Dual Nature

Definition of Dual Nature

• A Victorian belief that all humans have a double (dual) nature – both good and evil exist within a person.
• The novel explores this idea through the contrast between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Jekyll vs Hyde: The Two Sides of Human Nature

Jekyll	Hyde
Rational, Moral, and Good	Irrational, Instinctive, Aggressive, and Evil
Respected doctor	Criminal outcast
Seeks knowledge and self-control	Gives in to violent impulses
Represents society's expectations	Represents repressed desires

Key Themes

• Good vs Evil – Jekyll symbolises goodness, while Hyde represents the hidden evil within every person.
• Repression & Desire – Jekyll tries to suppress his dark side but ultimately loses control.
• Identity & Transformation – The shift between Jekyll and Hyde shows the struggle between civilisation and primal instincts.