Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Question 1

Evolution and degeneration

Answer 1

• Towards the end of the 19th century, theories of evolution were the basis of fears of social, racial and cultural degeneration and decline. Evolution was countered by frightening examples of ‘devolution’. Hyde’s squat, ape-like body, his dark, hairy hands, and his energy and appetite all signal Jekyll’s ‘primitive’ state

Question 2

‘my devil

Answer 2

• Through Hyde, the respectable Dr Jekyll is freed from the restraints imposed by society – ‘my devil had been long caged, he came out roaring’ (ch. 10). In his confession at the end of the book, Jekyll observes that, ultimately, he will have to choose between being Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde. To become the latter would mean giving up on noble aspirations and being (ch. 10) To become Jekyll, however, means giving up the sensual and disreputable appetites he can indulge as Hyde. In spite of the curious circumstances of his own case it is, as the melancholy Jekyll observes, a struggle and debate ‘as old and commonplace as man’ –

Question 3

“i concealed my

Answer 3

“i concealed my pleasures” “hid them with an almost morbid sense of shame” “mans dual nature”

Question 4

a man is not

Answer 4

• “a man is not truly one, but truly two” – if this duality of character was exposed, would society collapse?
• By becoming Hyde, Jekyll poses a great threat on society through the murders and beatings.