Character Analysis in Jekyll and Hyde

This page provides an in-depth analysis of the main characters in the novel.

Dr. Jekyll:

• Initially respectable and well-regarded
• Intelligent and innovative
• Determined to succeed in his experiments, risking his reputation
• Becomes erratic as he tries to conceal Hyde

Quote: "Jekyll's experiment shows his desire to change the natural course through science."

Mr. Hyde:

• Described as ugly and devilish
• Violent and murderous
• Grows more powerful throughout the story

Vocabulary: Alter ego - A person's secondary or alternative personality.

Mr. Utterson:

• The narrator and a rational, respectable lawyer
• Persistent in uncovering the truth about Jekyll and Hyde
• Loyal and caring towards his friends

Dr. Lanyon:

• Outspoken and stubborn
• Witnesses Jekyll's transformation
• Unable to forgive Jekyll for his actions

Highlight: The character analyses demonstrate how Stevenson uses contrasting personalities to explore themes of duality and morality in Jekyll and Hyde themes and analysis essays.

Themes and Social Context in Jekyll and Hyde

This page explores additional themes and social context within the novel.

Religion: The story reflects the deep religious beliefs of 19th-century society, with Jekyll's experiments seen as anti-religious.

Example: Utterson's exclamation "God forgive us!" when confronted with Jekyll's transformation highlights the religious undertones.

Women: The novel portrays women as passive spectators, reflecting Victorian gender roles.

Highlight: The lack of prominent female characters in the story aligns with the Victorian context in Jekyll and Hyde summary.

Violence: Hyde's actions, such as trampling a young girl and murdering Sir Danvers Carew, emphasize the theme of violence throughout the novel.

Curiosity: The story explores the tension between curiosity and the Victorian ideal of discretion.

Quote: "Enfield's uncuriosity $is$ typical to a Victorian gentleman."

Detective Genre: The novel incorporates elements of the detective genre, with Utterson investigating the mystery surrounding Jekyll and Hyde.

Vocabulary: Plurality of perspective - Multiple viewpoints or narratives within a story.

Themes of Deception and Duality in Jekyll and Hyde

This page delves into the themes of deception and duality that permeate the novel.

Lies and Omissions: The story is driven by various forms of deception, including Jekyll's attempts to maintain a respectable facade.

Appearances: The novel explores the relationship between physical appearances and internal realities.

Highlight: Jekyll's struggle to maintain his respectable appearance while hiding Hyde's existence is central to the Jekyll and Hyde themes and quotes.

Friendship: The story examines the complexities of friendship, particularly through Utterson's loyalty to Jekyll.

Science vs. Repression: The conflict between scientific progress and societal repression is a key theme.

Example: Jekyll's experiments represent an attempt to overcome societal repression through scientific means.

Good vs. Evil: The duality of human nature is explored through the Jekyll/Hyde dichotomy.

Quote: "Evil wins but leads to Utterson's involvement."

Psychological Theories in Jekyll and Hyde

This page examines psychological theories relevant to the themes of good and evil in the novel.

Original Sin: The concept that humans are born inherently sinful.

Definition: Original sin refers to the Christian doctrine that humans are born in a state of sin as a result of Adam and Eve's disobedience.

Cesare Lombroso's Theory: The idea that criminals can be identified by physical characteristics.

Tabula Rasa: The Enlightenment view that people are born as "blank slates" and shaped by society.

Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis: Freud's theories about the unconscious mind and internal impulses.

Highlight: These psychological theories provide context for understanding the Jekyll and Hyde character analysis and the exploration of human nature in the novel.

Social Context: The rigid morality and class structure of Victorian London influenced the themes of the novel.

Example: The upper classes were expected to maintain exemplary behavior, leading many to lead double lives.

Plot Structure and Theme Development in Jekyll and Hyde

This page outlines the plot structure and how themes develop across the chapters of the novel.

Chapter 1: Introduces themes of secrecy, crime, and violence.

Chapter 3: Explores Jekyll's dismissal of concerns about his will, emphasizing secrecy and reputation.

Chapter 5: Jekyll's illness from Hyde highlights the themes of duality and morality.

Chapter 7: Utterson and Enfield witness Jekyll's transformation, intensifying themes of duality, fear, and secrecy.

Chapter 9: Lanyon's narrative reveals Jekyll's transformation, bringing themes of science, morality, and fear to the forefront.

Highlight: The plot structure of Jekyll and Hyde reinforces key themes such as the limits of science, appearance vs. reality, and the duality of human nature.

Example: The gradual revelation of Jekyll's secret throughout the chapters builds tension and explores the consequences of scientific ambition unchecked by morality.

This chapter-by-chapter breakdown demonstrates how Stevenson develops the themes in Jekyll and Hyde Edexcel throughout the narrative, creating a cohesive exploration of human nature and Victorian society.

Themes and Context in Jekyll and Hyde

This page introduces the major themes and contextual elements in "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde".

Scientific Development: The story explores the tension between scientific progress and traditional religious beliefs in Victorian society. Dr. Jekyll's experiments represent the cutting edge of science pushing ethical boundaries.

Highlight: Dr. Jekyll's potion creation exemplifies how scientific advancement challenged religious worldviews in the Victorian era.

Quality of Human Nature: The novel examines the duality of human nature, contrasting good and evil within individuals. This is personified through the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Example: Dr. Jekyll represents societal "goodness" as a respected scientist, while Mr. Hyde embodies "evilness" through his violent and cruel acts.

Nature vs. The Supernatural: Stevenson juxtaposes natural and supernatural elements throughout the story.

Definition: Binary opposites refer to contrasting concepts used to create meaning, such as natural vs. supernatural in this context.

Victorian Context: The story reflects the societal norms and changes of the Victorian era, including the suppression of desires and the impact of the Industrial Revolution.

Highlight: The Industrial Revolution shifted society from a natural, agrarian lifestyle to one dominated by technology and industry, mirroring Jekyll's attempt to alter the natural course through science.