Jekyll and Hyde Themes

Question 1

Good vs Evil

Answer 1

• The central theme in Jekyll and Hyde is the battle between good and evil, represented by the two sides of Dr. Jekyll’s personality: his respectable, moral side (Dr. Jekyll) and his darker, more immoral side (Mr. Hyde).
• Key quote for this theme:
  “Man is not truly one, but truly two.” (Dr. Jekyll, Chapter 10)
  This quote sums up the dual nature of Jekyll’s personality and sets the stage for the exploration of the conflict between good and evil within a single person.

Question 2

Duality of Man

Answer 2

• This theme relates to the idea that every individual has both a good and evil side. Stevenson explores how Jekyll’s attempt to separate these sides of his nature leads to disastrous consequences.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self, and becoming slowly incorporated with my second and worse.” (Dr. Jekyll, Chapter 10)
  This reflects Jekyll’s growing realization that his darker side (Hyde) is taking over.

Question 3

Repression and Victorian Society

Answer 3

• The theme of repression is closely tied to Victorian society’s strict moral code. In Jekyll and Hyde, the repression of desire and emotion leads to the creation of Hyde, as Jekyll tries to separate his public persona from his private urges.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “I am very low, Utterson; I am very low. / You must suffer me to go my own dark way.” (Dr. Jekyll, Chapter 6)
  This quote shows Jekyll’s inner struggle, as he feels trapped by the expectations of society and his own conflicting desires.

Question 4

The Nature of Science and Technonoly

Answer 4

• The novel explores the dangers of science and experimentation, particularly in terms of Jekyll’s experiments with his own identity. Stevenson questions the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the limits of human understanding.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde. I give you my hand upon that; and I thank you again and again; and I will just add one little word, Utterson, that I am sure will make your friend dread my evil actions even more: that I will be gone as completely as if I had never been.” (Dr. Jekyll, Chapter 10)
  This quote reflects Jekyll’s scientific approach to controlling his darker side, but it also highlights the unintended consequences of his experiment.

Question 5

The Importance of Reputation

Answer 5

• Reputation is a major concern for many characters, especially in the context of Victorian society, where social status and moral behavior were heavily scrutinized. Dr. Jekyll is particularly concerned with his public image, which contrasts with his secret identity as Mr. Hyde.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “I am very low, Utterson; I am very low. You must suffer me to go my own dark way.” (Dr. Jekyll, Chapter 6)
  Jekyll’s desire to maintain a good reputation and his fear of scandal are clear in this quote.

Question 6

The Power of Secrets

Answer 6

• The theme of secrets and the consequences of hiding the truth is central to the novel. Jekyll’s secret life as Hyde leads to his eventual downfall. The concept of secrecy, especially in a repressive society, plays a significant role in the plot.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “I was never more disappointed in any man than Lanyon. You know the story. I could not bring myself to repeat it.” (Mr. Utterson, Chapter 9)
  This reflects the importance of secrets and how they can cause disappointment and distrust among friends and society.

Question 6

The Uncanny and Horror

Answer 6

• The novel has elements of Gothic horror, especially in the portrayal of Hyde’s appearance and the sinister transformation between Jekyll and Hyde. The uncanny is something familiar yet unsettling, and Hyde represents this with his strange, repulsive nature.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “He began to go wrong, wrong in the mind; and though of course I continue to take an interest in him, I see and I regret what he is doing.” (Dr. Lanyon, Chapter 6)
  This quote conveys the disturbing nature of Hyde’s actions and their growing influence on those around him, contributing to the horror of the novel.

Question 7

Transformation and Identity

Answer 7

• The theme of transformation is key, as Jekyll’s physical and psychological transformations into Hyde represent a loss of control over his own identity. Stevenson explores how easily one can slip into another identity and the consequences of such a transformation.
• Key quote for this theme:
  “I felt that I was losing hold of my original and better self, and becoming slowly incorporated with my second and worse.” (Dr. Jekyll, Chapter 10)
  This quote illustrates Jekyll’s internal battle as he becomes more deeply entangled with his darker side (Hyde).