Exploring Duality in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella explores the concept of duality and the struggle between good and evil within a person's nature. The story follows the respected Dr. Jekyll as he unleashes his darker self, Mr. Hyde, through a mysterious potion.

Themes of Duality

At its core, the novella represents the duality of human nature—the coexistence of good and evil within a single person. Dr. Jekyll represents the virtuous, civilized self, while Mr. Hyde embodies the darker, animalistic urges that Jekyll seeks to repress.

"Man is not truly one, but truly two...I hazard the guess that man will ultimately be known for a mere polity of multifarious, incongruous and independent denizens."

Victorian Societal Reputation

The novella mirrors Victorian society's preoccupation with public propriety and reputation. Jekyll's actions as Hyde show the consequences of succumbing to darker impulses, ultimately leading to his downfall. This reflects the era's fear of losing one's standing in society.

Analyzing a Key Scene

In Chapter 10, the final confrontation between Jekyll and Hyde highlights their struggle for dominance:

1. Jekyll recognizes Hyde's threat and creates a potion to separate from him once and for all.
2. However, Hyde grows in power, resisting Jekyll's attempts to rid himself of that darker self.
3. Ultimately, Jekyll transforms involuntarily into Hyde with no cure, symbolizing evil's triumph over good.

Stevenson's psychological exploration of morality and the duality within humanity resonates profoundly, serving as a Gothic allegory still studied today.