When studying a novella such as this for your GCSEs, it is very important that you can understand the themes and concepts the writer is trying to explore, as well as the message they wish to convey.
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" explores several key themes, and many of them are very relevant to the time in which the book was written, Victorian England.
Robert Louis Stevenson delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the consequences of tampering with the boundaries between good and evil. In this guide, we explore some of the main themes along with examples from Robert Louis Stevenson's writing, as well as the cultural significance of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Understanding The Context: Victorian England
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde serves as a powerful reflection of Victorian England, capturing the social, cultural, and scientific themes of the era. The novella encapsulates the societal pressures and moral dilemmas prevalent during the late 19th century.
Victorian society was characterised by a strict code of conduct and an emphasis on outward respectability. Robert Louis Stevenson's exploration of duality within a single individual, embodied in the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, shows the Victorian preoccupation with maintaining a veneer of respectability while concealing potentially taboo desires that were deemed worthy of being suppressed. The theme of social hypocrisy is evident as Dr. Jekyll creates Mr. Hyde to act out his darker impulses secretly, exposing the tension between societal expectations and individual desires.
The late 19th century saw significant advancements in science and technology, and Stevenson's portrayal of Dr. Jekyll's unorthodox scientific pursuits, aimed at separating good and evil within human nature, mirrors the era's enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of knowledge. The unintended consequences of Jekyll's experiments caution against unchecked scientific knowledge, emphasising the moral and ethical responsibilities that accompany advancements in knowledge.
The narrative underscores the Victorian concern about the potential dangers of unbridled experimentation and the unforeseen consequences of tampering with nature through medicine and science.
The story's setting in Victorian London contributes to the atmospheric portrayal of the city. The dark and fog-laden streets, the respectable façade of Jekyll's home, and the juxtaposition of the affluent neighbourhoods with the seedy districts, and even the run-down area which Mr Hyde frequents, all evoke the disparities characteristic of Victorian London.
Themes
Let’s look at some of the themes that are explored in the novella.
Duality and Conflict in Human Nature
The central theme revolves around the duality between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist, and philanthropist represents the good, while Mr. Hyde, his sinister alter ego, represents the darker, unrestrained aspects of human nature. The novella explores the coexistence of virtue and vice within the same individual, showcasing the internal struggle between societal conformity and the desire for forbidden pleasures.
This is a theme that was explored by prominent psychologists including Jung, who explored the concept of the self, as well as the ego and his concept of the “shadow” which Hyde could be seen as the embodiment are. The concept alludes to the fact that people are not always as they seem, as they are balancing internal conflicts.
“And yet when I looked upon that ugly idol in the glass, I was conscious of no repugnance, rather of a leap of welcome. This, too, was myself…This, as I take it, was because all human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil.”
Scientific Progress and Knowledge
The novella explores the Victorian fascination with scientific progress and experimentation. Dr. Jekyll's pursuit of separating the good and evil aspects of human nature reflects the scientific hubris of the time. The unintended consequences of Jekyll's experiments serve as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge without a full understanding of the consequences.
The book talks about a “war of attitudes” after Jekyll is largely rebuked by the scientific community of the time, seen as a maverick or even worse. Stevenson explores the fact that much scientific knowledge conflicts with the religious norms society lived by.
Reputation and Social Status
The character of Mr. Hyde allows Dr. Jekyll to indulge in socially unacceptable behaviour without tarnishing his own reputation, as he is known as an esteemed member of society. Hyde's actions, however, reveal the hypocrisy within Victorian society, where individuals maintain a façade of respectability while secretly engaging in immoral activities.
One interpretation is that the story critiques the societal pressure to conform and the consequences of concealing one's true nature.
Morality and Responsibility
Mr. Utterson, the lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, embodies the theme of moral responsibility. Throughout the story, he feels compelled to uncover the truth behind the mysterious Mr. Hyde and prevent the potential harm caused by Jekyll's experiments. Utterson's character reflects a sense of duty and moral responsibility in the face of the unknown. Throughout, he is presented to us as a moral middle-ground by comparison to more extreme characters.
Friendship and Loyalty
The theme of friendship in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is primarily embodied in the relationship between Mr. Utterson, the lawyer, and Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Utterson's unwavering loyalty and genuine concern for his friend form a crucial aspect of the narrative.
As the central investigator and the character most readers relate to, Utterson becomes increasingly troubled by the mysterious connection between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, sensing a threat to his friend's well-being. The theme of friendship is portrayed through Utterson's persistent efforts to unravel the truth and protect Jekyll from the potential dangers associated with Hyde. However, the narrative also explores the limitations of friendship when confronted with the internal struggles of an individual.
Despite Utterson's best intentions, the sinister forces at play reveal the complexities of human nature and the challenges that friendships may face when confronted with the darker aspects of one's psyche. The theme of friendship, in this context, adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the impact of internal conflicts on interpersonal relationships. This is furthered with other relationships, such as conflicts between Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon, for instance, as their friendship breaks down.
Repression
Dr. Jekyll's repression of his desires and his attempt to conform to societal expectations lead to the creation of Mr. Hyde. The novella explores the psychological impact of suppressing one's true nature, suggesting that such repression can result in a destructive and uncontrollable force, and ultimately take over, with ill effects.
Victorian civilisation had a serious and strong sense of morals and people were told what was right and wrong, often through authority figures or even their religion. It is possible that Stevenson is exploring or critiquing this area?
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