Man's Duality in R.L. Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Examine critically with particular reference to the language, the

theme of man's duality in R L Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr.

Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The story 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' portrays man's duality to

perfection. This story can be classified as Science Fiction. He

scientist Dr Jekyll wants to have self-satisfaction that he can master

two personalities with perfection. The Victorian Society is the

backdrop of this novel and the moral code turns people into hypocrites

because they lead double lives.

Dr. jekyll is a renowned doctor and a scientist. He firmly believes

that there is a "beast" in very man and he is determined to create his

evil half man and he is determined to create his evil half in the body

of Mr. Hyde. His social status and rich circle of friends made him the

center of attraction as an eligible bachelor to high society females.

He lives in a world where pretence is uncounted for in the social

circle of friends. This novel brings out a world in which appearance

clashes with reality, a world of illicit desires and repressed

emotions.

The Victorian times bring out two types of society, on one hand we

have the respectable deeply religious and polite society, on the other

hand we have the illiterate and the brothels. The two never mix, and

that is why Robert Stevenson provided this background to bring out the

theme of 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. The novel is a story of horror and

terrifying consequences. It can be termed as an allegory with a deep

meaning:

" There are more things in heaven and earth,

Than are dreamt of in one's philosophy"

Stevenson's story of duality is based on the imperfection of human

nature and proves that man is fitted to make mistakes.

Dr. Jeky...

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In life our illicit desires change our personalities and then we crave

for longing of peace of mind, which we cannot achieve. Jekyll's pride

paid a price, which Stevenson brings out in these words,

"If I am he chief of sinners then I am the chief of suffers"

Jekyll became a prisoner of his own evil desires. He took pride in all

his doings and his words ring in the ears of the reader.

" I was the first that could plod in the public eyes with a cad of

genial respectability and in a moment like a school boy, strip off

these landings and spring headlong into the sea of liberty."

The thought gave him the strength to face the consequences of Hyde's

actions. Jekyll was looking for freedom but eventually got enslaved in

the hands of evil. We must learn the message that Stevenson tries to

give in his novel that with great power comes great responsibility.