Theme Of Duality In Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
C3C Daniel Payne
Maj Lynn
English 211
5 May 2017
Red or Blue Pill
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a novel that describes the daring dilemma of a distinguished doctor and a disturbed, indescribable demon that denotes the dark desires of Dr. Jekyll. Throughout the story, decency is doubled with degradation; abandon with drawback; honesty with deceit. As such, Stevenson notions with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that dual nature not only of one man but also of society in general. that both good and evil resides within everyone and affirms that if one tries to deny their desires, rather than acknowledging them as a fragment of their entirety, said desires will likely manifest themselves in a magnified, overwhelming manner.
Dr. Jekyll and
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Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, given Stevenson’s Scottish background, is that of the schism of Scotland. When read in this manner, the duality represents the national and linguistic dualities inherent in Scotland 's struggle with the separation between its own language and that of the English language. Also, Stevenson’s birthplace of Edinburgh consists of two distinct parts (Biography). The first, a historically medieval sector, in which the city’s less fortunate and shady constituents reside, is Mr. Hyde, if personified. The other, is that of the modern Georgian area which comprises of spacious streets, denotes decency—Dr. Jekyll’s …show more content…
In writing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson drew upon the theories of Charles Darwin, particularly his works on evolution in The Origins of Species and The Descent of Man. In it, Darwin attempts to answer whether man, just as all other living things, descended from an earlier, archaic form (Darwin 1). As such, when Richard Einfield states, “God bless me, the man seems hardly human! Something troglodytic, shall we say? or can it be the old story of Dr. Fell? or Is it the mere radiance of a foul soul that thus transpires through, and transfigures…”,(Stevenson 19), Stevenson is utilizing the popular Victorian phrase—troglodyte—in a Darwinian fashion to emphasize the primitive nature that is Mr. Hyde. Comparing that to the, “large handsome face” of Dr. Jekyll allows Stevenson to apply the Victorian belief that physical properties had a direct correlation to a person’s tendencies
Dr Jekyll And Hyde Good Vs Evil Essay
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Penny Dreadfuls
1891 Words | 8 PagesThe dreadful origins of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde is a novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson published in 1886. In the 1880s, one of the leading forms of literature in Britain was called the “Penny Dreadful”. The term “Penny Dreadful” is used to describe a form of cheap serial literature that was targeted toward the masses: these texts often had thrilling plots filled with crime as well as dark undertones. As a result of the popularity of penny dreadfuls at the time, it is no surprise that Stevenson’s novella was heavily influenced by this form of literature. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde’s vivid descriptions of London life.
Does Stevenson Create A Sense Of Terror In Dr Jekyll And Hyde
589 Words | 3 PagesDr. Jeckyll chose by himself to create the more “wicked” and “disordered” version of him. This version of himself longs to be free of the facade he puts on when he is seen as the organized and friendly doctor, this covers up ultimately contributes to his overwhelming need for a less obligated life. By extending the exposure of the real reasoning behind Hydes behavior Stevenson is able to create a horrific feeling inside the character's
Homosexuality In Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
586 Words | 3 PagesThe fact that Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was published in the year after private male homosexual acts was made illegal […] Two characters that paint the most homosexual undertones are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Utterson. While Jekyll represents the negative and repressed views of homosexuality, Utterson is the opposite. Utterson’s characterization represents homosexuality that was tolerated in the 19th century. Through clever storytelling and characterization, Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is able to provide insight on how homosexuality was viewed in the 19th century.
Deformity In The Victorian Era
1674 Words | 7 PagesThe Victorian Era: a time where perfection was of the upmost important. A period where the ideal man or woman was what was to be expected and anything short of that was typically looked down upon. It was a standard to look beautiful and quaint, and this ideal was especially reflected in Victorian literature. From Jane Eyre being criticized that she is plain, to Lady Bracknell pointing out that Cecily is sadly simple, a person’s viewpoint on another was crucial, and no author was able to tackle this aspect better than Robert Louis Stevenson. In his novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Mr. Hyde’s appearance and how others view him is taken to the extreme.
Jekyll And Mr Hyde Human Nature Essay
813 Words | 4 PagesIn the novel, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson explores the complexity of human nature. He uses characters and events in the novel to present his stance on the major theme: “man is not truly one, but truly two” (125). Branching from this major theme are many more specific views on the idea that human nature is divided into good and evil. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are two very different people who occupy the same body. Human beings struggle with good and evil and Stevenson goes to the extreme to to show this relationship.
Symbolism In Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
592 Words | 3 PagesFirstly Stevenson presents Mr Hyde as a Frightening outsider through the portrayal of an impulsive unevolved person. This creates a sense of a frightening outsider as Hyde’s attitude was unfit for his society. Hyde is often described through animalistic imagery to emphasise how he is unfit in the society and how unevolved he is and to create the image of a troglodyte a word by which he is described in in the Carew murder case.
