Themes

The Duality of Human Nature

• Core Idea: Humans possess both good and evil within them.
• Jekyll's Discovery: Jekyll's experiment isolates and embodies his evil side in Hyde.
• Hyde's Nature: Hyde is primitive, unrestrained, and driven by dark impulses.
• Conflict: Jekyll struggles to control Hyde, leading to his downfall and death.
• Message: Suppressed evil can erupt with devastating consequences if unleashed.

The Importance of Reputation

• Victorian Society: Reputation is paramount for Victorian gentlemen.
• Utterson & Enfield: They avoid gossip to protect their social standing.
• Jekyll's Deception: Jekyll creates Hyde to indulge in immoral activities without tarnishing his reputation.
• Secrecy: Vital information is concealed in letters and safes, revealing the characters' concern with reputation.
• Irony: The lengths taken to preserve reputations highlight the hypocrisy of Victorian society.

Science, Reason, and the Supernatural

• Science vs. Supernatural: The novel explores the tension between rational scientific thought and the unexplainable.
• Jekyll's Science: Jekyll uses unconventional methods to create Hyde, blurring the lines of science and the supernatural.
• Hyde's Evil: Hyde's horrifying nature defies rational explanation, causing disgust and fear.
• Lanyon's Reaction: Lanyon, a rational scientist, is shocked by Jekyll's experiment and dies from the revelation.
• Unexplained: Hyde's existence represents the fear of the unknown and challenges the limits of scientific understanding.

Innocence and Violence

• Innocence Embodied: The young girl and Sir Danvers Carew are innocent victims of Hyde's brutal violence.
• Hyde's Savagery: Hyde's actions demonstrate the unrestrained capacity for violence that exists within human nature.
• Self-Destruction: Hyde's violence ultimately turns inward, leading to his suicide and Jekyll's demise.
• Source of Violence: The fact that such violence originates from a respected figure like Jekyll is deeply disturbing.

Friendship

• Male Bonds: Friendship is a significant theme, connecting the male characters.
• Utterson's Circle: Utterson maintains close friendships with Enfield, Jekyll, and Lanyon.
• Fractured Friendship: Jekyll and Lanyon's friendship ends due to scientific disagreements.
• Lanyon's Fate: Despite their falling out, Jekyll appeals to Lanyon for help, which results in Lanyon's death.
• Complex Relationships: The novel explores the complexities of friendship, including loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of secrets.