Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is all about the dark... Show more
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75
•
11 Dec 2025
•
Key Quotes and Analysis of Jekyll and Hyde
R
Rianna
@r114nn4
1 / 5
Hyde: The Monster Within
Ever wondered what pure evil would look like if it walked among us? Hyde represents everything society fears - he's the part of human nature we desperately try to hide. Stevenson makes him genuinely terrifying through animalistic imagery like 'ape-like fury', showing how he's devolved from civilised human to savage beast.
The religious imagery is crucial here. Phrases like 'really like Satan' and 'damned Juggernaut' aren't just dramatic - they tell Victorian readers that Hyde is literally demonic. The Juggernaut reference is particularly clever: it's a Hindu god's wagon that crushed worshippers, making Hyde an unstoppable force of destruction.
What makes Hyde truly unsettling is his mysterious deformity. Characters can't pinpoint what's wrong with his appearance, just that 'something is downright detestable'. This vagueness makes him more frightening than any specific description could.
Key Point: Hyde isn't just evil - he's what happens when we completely abandon our moral restraints. He's Jekyll without any conscience whatsoever.
Jekyll: The Respectable Gentleman's Dark Secret
Here's the twist that shocked Victorian readers: Jekyll isn't Hyde's victim - he's his creator. The famous line 'man is not truly one but two' reveals Jekyll's belief that duality exists in everyone. He's not wrong, but his scientific solution goes horribly wrong.
Jekyll lives the perfect Victorian life with 'a great air of wealth and comfort', maintaining his reputation as a respected gentleman. His friendship with Utterson shows his capacity for genuine affection and trust. Yet beneath this respectable surface lies dangerous curiosity about his darker impulses.
The tragedy is Jekyll's self-deception. He claims 'the moment I choose I can be rid of Hyde', believing he's in control. This irony drives the entire plot - Jekyll thinks he can compartmentalise evil, but instead becomes enslaved by it.
His final confession, 'if I am chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also', shows he finally understands the consequences of unleashing his repressed desires.
Remember: Jekyll represents how even 'good' people can be corrupted when they try to separate morality from their actions.
Lanyon: When Science Meets Horror
Dr Lanyon serves as Jekyll's rational foil - whilst Jekyll embraces dangerous supernatural experiments, Lanyon sticks to conventional science. His description as 'hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced' initially contrasts sharply with Utterson's 'lean, long, dusty, dreary' appearance, showing his vitality.
However, witnessing Jekyll's transformation destroys him completely. The juxtaposition between his former health and his decline is stark: 'his flesh had fallen away' and he becomes a man with his 'death warrant written legibly upon his face'.
Lanyon's declaration that Jekyll is 'dead' to him shows his inability to accept what defies scientific explanation. Unlike Jekyll who embraces the supernatural, Lanyon's rational mind cannot cope with the impossible truth he's witnessed.
His 'deep-seated terror of the mind' suggests he now understands that duality exists in all rational people - a realisation too horrifying for his conventional worldview to handle.
Think About It: Lanyon represents how dangerous knowledge can be - sometimes ignorance really is bliss.
Key Themes: The Dark Heart of Victorian Society
Duality runs through everything in this novella. Jekyll's belief that 'man is not truly one, but truly two' applies to every character - even Utterson is 'dreary and yet somehow loveable'. Stevenson suggests this internal conflict between good and evil is universal.
Reputation and appearances obsess these Victorian gentlemen. Notice how they constantly worry about saving face: 'let's make a bargain to never speak of this again' and 'we may at least save his credit'. Their fear of scandal often outweighs their concern for truth.
The theme of secrecy and deception drives the plot forward. Characters constantly hide information: 'we both think more than what we have said' and 'I have grounds for certainty that I cannot share with anyone'. This creates the mystery whilst highlighting Victorian society's tendency to suppress uncomfortable truths.
Religious imagery reinforces the moral framework - Hyde bears 'Satan's signature upon a face' whilst characters cry 'God forgive us'. This biblical context makes the story a modern morality tale about the consequences of moral abandonment.
Essay Tip: These themes interconnect - use them together to show how Stevenson critiques Victorian society's hypocritical attitudes.
