Key Theme Quotes Flashcards
“Clothes of the doctors bigness”
Metaphor- reminder of how Jekyll was once a more developed aspect of his nature. We mourn the loss of this respectable individual all that is left is his clothes as he all that is left is his evil counterpart.
His repression and denial of true desires led to the bleak discovery of his dual identity. Discovery shatters the allusion of his respectability
Symbolism of clothes: clothes are superficial, highlighting how only the superficial aspects of himself remain, everything else was too fragile and false
This superficiality reinforces the motif of appearance vs reality, as it becomes evident that the virtuous dr Jekyll was a disguise.
“My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring” chapter 10
Verb caged: use of “caged” not only signifies societal and religious repression but also perpetuates the theme of suffering and toxic austerity
Animalistic allusions are created linking with Darwinism. This critics the suppression of primal instincts and hedonistic urges by religious principles.
Zoomorphism: jekylls degenerate desires are symbolically portrayed as “roaring” that hints at a deeper exploration of his descent into his primitive form. Societal constraints compel him to suppress these desires. Which are then personified even more forcefully in Hyde.
His transmogrification into the “devil” of Hyde, was because his indulgence into pleasure was incoherent with the expectations of society, thus he resorted to secrecy. This is oxymoronic as dishonesty is incompatible with being a respectable gentlemen
“Agonised womb of consciousness, these polar twins should be continuously struggling” chapter 10
Painful verb agonised: suggests Jekyll made an egregious mistake in attempting to separate the two aspects of his nature. Illustrates the pain between the dichotomy of moral duty and personal pleasure.
As this agony occur in the “womb”, the place of origin and creation illustrates the inherent and inextricable duality of human nature. Stevenson mocks the Victorian want to sterilise this inherent human flaw chowing it is a permanent trait in everyone from the moment of creation.
Metaphor: “womb” could also suggest that the two aspect of human nature never finished developing, they are perpetually in an embryonic state thus engaging the power struggle.
Duality: Jekyll’s character of concealing “polar twins” of good and evil, serves as a powerful allegory in Stevenson’s novella. Stevenson challenges the Victorian notion that duality is synonymous with evil.
“Agonised womb of consciousness, these polar twins should be continuously struggling” -alternative themes (Friendship&loyalty). (Science&Religion)
Friendship and loyalty: An alternative perspective on Jekyll’s loyalty to his “polar twin” can be considered: despite outwardly aligning himself with morality and Victorian societal norms, jekylls true loyalties lie in indulging his deepest desires in private. His true innermost loyalties are devoted to satisfying his personal indulgent cravings.
Science and Religion: The biblical reference is then shown by the metaphor of the “womb” and “twins” alluding to the story of Jacob and Esau- opposite twins in the bible who fought for their birthright using deception even from within the war, ultimately leading to war between the two nations.
