human beings, and references to the story continue to permeate various forms of media. Stevenson’s exploration of dualism aligns with philosophical debates concerning the nature of the self, free will, and the inherent conflict between good and evil, ensuring its enduring relevance in the literary world and broader cultural discourse.

The Enduring Theme of Dualism in Literature

The theme of dualism, a recurrent and enduring motif in literature, consistently delves into the inherent conflict between opposing forces within individuals, society, and the natural world. The examples provided, including works by authors such as Stevenson, Oscar Wilde, Mary Shelley, Joseph Conrad, William Golding, Franz Kafka, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Bram Stoker, Charles Dickens, and Ken Kesey, underscore the adaptability and timeless relevance of this theme. Writers have harnessed the concept of dualism to explore the profound intricacies of human nature, societal dynamics, and ethical decision-making.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde exemplifies this theme, unveiling dualism through the perspective of internal conflict, moral repercussions, and psychological depth. The novella ingeniously combines scientific experimentation with supernatural elements, creating a narrative in which Dr. Jekyll transforms into the malevolent Mr. Hyde through a chemical concoction. Stevenson’s narrative also introduces a unique physical character division, further enriching the exploration of dualism. The story underscores the severe consequences of suppressing one’s darker desires, warning against the perils of such repression. Notably, the story is a mystery, setting it apart from works exclusively focusing on psychological or moral aspects. The Victorian context in which it is set plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and the challenges faced by its characters. Stevenson’s approach to dualism in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde remains a seminal work that has left an indelible mark on portraying this literary theme.

Dualism, extending beyond its literary context, holds a profound place in the broader realm of human psychology. It is a theme that resonates in exploring inner conflicts, the subconscious mind, and the interaction between conscious and unconscious aspects of the self. This theme allows for a nuanced examination of moral quandaries, ethical uncertainty, and the intricate nature of human behavior and consciousness. Dualism is a fundamental concept in literature and human psychology, inviting readers and scholars to grapple with the complexities of the human experience and the constant interplay between opposing forces that shape our lives and our understanding of the world.

The Vivid Portrayal of Dualism

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde , an enduring literary masterpiece, delves profoundly into the theme of dualism. This evocative novella vividly depicts the dual nature inherent to humanity, with Dr. Jekyll personifying the paragon of virtuousness. At the same time, Mr. Hyde embodies every individual’s darker, amoral instincts. Stevenson’s narrative employs a remarkable device by physically manifesting this dualism through Dr. Jekyll’s chemical experiments, offering readers a tangible representation of the inner conflict between reason and irrationality residing within the human soul. Furthermore, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde surpasses the boundaries of a simple morality tale by exploring the profound moral conflicts stemming from this dualism. It serves as a cautionary narrative, highlighting the ethical consequences of one’s choices and societal impacts. This timeless lesson continues to strike a chord with readers across generations.

The novella not only presents an uncommon psychological depth for its time but also encourages readers to contemplate the inner struggles and moral decisions they confront in their own lives. The enduring relevance of its themes ensures its continued resonance today, inciting self-reflection and offering insights into the intricacies of human nature. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde highlights the universal human experience, highlighting internal struggles, suppressed desires, and ethical dilemmas inherent in our human condition. The duality metaphor within the novella has transcended its origins and evolved into a potent symbol in literature and psychology, inspiring numerous authors to explore themes of character transformation, moral decisions, and the consequences of dualism. Additionally, the novella reflects Victorian societal norms and moral restrictions, imparting timeless lessons about the dangers of suppressing desires and the risks of unbridled impulses. Its impact on literature and storytelling is profound, as it has laid the groundwork for narratives that persistently wrestle with the complexities of human nature and the enduring conflict between opposing forces within us all.

Bibliography

• Brown, T. M. (1989). Cartesian dualism and psychosomatics . Psychosomatics, 30(3), 322-331.
• García Palacios, J. (2018). Evil as a social construction in the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and mr. Hyde and Lord of the flies .
• Hadžiselimović, L. (2021). Exploring the Meaning of Duality in RL Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Doctoral dissertation, University of Rijeka. Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Department of English Language and Literature).
• Tris, A. C. (2016). Human Behavior and Psychology: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Doctoral dissertation, Universidad de Zaragoza).

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Home Essay Samples Literature The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: the Duality of Human Nature

Table of contents, the duality of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde, the struggle for control, the dark side unleashed, society's role in duality, the lessons of duality, conclusion: the reflection of humanity.

• Stevenson, R. L. (1886). Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Longmans, Green and Co.
• Casement, A. (2010). The significance of Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Continuum.
• Schmitt, C. B. (1992). Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: A sourcebook. Routledge.
• Smith, L. L. (2001). Evolution and duality in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, 41(2), 223-241.
• Boesky, A. (2012). Edinburgh Days, or Doing What I Want to Do. University of Chicago Press.

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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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• 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)

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