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Most popular content: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Key Quotes and Analysis of Jekyll and Hyde
R
Rianna
@r114nn4
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is all about the dark side that exists within everyone - and what happens when that darkness is unleashed. Stevenson creates unforgettable characters who represent the eternal struggle between good and evil, respectability and desire.
Hyde: The Monster Within
Ever wondered what pure evil would look like if it walked among us? Hyde represents everything society fears - he's the part of human nature we desperately try to hide. Stevenson makes him genuinely terrifying through animalistic imagery like 'ape-like fury', showing how he's devolved from civilised human to savage beast.
The religious imagery is crucial here. Phrases like 'really like Satan' and 'damned Juggernaut' aren't just dramatic - they tell Victorian readers that Hyde is literally demonic. The Juggernaut reference is particularly clever: it's a Hindu god's wagon that crushed worshippers, making Hyde an unstoppable force of destruction.
What makes Hyde truly unsettling is his mysterious deformity. Characters can't pinpoint what's wrong with his appearance, just that 'something is downright detestable'. This vagueness makes him more frightening than any specific description could.
Key Point: Hyde isn't just evil - he's what happens when we completely abandon our moral restraints. He's Jekyll without any conscience whatsoever.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Jekyll: The Respectable Gentleman's Dark Secret
Here's the twist that shocked Victorian readers: Jekyll isn't Hyde's victim - he's his creator. The famous line 'man is not truly one but two' reveals Jekyll's belief that duality exists in everyone. He's not wrong, but his scientific solution goes horribly wrong.
Jekyll lives the perfect Victorian life with 'a great air of wealth and comfort', maintaining his reputation as a respected gentleman. His friendship with Utterson shows his capacity for genuine affection and trust. Yet beneath this respectable surface lies dangerous curiosity about his darker impulses.
The tragedy is Jekyll's self-deception. He claims 'the moment I choose I can be rid of Hyde', believing he's in control. This irony drives the entire plot - Jekyll thinks he can compartmentalise evil, but instead becomes enslaved by it.
His final confession, 'if I am chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also', shows he finally understands the consequences of unleashing his repressed desires.
Remember: Jekyll represents how even 'good' people can be corrupted when they try to separate morality from their actions.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lanyon: When Science Meets Horror
Dr Lanyon serves as Jekyll's rational foil - whilst Jekyll embraces dangerous supernatural experiments, Lanyon sticks to conventional science. His description as 'hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced' initially contrasts sharply with Utterson's 'lean, long, dusty, dreary' appearance, showing his vitality.
However, witnessing Jekyll's transformation destroys him completely. The juxtaposition between his former health and his decline is stark: 'his flesh had fallen away' and he becomes a man with his 'death warrant written legibly upon his face'.
Lanyon's declaration that Jekyll is 'dead' to him shows his inability to accept what defies scientific explanation. Unlike Jekyll who embraces the supernatural, Lanyon's rational mind cannot cope with the impossible truth he's witnessed.
His 'deep-seated terror of the mind' suggests he now understands that duality exists in all rational people - a realisation too horrifying for his conventional worldview to handle.
Think About It: Lanyon represents how dangerous knowledge can be - sometimes ignorance really is bliss.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Themes: The Dark Heart of Victorian Society
Duality runs through everything in this novella. Jekyll's belief that 'man is not truly one, but truly two' applies to every character - even Utterson is 'dreary and yet somehow loveable'. Stevenson suggests this internal conflict between good and evil is universal.
Reputation and appearances obsess these Victorian gentlemen. Notice how they constantly worry about saving face: 'let's make a bargain to never speak of this again' and 'we may at least save his credit'. Their fear of scandal often outweighs their concern for truth.
The theme of secrecy and deception drives the plot forward. Characters constantly hide information: 'we both think more than what we have said' and 'I have grounds for certainty that I cannot share with anyone'. This creates the mystery whilst highlighting Victorian society's tendency to suppress uncomfortable truths.
Religious imagery reinforces the moral framework - Hyde bears 'Satan's signature upon a face' whilst characters cry 'God forgive us'. This biblical context makes the story a modern morality tale about the consequences of moral abandonment.
Essay Tip: These themes interconnect - use them together to show how Stevenson critiques Victorian society's hypocritical attitudes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user