Jekyll and Hyde - duality

Question 1

Stevensons intentions

Answer 1

Stevenson crafts hyperbolic characters of Jekyll and Hyde to display that duality is irrepressible
No matter how much one tries to eradicate their true nature, it will only resurface it
He shows this through Jekyll, who is encouraged to repress his dual side and to an extreme level
This creates a barbaric heinous character of Hyde
Therefore Stevenson is critical of the Victorian norm of repression and aims to try to show that you can’t eradicate dual nature

Question 2

dichotomous

Answer 2

divided into two parts

Question 3

How is Jekyll dichotomous

Answer 3

• he possessed two conflicting sides and dual sides to his nature
• one side is the quintessential victorian gentlemen
• other side is amoral beastly henious side seen as Hyde

Question 4

introduction

Answer 4

Stevenson uses the theme of duality to demonstrate the tragedy that results when we refuse to accept our good and evil side - our civilised and uncivilised side.
He urges that we must reconcile and accept our dual nature that is within all.

Question 5

Why do we meet Hyde first

Answer 5

It is significant we meet him before Jekyll as he is the clearest manifestation of Jekylls duality that he rejects
He symbolises the animalistic side - ‘ape-like fury’ ‘satan’s signature’
context: Darwins theory of evolution, evolved from animals

Question 6

Jekylls contrast with Hyde

Answer 6

His appearance demonstrates our civilised side, yet his refusal to accept his duality is influenced by restrictive Victorian religious beliefs and class beliefs
‘man is not truly one but truly two’ - dual nature of man

Question 7

Uttersons duality

Answer 7

Just like Jekyll, he’s repressed yet ironically his profession is committed to correcting the problems that arise when gentlemen indulge in their dual nature in secret
‘downgoing men’ - Sigmund freud, should accept your id