Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde: Themes

Key Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

1. Duality of Human Nature
2. Good vs. Evil
3. Reputation and Social Expectations
4. Science and the Supernatural

Duality of Human Nature

The theme of the duality of human nature is the central idea in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, exploring the conflicting aspects of humanity within a single individual.

Key examples:

5. Dr. Jekyll's Transformation: Dr. Jekyll's creation of Mr. Hyde represents the idea that every person has both good and evil tendencies. Stevenson uses the physical transformation of Jekyll into Hyde to symbolise the struggle between the respectable public self and hidden, darker desires. This duality is presented as an intrinsic part of human nature, suggesting that no one is entirely good or entirely evil.
6. The Contrast Between Jekyll and Hyde: Jekyll's outward appearance as a respected gentleman contrasts sharply with Hyde's repulsive and violent nature, highlighting the extremes of the human psyche. Stevenson uses this contrast to explore the consequences of suppressing one's darker impulses and the potential for these impulses to overpower the good if left unchecked.

Good vs. Evil

The battle between good and evil is a prominent theme in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with the characters embodying different aspects of morality.

Key examples:

7. Jekyll's Struggle: Dr. Jekyll's internal battle between his moral self and his darker desires is the primary conflict of the novel. Stevenson uses Jekyll's gradual loss of control over Hyde to illustrate the destructive potential of evil when it is allowed to flourish. Jekyll's initial intention to separate his good and evil sides ultimately fails, showing that the two are inseparable and that giving in to evil can consume one's entire being.
8. Hyde as the Embodiment of Evil: Mr. Hyde is depicted as the embodiment of pure evil, with no conscience or remorse for his actions. Stevenson contrasts Hyde's unrestrained evil with Jekyll's more complex morality, emphasising the novel's exploration of the inherent struggle between good and evil within each person.

Reputation and Social Expectations

Reputation and social expectations are significant themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, reflecting Victorian society's emphasis on outward appearances and moral respectability.

Key examples:

9. Jekyll's Concern for His Reputation: Dr. Jekyll's fear of tarnishing his reputation drives him to create Hyde as an outlet for his darker desires. Stevenson critiques the Victorian obsession with maintaining a facade of respectability, suggesting that this can lead individuals to suppress their true selves in dangerous ways. Jekyll's downfall is partly due to his inability to reconcile his public and private identities, showing the destructive nature of living a double life.
10. The Role of Utterson: Mr. Utterson, as a lawyer and friend to Jekyll, represents the Victorian ideal of a respectable, rational gentleman. His concern for Jekyll's reputation, as well as his reluctance to pry into Jekyll's private affairs, highlights the societal pressure to maintain appearances and avoid scandal. Stevenson uses Utterson's character to show how social expectations can blind individuals to the truth and contribute to the perpetuation of harmful secrets.

Science and the Supernatural

The interplay between science and the supernatural is a key theme in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, reflecting the anxieties of the Victorian era regarding scientific progress and its potential dangers.

Key examples:

11. Jekyll's Experiment: Dr. Jekyll's use of science to separate his good and evil sides raises questions about the ethical limits of scientific experimentation. Stevenson explores the potential for science to unlock powerful, uncontrollable forces, suggesting that tampering with the natural order can have disastrous consequences. Jekyll's experiment blurs the line between science and the supernatural, as his transformation into Hyde cannot be fully explained by science alone.
12. The Gothic Elements: The novel's use of Gothic elements, such as the mysterious transformations and the eerie atmosphere, underscores the theme of the supernatural. Stevenson uses these elements to create a sense of dread and to emphasise the idea that science when pushed beyond its boundaries, can lead to unnatural and terrifying outcomes.