The themes of ambition, supernatural elements, and duality drive the narratives of both Macbeth and Jekyll and Hyde, two classic literary works that explore the darker aspects of human nature.

In Macbeth, unchecked ambition serves as the tragic hero's fatal flaw, leading to his downfall. Key quotes throughout the play reveal how Macbeth's desires corrupt his noble nature, particularly in Act 1 where his initial hesitation gives way to murderous thoughts. Lady Macbeth's ambition proves equally destructive, as she pushes her husband toward evil deeds while suppressing her own conscience. The supernatural elements in Macbeth, including the witches' prophecies and apparitions, act as catalysts for the tragic events. These supernatural themes appear consistently across all five acts, from the opening scene with the witches to Macbeth's final confrontation with the forces of nature. The presence of ghosts, floating daggers, and prophetic visions creates an atmosphere of moral uncertainty and psychological torment.

Robert Louis Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde similarly explores the duality of human nature through its examination of good and evil existing within one person. The novel's structure mirrors this theme of duality, alternating between different perspectives and gradually revealing the true nature of Jekyll and Hyde's relationship. Grade 9 essays on the novel often focus on how Stevenson uses setting, characterization, and Victorian anxieties about science and morality to develop these themes. The transformation between Jekyll and Hyde serves as a powerful metaphor for the internal struggles between societal expectations and repressed desires. Through careful analysis of the text, readers can understand how Stevenson critiques Victorian hypocrisy while exploring universal questions about human nature and morality. The novel's enduring relevance stems from its sophisticated examination of how people navigate between their public and private selves, making it a rich source for literary analysis and discussion.