Religion & Science Flashcards
Describe the role of Christianity in the context of Jekyll’s character development.
Christianity represents benevolence and order, contrasting with Jekyll’s scientific heresies, which contribute to his downfall
How does Stevenson portray the influence of Hyde on Jekyll?
Hyde’s overwhelming evil corrupts Jekyll, leading him to his doom and showcasing the theme of temptation and damnation.
Define the significance of faith in the lives of the men in the novella.
The men find no lasting comfort in their faith, resorting to empty pleas to a silent God, highlighting the inadequacy of faith in the face of evil
What literary techniques does Stevenson use to describe Hyde?
Stevenson employs hellish semantics, using terms like ‘damned’, ‘wicked’, and ‘child of hell’ to depict Hyde’s evil nature.
How does Utterson’s experience with Lanyon reflect themes of moral corruption?
Utterson’s encounter with Lanyon, who is dying and uses religious language, emphasizes the themes of moral corruption and the impact of evil.
Explain the relationship between rational science and faith in the novella.
Rational science competes with faith in the characters’ minds, both failing to provide answers to the problem of Hyde, who embodies an ancient evil.
What is the effect of repeated religious language in Lanyon’s dying moments?
Lanyon’s use of phrases like ‘God’s sake’ and ‘accursed’ underscores the desperation and moral turmoil caused by the confrontation with evil
How does Stevenson illustrate the concept of temptation in the novella?
Stevenson illustrates temptation through Jekyll’s struggle with his dual nature and the allure of Hyde, representing the conflict between good and evil.
Discuss the theme of damnation as it relates to Jekyll and Hyde.
The theme of damnation is central to Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde, as Jekyll’s scientific pursuits lead him to moral decay and ultimate ruin.
What does the phrase ‘my devil’ signify in the context of Jekyll’s character?
The phrase ‘my devil’ signifies Jekyll’s acknowledgment of Hyde as a part of himself, representing his inner conflict and the duality of human nature.
