Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Definition

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson that explores the duality of human nature through the characters of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected scientist, and his alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde, who embodies his darker impulses. The story dives into themes of identity, morality, and the conflict between good and evil, reflecting key elements of Gothic literature with its dark settings, psychological complexity, and exploration of the supernatural.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novella was published in 1886 and has become a classic example of Gothic fiction, examining the darker side of human nature.
2. Stevenson wrote the story as a reflection on Victorian society's struggles with morality, repression, and the conflict between respectability and hidden desires.
3. The transformation from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde is symbolic of the internal battle within humans between their civilized behavior and primal instincts.
4. Mr. Hyde is often portrayed as physically smaller and more animalistic than Dr. Jekyll, emphasizing the idea that evil can be both weak yet dangerously uncontrollable.
5. The novella raises questions about the nature of identity and the consequences of separating one’s moral self from their darker impulses.

Review Questions

• How does the character of Mr. Hyde serve as a representation of Dr. Jekyll's repressed desires?
  • Mr. Hyde embodies Dr. Jekyll's repressed darker impulses that Victorian society deems unacceptable. As Dr. Jekyll experiments with separating these aspects of himself, Hyde emerges as the physical manifestation of his suppressed desires for freedom and indulgence without societal constraints. This duality highlights the tension between Jekyll's public persona and his hidden cravings, showcasing how repression can lead to destructive outcomes.
• Analyze the role of Gothic elements in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and their impact on the story's themes.
  • Gothic elements such as the dark, foggy London setting and the eerie transformations between Jekyll and Hyde amplify the novella's exploration of duality and morality. The unsettling atmosphere evokes feelings of fear and mystery while accentuating themes of identity conflict and the battle between good and evil. These elements enhance the psychological horror at play as they illustrate how deeply buried instincts can manifest in terrifying ways.
• Evaluate how Dr. Jekyll's experiments reflect broader societal issues regarding morality and identity in Victorian times.
  • Dr. Jekyll's experiments symbolize the struggle against societal expectations during Victorian times, where strict moral codes suppressed individual desires. His attempt to isolate his 'evil' side reflects the era’s tension between public respectability and private indulgence. As he confronts the consequences of separating his identities, it reveals broader themes about the dangers of repression and the complexity of human nature—questions that remain relevant in discussions about morality and self-identity today.

Related terms

Doppelgänger: A literary device that represents a double or counterpart of a character, often symbolizing the internal conflict between good and evil.

Gothic Elements: Features commonly found in Gothic literature, including dark settings, supernatural occurrences, and complex characters facing moral dilemmas.

Alter Ego: A secondary personality or persona within an individual that represents an alternative self, often used to explore hidden aspects of one’s identity.