Theme Of Deception In Dr. Jekyll And Mr Hyde
1321 Words | 6 PagesDeception in ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ ‘The strange case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ is a novella by the scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. Stevenson, born November 13, 1850, is also the author of the well known book; ‘Treasure Island’. Robert L. Stevenson, who died December 3, 1894,, was said to be influenced by authors such as Charles Dickens and Edgar Allen Poe. This book is part of the gothic genre, a genre of literature that combines fiction, and horror, death and at times romance. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or simply Jekyll and Hyde is about a London lawyer named Mr, Utterson who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend Dr. Jekyll and the evil Mr. Hyde.
Conflict Between Good And Evil In Dr. Jekyll And Hyde
1037 Words | 5 PagesThe novella Jekyll and Hyde tells the tragic story of a battle between good and evil, a battle for total control over the mind and soul. The clash between the pure and impure sides of man: a fight to the finish. It explores the aspect of a person’s good and bad side; holy and unholy, the one who bathes himself in God’s light and the one whom plays with The Devil’s fire. The battle between the good-willed Dr. Jekyll, and his evil persona: the murderous Mr. Hyde. The author, Stevenson, presents this in numerous ways and describes the two conflicting sides well.
Knowledge And Consequences In Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde
1591 Words | 7 PagesIrresponsible Use of Knowledge & Consequences Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein and Robert Stevenson 's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are two horrific tales of science gone terribly wrong, it emphasizes the saying, with great power comes great responsibility. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tells the story of Dr. Jekyll who, while searching for a way to divide his good self from his bad impulses, creates a potion using science that transforms himself into a man without a conscience. Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a bright young doctor who, devastated by the death of his mother, becomes obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. In the texts, authors Robert Stevenson and Mary Shelley use multiple literary elements to emphasize that knowledge
Good And Evil In Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
1002 Words | 5 PagesJekyll and Hyde TCEA In the novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, the predominant archetypal theme is “good and evil exist in all humans, and we live our lives struggling with these two forces.” This theme describes the duality of good and evil in Dr. Jekyll—the good being Jekyll and bad being Hyde— and the struggle he has with both sides fighting for dominance within himself. The emotional mindset and the physical attributes of Jekyll and Hyde show the good and evil within themselves.
Jekyll And Hyde Duality
151 Words | 1 PagesOverall, Stevenson’s presentation of the duality of man is conveyed by the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde because towards the end of the novel. Jekyll begins to realise that the schism which once caused them to despise one another, help them understand each other situation. Jekyll even begins to ‘pity’ Hyde toward the end of novel, praising his ‘love for life’ by calling it ‘wonderful’, as his creator he consequently acknowledges the condescending attitudes towards Hyde, unfairly for his appearance, however rightfully so for his actions. Moreover, like Darwin’s theory, Hyde could never be accepted into society, often being characterised as a ‘brute’. Additionally, Jekyll’s actions would be condemned by the Victorian readers, as he was
Duality In Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde
855 Words | 4 PagesDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde consists of reputation, good vs evil and damage control. In other words, Utterson tirelessly works to prevent his best friend Dr. Jekyll from being dragged into the horrid affairs of Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jekyll goes through the greatest of lengths to prevent his Hyde identity from being discovered, in order to avoid anyone knowing of his somewhat questionable scientific work and morally despicable behavior. Much of the novel is based on the characters ' reputations, how they have to maintain a good public image, as they are upper class people. The novel takes place in Victorian England and the main characters are all male members of upper class London.
Realism In Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde
1492 Words | 6 PagesStevenson also warns readers of the all-consuming nature of evil. This is indisputably epitomised in the character os Dr. Jekyll as he succumbs to his “other self”, Hyde, and is unable to escape from the insidious nature of Hyde. Only death was able to relieve Dr. Jekyll of his immoral and “wicked” side (Stevenson 1689). Therefore, the text could be viewed as a 19th century social novel that allegorises the evils and immoral vices of
Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde Mirror Analysis
999 Words | 4 PagesStrange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a short novel written by Robert Stevenson, shocking the audience with its sudden twist. Told mostly from the view of Mr. Utterson, Jekyll’s lawyer, he goes through the mysterious connection between Jekyll and a horrible man named Mr. Hyde. In the end of the novel, it is discovered that Jekyll is Hyde, taking a potion to transform into the hideous man. After several transformations into Hyde, Jekyll finally glances into a mirror, seeing a short, hideous and hairy man, much different from the tall and clean Jekyll. In the novel, Stevenson uses mirrors to represent Hyde’s physical manifestation, an object that reflects within the person, and he uses the mirrors to show the unstable duality of the individual's psyche.
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