Christianity and Science

Stevenson's novella offers a critique on both Christianity and contemporary scientific beliefs, reflecting the author's skepticism towards organized religion and pseudoscientific theories of the time.

The description of Hyde's evil nature is presented in exaggerated, biblical language:

Quote: "This was the shocking thing; that the slime of the pit seemed to utter cries and voices; that the amorphous dust gesticulated and sinned; that what was dead, and had no shape, should usurp the offices of life"

Vocabulary: Amorphous - having no definite shape

This hyperbolic language serves to mock the complicated nature of religious beliefs and suggests that Stevenson may not have held strong Christian convictions himself.

The author draws attention to new scientific discoveries, such as the theory of Evolution, which challenged the relevance of the Bible in Victorian society. By questioning the idea of evil through Hyde's character, Stevenson challenges both religious and scientific beliefs of the time.

Highlight: Stevenson's work questions the pseudoscientific belief that a person's appearance could determine their intelligence or moral character.

Appearances and Duality

The theme of appearances versus reality is central to the novella, particularly in the portrayal of its two main characters, Jekyll and Hyde. Stevenson challenges the Victorian belief in a clear dichotomy between good and evil, suggesting instead that humans are a mixture of both.

Jekyll's description of Hyde reveals the complexity of human nature:

Quote: "None the less natural to me because they were the expression, and bore the stamp, of lower elements in my soul"

This introspection highlights the idea that evil exists within everyone, only becoming noticeable when manifested externally, as in Hyde's case.

The physical description of Jekyll himself reinforces the theme of duality:

Quote: "A large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty with something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness"

The doubt implied by "perhaps" suggests that appearances can be deceiving, and that even respectable citizens may harbor darker truths beneath the surface.

Highlight: Stevenson challenges the notion that one can determine a person's moral character simply by their appearance, emphasizing the need to judge based on actions rather than looks.

Setting as Metaphor

The setting in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" serves as a powerful metaphor for the characters' inner struggles and the duality of human nature. The description of Jekyll's house reflects his own dual nature:

Quote: "The house wore a great air for wealth and comfort"

This personification of the house suggests outward respectability, mirroring Jekyll's public persona. However, the subsequent description reveals a darker truth:

Quote: "Though it was now plunged in darkness"

This darkness symbolizes the evil lurking within both the house and Jekyll himself.

The fog that permeates the city and enters homes serves as a metaphor for the blurring of moral boundaries:

Quote: "For even in the houses the fog began to lie thickly; and there, close up to the warmth, sat Dr Jekyll, looking deadly sick"

This imagery suggests that evil can infiltrate even the most respectable facades, just as Jekyll's darker nature begins to consume him.

The back of the house, where Hyde enters, is described in sinister terms:

Quote: "A certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gable on the street"

Vocabulary: Gable - the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof

This description personifies the building, giving it violent characteristics that reflect Hyde's nature. The lack of windows and the general neglect of this part of the house symbolize the consequences of ignoring one's darker impulses:

Quote: "Blind forehead of discoloured wall on the upper; and bore in every feature, the mars of prolonged and sordid negligence"

Highlight: The deterioration of the house's appearance mirrors the moral decay of its inhabitant, emphasizing the theme that neglecting one's inner darkness can lead to its eventual dominance.

Page 4: Identity and Friendship

The narrative explores the complexity of Victorian identity and the importance of friendship through character relationships.

Highlight: The text challenges the Victorian ideal of building a purely good character.

Quote: "Trio were inseparable friends"

Definition: The concept of identity as a fortress is presented as a myth, suggesting the impossibility of maintaining a purely virtuous character.

Page 5: Original Sin and Evolution

The text examines the conflict between religious concepts of sin and scientific theories of human nature.

Definition: Original sin refers to humanity's inherent sinfulness inherited from Adam and Eve.

Highlight: The narrative questions society's definition of evil versus natural human behavior.

Example: Darwin's theory of evolution is used to explore human desires as natural rather than evil.

Page 6: Duality of Human Nature

The text explores the complex relationship between good and evil within human nature.

Quote: "That man is not truly one, but truly two"

Highlight: Stevenson advocates for understanding rather than condemning human complexity.

Example: Hyde's actions, while portrayed as evil, are often ambiguous in their actual criminality.

Page 7: Sexuality and Repression

The narrative addresses Victorian society's treatment of sexuality and repression.

Highlight: The text's focus on male relationships suggests deeper themes about sexuality and society.

Example: The absence of detailed descriptions of Hyde's activities implies censored content about sexuality.

Definition: The concept of repression is explored through Jekyll's creation of Hyde as an outlet for forbidden desires.

Women and Femininity

Stevenson's portrayal of women in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" reflects the Victorian literature portrayal of women of the time, often presenting them in a negative light. The author uses female characters to highlight the hypocrisy of men and society at large.

The maid who witnesses Sir Danvers Carew's murder is depicted in a way that mocks traditional female characters in Gothic literature. Her reaction to the violent scene is described with a hint of satire:

Quote: "Never (she used to say, with streaming tears, when she narrated that experience), never had she felt more at peace with all men"

This portrayal undermines the character's credibility, suggesting that she delights in retelling the gruesome story rather than being genuinely horrified by it. Stevenson further mocks the stereotypical female response:

Quote: "At the horror of these sights and sounds, the maid fainted"

The author's description of women in Soho presents a stereotypical and misogynistic view:

Quote: "And many women of different nationalities passing out, key in hand, to have a morning glass"

This portrayal suggests that all women in Soho are alcoholics, further reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Highlight: The exclusion of women from the main characters serves to emphasize the hypocrisy of men in Victorian society.

Hyde's housekeeper is described in a manner that equates women's evil nature with that of men:

Quote: "She had an evil face, smoothed by hypocrisy; but her manners were excellent"

This description suggests that while women's evil can be seen on their faces, men's evil remains hidden, further complicating the theme of appearances versus reality.